The Golden Compass: To See or Not to See?
There has been a lot of controversy over The Golden Compass written by Philip Pullman, a self proclaimed and proud atheist, who’s mission with his books has been to lead children away from God. But should we boycott the film? That’s a personal decision. A gray area even some Christians don’t fully agree on. It reminds me of the whole Pokemon, Harry Potter issues.
Long ago I allowed my children to watch Pokemon. Hey, I really enjoyed it! Then stories abounded about symbolism to witch craft, though I couldn’t see it. I thought it was a great little show that had good things to teach kids about responsibility and caring for other and the consequences of wrong decisions. But it wasn’t long before I caved to pressure and decided to be safe than sorry. I truly didn’t want my children watching something that would be harmful to them spiritually and that might offend God.
When Harry Potter first came out, my kids were still too young to join the crazy. Then they got older and went to a Christian school. Harry Potter wasn’t much of an issue for them. But for me, I was torn. So was the Christian community. Many Christian writers and book lovers raved over the books. I admit I was curious, but to this date I have not read a Harry Potter book, though I plan to. I’m not opposed to my children reading them, some day. But like with everything else we allow our children to seen and do, we need to be discerning and know when they are ready. Right now they are happy with reading Christian authors like Bryan Davis and Donita Paul and their dragon series and I feel good about letting them read Christian fiction.
Off on a little tangent here…I do believe as parents we can shelter our children too much. I have friends who don’t let their children watch any Disney movies. Not even Cars. Now it might be a boycott principle thing, but I can’t see anything harmful in that movie. Then there are the Christian who gasp at old tv shows like Bewitched or I Dream of Jeanie. I absolutely loved those shows growing up and tried many times to wiggle my nose to clean my room. It never worked! To me it was all about the fun and the story. Not the witch craft, though I understand that can be harmful and I’m discerning about these things with my kids.
Thanks to not having cable, I’ve avoided those viewing issues with my children, but have let them indulge in That’s So Raven on Saturdays. (I actually think I like watching it better then they do.) I also have a good friend who doesn’t let her children watch movies with Martial Arts in it because of the Eastern Religion influence. Not even Three Ninjas which is a cute, funny, and innocent as you can get, with a great moral to boot! But I respect and understand all their decisions. I just don’t believe in sheltering my kids that much. I believe everything has a teachable moment. We just need to be sure our children can handle what they are seeing and be willing to talk about it afterwards.
On the other hand, I gasp at the fact that my children’s cousins have been allowed to watch Pirates of the Caribbean and other movies like that at as young as five. I do draw the line at dark, evil and sinister, especially with the under 13 crowd. Though I admit I fail at my own advice and convictions from time to time. I’ve held off on movies like Transformers and Superman III because of the violence, though recently lost this battle with my 13 year old with encouragement from his father (and peer pressure, “all his friends have seen them.”) I guess it’s those times I should be praying more and worrying less!
Back the the Golden Compass. I have no plans to let my children see this film, though I may steal away to a movie theatre just to see what it’s all about. I’m not afraid to expose my children to things that are anti-God or different, religion wise. I think from these things children can learn and grow, especially if you discuss things afterwards with them. Instead of sheltering them from these “harmful” things, I believe it could actually help solidify and strengthen their own faith. But again I stress, for me the key is discernment, dialog and bringing it back to Christ. Even some critiques of the Golden Compass say Pullman has failed in his mission because the light filters through the cracks in this movie. But isn’t that just like God to take something man meant for evil and use it for good!
If you want to read some great articles on The Golden Compass and this topic of boycotting follow the links below. And don’t be shy to express your thoughts. Even if they are contrary to mine! Through sharing we all learn and grow! And please add your links if you have some more info. to share.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/commentaries/fearnotthecompass.html
