There has been a big hoo haa over the adaptation of Phillip Pullman’s Novel the Northern lights to the movie The Golden Compass… no not over the not so subtle name change (what is it with the US & UK and changing titles on books) but on the fact that the apparently Atheist author and his apparently Atheist messages are being softened in the film and that this is part of an organised “Stealth Campaign” (thanks goes to PM for the headsup).
I have just read the first book of the series and Christinity was mentioned once maybe twice toward the end of the book – and not in a dergatory manner. The Church/Magesterium is mentioned and while a portion of the church The GOB is most definitely unsavoury and evil by no means does the reader sense that this is the case for the whole.
Bill Donohue made the follwing comment from the fox news link above
“These books denigrate Christianity, thrash the Catholic Church and sell the virtues of atheism,”
Are we reading the same book?
Denigrate: Am I thick, I just can’t find it frankly.
Thrash the Catholic Church: The pope is mentioned, but no where is there a sound beating of the poor church of Rome. The mention is so subtle that if they have toned down the movie I fear there will be nothing there.
Sell the virtues of Atheism: Indicating that there is blatant promotion of Atheism throughout the novel, what? the main charcter wearing an I love Lions shirt or carrying around a copy of the God delusion.
Anyone would think that the book was about the buggery of little children at the hands of the Church, hang on…. that’s this reality isn’t it.
SPOILER
No its about the separation, forcibly, of Childrens daemons from them resulting in death. Is this a subtle theme about the removal of innocence?
No need to slam the catholic church with subtle allegory Mr Donohue, the Church has buggered itself on that one.
I expect this sort of whining shit from Fundamentalists not the old firm
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A friend of mine in Minneapolis just forwarded an email to me that was posted on one of her homeschooler lists. It was practically a campaign to boycott the movie because the main characters are plotting to kill God so they can do as they please. The paranoia here amazes me! First of all, it’s obvious after reading her tirade that this woman has never even opened one of these books, so how can she make any sort of educated commentary on it. I personally have read all three, they’re GREAT! And if you haven’t read the third, you really should! I always wonder why fictional writing is such a threat to these people, after all, they base their entire lives and faith on a fictional book, right? I am growing weary of all this Christian “virtue and morality”. Sigh.
Found this on the author’s site, thought it was interesting. When asked,” His Dark Materials seems to be against organised religion. Do you believe in God?”
“I don’t know whether there’s a God or not. Nobody does, no matter what they say. I think it’s perfectly possible to explain how the universe came about without bringing God into it, but I don’t know everything, and there may well be a God somewhere, hiding away. Actually, if he is keeping out of sight, it’s because he’s ashamed of his followers and all the cruelty and ignorance they’re responsible for promoting in his name. If I were him, I’d want nothing to do with them.”
Bill Donohue is a fat piece of shit that gets hysterical over anything that doesn’t promote his absurd religion.
I ordered the first book in the series (Golden Compass). I want to read it before I see any movie. The majority of reactions seem to be very knee-jerk, don’t they?
I haven’t read these one’s yet, but it sounds like I’m going to have to.
I must apologise Sean, for neglecting my blog and completely missing your tag. I’m flattered, thanks…:) Life gets in the way sometimes…
I read this set when they were first out- Philip Pullman being one of my favourite authors- my kids devoured them and I was really looking forward to the films- despite the inevitable name changes-I will still watch the films avidly despite what is going on- I’m grateful that there is so little of the paranoia over here that is so evident in the US. The books and Lyra’s world are fascinating and he has a nack of pulling you into a world and making you live in it in your head- just my kind of author- I hope that all the usual silliness about the books doesn’t happen but i doubt if my hopes will be fulfilled- look at harry Potter lol- JK just has to mention the word Gay and it starts all over again. I wonder when these idiots will stop behaving like children, stop burning books and stop trying to tell us not to read one of the best books of the last decade!
Trina,
I am halfway through book 2. The chriticism of the Magisterium is more prevalent here, but it is secondary to the story.
The acts carried out by the Church in the books ain’t got nothing on the Christianity of the real world.
Maybe you could foward your friend some of the news stories on the Catholic Church in the US.
T&A,
What I don’t understand is why the Catholic church needs a lay organisation like the one Donohue heads.
Pmomma,
Knee-jerk is an understatement. I tell you if the local christians blockade the cinema when it comes out here, they are going to recieve a mouthful.
Plonka,
Good to hear from you. They are worthwhile, might have to look for them in the young adult section. That being said, Pullmans style is very clear and open, I would just clasify them as fiction suitable for children and adults alike.
PD,
The movie comes out boxing day here. I have already conscripted the family into watching it.
The previews look good too. The missus likes Sam Elliot so I am hoping that will convince her to come.
Wait until they find out that the voice of the Polar bear is a gay voice (Sir Ian McKellen- sp?):0
I may see it JUST for Sam Elliot! Although, the only movie we’ve managed to see in the last YEAR is Harry Potter.
4 year olds and 1.5 year olds just take up too much of our time to go see movies, dammit.
Janet,
Thanks for dropin by. I don’t have kids but rarely go to the movies.
Though I did see Stardust recently.
I just received the “kids kill god” e-mail from a friend of mine. I’m not sure if I should respond or just ignore it.
*sigh* sheeple.
Fiery,
Maybe you could just respond with don’t judge a book by its cover etc.
I have found the series to be well written and exciting. While it does criticise the Church (esp in later books), I think it unlikely that young readers enmass would make the connection with the Catholic Church.