I understand not liking the message of The Golden Compass from what I read from the group's info, although I've never read the book and obviously haven't seen the movie (since it hasn't come out yet). However, the group asks Christians to "stand together and fight against this film." And I ask, why? The entire world view is against Christianity, this is what Christians have to live with, and if they don't realize that, then they are being blind to the world. What I would rather have them do is fight against Christians who attempt to represent the faith, yet horribly misconstrue the facts. The movie is obviously (or should I say, probably) not made by Christians. If it was, I would say, go for it. They are misrepresenting Christianity. Paul writes in his first letter to the Corinthians, "What business is it of mind to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. 'Expel the wicked man from among you.'" (5:14) Also, Christian movies, books, ideas, and music are considered to be a part of a minority. Although the majority of Americans claim to be Christian, how many of them have a Biblical or even attend church Sunday morning? Christians are a minority. They are persecuted all over the world (I don't think you are denying this, but just trying to remind you). Just like when it comes racial minorities, things are different. Personally, I understand if atheists express "distaste" for Christians movies, etc. However, they may go farther or do it in a way that is offensive.
The Golden Compass and its two sequels are great books (in my opinion). Much to my surprise, I have met several devout Christians who enjoy them as well, despite the trilogy's overtly atheistic tone. The author, Pullman, posits himself as the "anti-Lewis," so that should give you some idea (I have no idea about the religious opinions of the movie's producers). He is a talented writer and his fantasy world is thoroughly compelling. From what I have heard, the producers actually intend to cut most (if not all) of the religious/philosophical material from the movie (which I find greatly upsetting).
I can understand your point that Christians--truly devoted Christians--are in the minority. Certainly, in American culture anything with overt Christian overtones/messages is in the minority when compared to completely secular stuff. But Christianity's place in American society is indisputable--the continued dispute over the teaching of evolution vs. creationism, the debate about school prayer, the fights over displays of the Ten Commandments, and the inclusion of "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance are all proof of this. And in nearly all of these issues, the Christian viewpoint is doing pretty well at holding its ground.
Personally, I think that sort of thing is a bit extreme. I don't feel particularly persecuted or anything. While truly devoted Christians may well be in a minority, I would argue that Christianity as an institution is fairly mainstream in America--at least more mainstream than atheism.
Also, Christian movies, books, ideas, and music are considered to be a part of a minority. Although the majority of Americans claim to be Christian, how many of them have a Biblical or even attend church Sunday morning? Christians are a minority. They are persecuted all over the world (I don't think you are denying this, but just trying to remind you). Just like when it comes racial minorities, things are different. Personally, I understand if atheists express "distaste" for Christians movies, etc. However, they may go farther or do it in a way that is offensive.
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I can understand your point that Christians--truly devoted Christians--are in the minority. Certainly, in American culture anything with overt Christian overtones/messages is in the minority when compared to completely secular stuff. But Christianity's place in American society is indisputable--the continued dispute over the teaching of evolution vs. creationism, the debate about school prayer, the fights over displays of the Ten Commandments, and the inclusion of "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance are all proof of this. And in nearly all of these issues, the Christian viewpoint is doing pretty well at holding its ground.
This is from a study published in the American Sociological Association's journal: http://www.asanet.org/cs/root/topnav/press/atheists_are_distrusted. The study gives atheists the dubious honor of being America's "most distrusted minority."
Personally, I think that sort of thing is a bit extreme. I don't feel particularly persecuted or anything. While truly devoted Christians may well be in a minority, I would argue that Christianity as an institution is fairly mainstream in America--at least more mainstream than atheism.
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