OT: New Movie Concern for Parents - The Golden Compass

[conversationpc]

So did those keep you awake at night, too, or was that just from listening to Priest?

I was the quintessential nerd who would read with a flashlight under the blankets! The Priest affected me more in an OCD way, where I couldn't get the tunes out of my head. It could still happen today if I went back and listened to my Metalogy box set for more than a few hours. That and the 14 year old hormones.

Priest affects me more when I'm driving. Try driving slow and in control when you're blasting "Hell Patrol", "Freewheel Burning", "Reckless", etc.

[NealIsGod]

I am sure you guys have seen "Heavy Metal Parking Lot", right?

[conversationpc]

I am sure you guys have seen "Heavy Metal Parking Lot", right?

Nope

[Jeremey]

I am sure you guys have seen "Heavy Metal Parking Lot", right?

Nope

Me neither....

[conversationpc]

I am sure you guys have seen "Heavy Metal Parking Lot", right?

Nope

Me neither....

Just checked out some clips on Youtube...You're not missing anything. It should be titled "Losers in Heavy Metal Parking Lot".

[Indyjoe]

It's just a movie. It won't undo the values you instill in your child any more than a slasher flick will turn them into a killer.

I think little kids could get confused about things, but I do agree with you about values not getting undone.

I like having info on any movie before I take my kids to see it.

I started reading Stephen King books at the age of 8 and look where it got me...

I did too, love Stephen King!!

The Far Side - Gary Larson



~Wendy

[NealIsGod]

I am sure you guys have seen "Heavy Metal Parking Lot", right?

Nope

Me neither....

Just checked out some clips on Youtube...You're not missing anything. It should be titled "Losers in Heavy Metal Parking Lot".

Hey, I spent many hours in that exact parking lot before many a concert during my teens.

I have the whole thing on DVD if you guys want it. I think it is on the same DVD as KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park.

[conversationpc]

Hey, I spent many hours in that exact parking lot before many a concert during my teens.

I rest my case.

I have the whole thing on DVD if you guys want it. I think it is on the same DVD as KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park.

I wouldn't mind watching it...I don't think I have anything that lame to trade in return, though.

[NealIsGod]

Hey, I spent many hours in that exact parking lot before many a concert during my teens.

I rest my case.

Fucker.

I have the whole thing on DVD if you guys want it. I think it is on the same DVD as KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park.

I wouldn't mind watching it...I don't think I have anything that lame to trade in return, though.

No problem. Just PM me where to send it.

[ohsherrie]

I watched the Kiss movie with my daughter. It was hilarious.

[Greg]

I read that but without reading the books themselves it's hard to have an opinion on the material itself. Some of them say he's anti-God and others say he's anti-religion. There's a difference.

Whatever his beliefs, if his intent is the infiltration of them into society by influencing children, then I think it's wrong.

But then, that's also how I feel about teaching religion in public schools.

And that's really probably the whole point in having this on the snopes website. I mean, for myself personally, I believe in God and believe that Jesus Christ is my personal Savior. So, as a Christian, certainly I would find the way he is trying to introduce these books to our youth disturbing. I mean, supposedly this movie is based on one of the three books which is the least offensive. The movie makers have also admitted to taking as much of the anti-religious themes out of the movie in order to make it less offensive. So in all reality, the movie probably will not seem at all offensive to any religious person, Christian or otherwise. However, what the movie will do is stir up interest for children to read the trilogy. And if what is said is true about the other books, it will introduce children to more offensive anti-religious or anti-God views.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not telling anybody that they shouldn't take their children to go see the movie nor buy the books for them. And, like Sherrie said, it's hard to make a fair judgment on the books without reading them and knowing the content. But, what I gather from all of this is that it appears to me, at least, that this guy is pushing his agenda and belief system on children. And of course, children's minds are the most impressionable. So, it would make sense that if you were someone who was so against something like Christianity or religion as a whole, what better way to attack it than to go after the youth? After all, they will be the leaders of tomorrow. And, of course, the cycle would continue, repeating itself generation after generation.

But, don't get me wrong. I am in no way saying this guy doesn't have the right to write books and to make movies in order to make a living. It is freedom of speech! Those with a more religious background will probably take this a little more seriously than those who don't have a religious background. But, at least I think it is important that parents should know all the details about what children are exposed to before they take them to the movies or buy books for them.

[conversationpc]

I watched the Kiss movie with my daughter. It was hilarious.

Good comic relief from what I've seen. Probably worse than most b-movies.

[Greg]

I watched the Kiss movie with my daughter. It was hilarious.

Good comic relief from what I've seen. Probably worse than most b-movies.

Talking about bad b-rated movies. Have any of you ever seen Redneck Zombies?

[conversationpc]

I watched the Kiss movie with my daughter. It was hilarious.

Good comic relief from what I've seen. Probably worse than most b-movies.

Talking about bad b-rated movies. Have any of you ever seen Redneck Zombies?

Nope...Sounds like a reality show, though.

[ohsherrie]

I understand exactly what you're saying Greg.

You're looking at if from a religious point of view, but I'm not just against it because it has to do with religion in this particular case. It could just as easily be a political or racial agenda and I'd feel the same way about it. I not only think it's wrong to impose doctrines and philosophies that are really just a matter of personal belief on society, I don't think it's right to indoctrinate children into predetermined mindsets. Of course the proponents of that mindset, whether religious, political, or whatever philosophy think they're guiding the children in the only right direction.

I'm not saying that I think this movie is dangerous, or that the books themselves on their own are. I'm just talking about the indoctrination of young minds in general.

There's a faith based school in this area that is running commercials on TV right now. You've probably heard them. As part of their ad they say they'll "not only teach your child how to think, but what to think". That screams mind control to me.

[ohsherrie]

I watched the Kiss movie with my daughter. It was hilarious.

Good comic relief from what I've seen. Probably worse than most b-movies.

More like a live action cartoon.

[conversationpc]

You're looking at if from a religious point of view, but I'm not just against it because it has to do with religion in this particular case. It could just as easily be a political or racial agenda and I'd feel the same way about it. I not only think it's wrong to impose doctrines and philosophies that are really just a matter of personal belief on society, I don't think it's right to indoctrinate children into predetermined mindsets. Of course the proponents of that mindset, whether religious, political, or whatever philosophy think they're guiding the children in the only right direction.

That's what you're supposed to do as parents, though. Any parent, religious or otherwise, brings up their child with their own, morals, religion, etc. It's up to the child to decide if they want to adopt those when they are able to begin thinking clearly for themselves.

[ohsherrie]

You're looking at if from a religious point of view, but I'm not just against it because it has to do with religion in this particular case. It could just as easily be a political or racial agenda and I'd feel the same way about it. I not only think it's wrong to impose doctrines and philosophies that are really just a matter of personal belief on society, I don't think it's right to indoctrinate children into predetermined mindsets. Of course the proponents of that mindset, whether religious, political, or whatever philosophy think they're guiding the children in the only right direction.

That's what you're supposed to do as parents, though. Any parent, religious or otherwise, brings up their child with their own, morals, religion, etc. It's up to the child to decide if they want to adopt those when they are able to begin thinking clearly for themselves.

Oh I agree Dave as long as they're given the option of thinking for themselves and are given accurate information from which to make an informed choice for themselves.

Let me give you an example. A neighbor of mine was babysitting her grandaughter while the parents worked. The child's father is an atheist and the mother an agnostic. The grandmother is a staunch Southern Baptist. I was in the backyard with her while our grandchildren, ages 4 and 5, were playing. He grandaughter came up and asked one of the classic childrens' questions, "Where do the clouds come from?" The neighbor told her God put them there and furthermore told her not to let he mommy and daddy tell her any different.

That was just wrong. The child's father and mother would have explained the clouds scientifically which would have been the right answer. There was no reason whatsoever to bring religion into it.

[conversationpc]

Let me give you an example. A neighbor of mine was babysitting her grandaughter while the parents worked. The child's father is an atheist and the mother an agnostic. The grandmother is a staunch Southern Baptist. I was in the backyard with her while our grandchildren, ages 4 and 5, were playing. He grandaughter came up and asked one of the classic childrens' questions, "Where do the clouds come from?" The neighbor told her God put them there and furthermore told her not to let he mommy and daddy tell her any different.

That was just wrong. The child's father and mother would have explained the clouds scientifically which would have been the right answer. There was no reason whatsoever to bring religion into it.

Well, I don't think it was wrong to say that God put them there, because in the end, it's true. However, it WAS wrong to tell her not to let mommy and daddy tell her any different. THAT would tick me off if I was the parent and had an atheist/agnostic relative say that to my child.

[RedWingFan]

Obviously, that's what we have = Freedom of Speech.

Yes, and also Freedom of Religion and separation of church and state.

Constitutionally?
1. Freedom of Speech? YES
2. Freedom of Religion? YES
3. separation of church and state? NO

[ohsherrie]

Let me give you an example. A neighbor of mine was babysitting her grandaughter while the parents worked. The child's father is an atheist and the mother an agnostic. The grandmother is a staunch Southern Baptist. I was in the backyard with her while our grandchildren, ages 4 and 5, were playing. He grandaughter came up and asked one of the classic childrens' questions, "Where do the clouds come from?" The neighbor told her God put them there and furthermore told her not to let he mommy and daddy tell her any different.

That was just wrong. The child's father and mother would have explained the clouds scientifically which would have been the right answer. There was no reason whatsoever to bring religion into it.

Well, I don't think it was wrong to say that God put them there, because in the end, it's true. However, it WAS wrong to tell her not to let mommy and daddy tell her any different. THAT would tick me off if I was the parent and had an atheist/agnostic relative say that to my child.

And therein lies my point. Both the grandmother and the parents think they are right in their belief and they all have a right to their beliefs, but the child has the right to get the the right information. Whether you believe God put the clouds in the sky or not, the clouds are caused by atmospheric conditions.

[RedWingFan]

Let me give you an example. A neighbor of mine was babysitting her grandaughter while the parents worked. The child's father is an atheist and the mother an agnostic. The grandmother is a staunch Southern Baptist. I was in the backyard with her while our grandchildren, ages 4 and 5, were playing. He grandaughter came up and asked one of the classic childrens' questions, "Where do the clouds come from?" The neighbor told her God put them there and furthermore told her not to let he mommy and daddy tell her any different.

That was just wrong. The child's father and mother would have explained the clouds scientifically which would have been the right answer. There was no reason whatsoever to bring religion into it.

Well, I don't think it was wrong to say that God put them there, because in the end, it's true. However, it WAS wrong to tell her not to let mommy and daddy tell her any different. THAT would tick me off if I was the parent and had an atheist/agnostic relative say that to my child.

And therein lies my point. Both the grandmother and the parents think they are right in their belief and they all have a right to their beliefs, but the child has the right to get the the right information. Whether you believe God put the clouds in the sky or not, the clouds are caused by atmospheric conditions.

I think Dave's point is that a believer believes God caused the atmospheric conditions!

[ohsherrie]

Let me give you an example. A neighbor of mine was babysitting her grandaughter while the parents worked. The child's father is an atheist and the mother an agnostic. The grandmother is a staunch Southern Baptist. I was in the backyard with her while our grandchildren, ages 4 and 5, were playing. He grandaughter came up and asked one of the classic childrens' questions, "Where do the clouds come from?" The neighbor told her God put them there and furthermore told her not to let he mommy and daddy tell her any different.

That was just wrong. The child's father and mother would have explained the clouds scientifically which would have been the right answer. There was no reason whatsoever to bring religion into it.

Well, I don't think it was wrong to say that God put them there, because in the end, it's true. However, it WAS wrong to tell her not to let mommy and daddy tell her any different. THAT would tick me off if I was the parent and had an atheist/agnostic relative say that to my child.

And therein lies my point. Both the grandmother and the parents think they are right in their belief and they all have a right to their beliefs, but the child has the right to get the the right information. Whether you believe God put the clouds in the sky or not, the clouds are caused by atmospheric conditions.

I think Dave's point is that a believer believes God caused the atmospheric conditions!

I know that RF, I probably would have explained both to my children when they were small, but this child's parents don't believe that, so having someone else tell her that was confusing at the very least.

[Greg]

I understand exactly what you're saying Greg.

You're looking at if from a religious point of view, but I'm not just against it because it has to do with religion in this particular case. It could just as easily be a political or racial agenda and I'd feel the same way about it. I not only think it's wrong to impose doctrines and philosophies that are really just a matter of personal belief on society, I don't think it's right to indoctrinate children into predetermined mindsets. Of course the proponents of that mindset, whether religious, political, or whatever philosophy think they're guiding the children in the only right direction.

I'm not saying that I think this movie is dangerous, or that the books themselves on their own are. I'm just talking about the indoctrination of young minds in general.

There's a faith based school in this area that is running commercials on TV right now. You've probably heard them. As part of their ad they say they'll "not only teach your child how to think, but what to think". That screams mind control to me.

You make a good point Sherrie, and I definitely understand and agree with most of what you're saying. I do believe we're all subject to indoctrination of some sort. At some point or another, society is going to tell us what we should believe and what we shouldn't. I could go on and on into that philosophy but I won't at this point.

One thing I will say though about the faith based school in your area. They're basically just saying what regular schools already do. I mean think about it. According to public schools and most private, non-religious, schools, we should believe in the theory of evolution. We are not giving other options or possibilities as to the creation of life.

[conversationpc]

One thing I will say though about the faith based school in your area. They're basically just saying what regular schools already do. I mean think about it. According to public schools and most private, non-religious, schools, we should believe in the theory of evolution. We are not giving other options or possibilities as to the creation of life.

Well, evolution doesn't have an answer to the creation of life anyway. It only theorizes about how already existing life evolved into what we have now.

[Higgy]

According to public schools and most private, non-religious, schools, we should believe in the theory of evolution. We are not giving other options or possibilities as to the creation of life.

Thats because evolution is a scientific and provable law of the physical universe whereas - religion is religion. Not invalid - but doesn't belong in a science class. Are you going to add ALL the creation myths of every religion into biology or just Judeo-Christianity? BTW, MOST religions are cool with evolution. Its just a small but LOUD pocket of protestant christianity that wants to stiffle science and tell kids that there is NO connection between them and the natural world.

Hey - I believe in God AND Evolution! How's that?

[RedWingFan]

According to public schools and most private, non-religious, schools, we should believe in the theory of evolution. We are not giving other options or possibilities as to the creation of life.

Thats because evolution is a scientific and provable law of the physical universe

Hardly. That drawing of ape evolving to upright humans has exactly 0 bones to back up the theory. If Darwin's theory had taken place the Earth would be littered with bones of humanlike creatures that failed. Still not one upright has been found.
When Darwin was on the Gallopigos (sp?) Islands, there were 13 types of birds and he said by now we'd see double the # of species. There are still 13! Just my 2 cents.

[Just Sara]

The first time I saw a preview for this movie I was intrigued. I had never heard of the story or even seen the books. I thought it was basically a Narnia wannabe, but I love the Narnia Chronicles so why not?

Then I heard from one of my very liberal friends that the books portrayed God in a way that made even him uncomfortable. My interest in the movies and the books has vanished.

I am a Christian.

I also love fantasy and everything about it. I love stories about witches and wizards and vampires and faeries and all that good stuff. Heck, I write stories like that! I would totally let my kids read Harry Potter, watch "The Wizard of Oz", trick or treat, tell Santa Claus what they want for Christmas and look for eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny.

IMHO, all of these things are fine as long as the children are also taught the concept of fiction and the real meaning behind Christmas and Easter.

However, would I let my child (or recommend it to other families with children) read a book or see a movie that went so far as to portray God in a weak way? Even if it were fiction?
Absolutely not!

There is a line and I think having a character that is supposed to represent God be presented in such a bad light is not only crossing it but taking a flying leap over it.

When the child is old enough to decide for his or herself what they think is crossing the line, fine. Until then, no.

That is not to say that I will judge a book by what others tell me. I have read Harry Potter and don't find anything offensive in it. If my child wanted to read Golden Compass I would insist on reading all the books first. If I find nothing offensive in it, great! If I find anything that would make me or anyone else question their faith, not gunna happen.

I don't expect everyone to agree with me. This is simply how I feel.

Okay, I'm done. Have a good weekend everyone!

[JH'sTXfan]

The first time I saw a preview for this movie I was intrigued. I had never heard of the story or even seen the books. I thought it was basically a Narnia wannabe, but I love the Narnia Chronicles so why not?

Then I heard from one of my very liberal friends that the books portrayed God in a way that made even him uncomfortable. My interest in the movies and the books has vanished.

I am a Christian.

I also love fantasy and everything about it. I love stories about witches and wizards and vampires and faeries and all that good stuff. Heck, I write stories like that! I would totally let my kids read Harry Potter, watch "The Wizard of Oz", trick or treat, tell Santa Claus what they want for Christmas and look for eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny.

IMHO, all of these things are fine as long as the children are also taught the concept of fiction and the real meaning behind Christmas and Easter.

However, would I let my child (or recommend it to other families with children) read a book or see a movie that went so far as to portray God in a weak way? Even if it were fiction?
Absolutely not!

There is a line and I think having a character that is supposed to represent God be presented in such a bad light is not only crossing it but taking a flying leap over it.

When the child is old enough to decide for his or herself what they think is crossing the line, fine. Until then, no.

That is not to say that I will judge a book by what others tell me. I have read Harry Potter and don't find anything offensive in it. If my child wanted to read Golden Compass I would insist on reading all the books first. If I find nothing offensive in it, great! If I find anything that would make me or anyone else question their faith, not gunna happen.

I don't expect everyone to agree with me. This is simply how I feel.

Okay, I'm done. Have a good weekend everyone!

Your two cents makes sense.

[Higgy]

According to public schools and most private, non-religious, schools, we should believe in the theory of evolution. We are not giving other options or possibilities as to the creation of life.

Thats because evolution is a scientific and provable law of the physical universe

Hardly. That drawing of ape evolving to upright humans has exactly 0 bones to back up the theory.

I guess except for the Ardipithecus bones, Australopithecus Anamensis bones, Australopithecus Afarensis bones, Australopithecus Africanus bones, Homo Habilis bones, Homo erectus bones, Archaic Homo Sapiens bones, and Modern Homo sapiens bones.
Those were probably planted by evil anthropologists who are in some sort of Satanic war with God, right?


For the record, the drawing you cite is not exactly the end all be all of how natural selection works. Human did not "evolve from apes". Humans and the nonhuman apes share a common ancestor (chimps and humans diverges about 4 mya while gorillas split from this line about 12 mya - al verifyable genetically as well as in the fossil record - look up Kenyapithecus). Of course, this is all supposing tha there AREN'T evil anthropologists planting evidence to try and establish Satan's godless kingdom on Earth.