I am sure that this is going to offend some of the individuals that frequent my blog. For that, I apologize. Below is a link to a new movie hitting the movie theaters very soon. Check out the video trailer and then my comments down below it.
The trailer makes it look very interesting and I want to see it. I have to admit that I did not know about the movie till this week. I also have to admit that I did not know about the book series.
From Wiki:
His Dark Materials is a trilogy of novels by the fantasy fiction author Philip Pullman, comprising Northern Lights (released as The Golden Compass in North America and published in 1995), The Subtle Knife (1997) and The Amber Spyglass (2000). The trilogy has also been published as a single-volume omnibus in the United Kingdom and North America, titled simply His Dark Materials.
The trilogy follows the coming of age of two main characters, Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry, as they wander through a multiverse of parallel universes and a backdrop of epic events. The story begins in Northern Lights with fantasy elements such as witches and armoured bears. As the trilogy progresses, it acquires allegorical layers of meaning, introducing a broad range of ideas from fields such as physics (quantum physics), philosophy (metaphysics, philosophy of religion and, arguably, a degree of hylopathism), and theology (biblical symbolism).
"My Rant"
The reason that I received word about this movie is that I have received quite a few emails and forwards from individuals warning me about the film and want me to help spread the news about "boycotting the film". They also are warning about the dangers because the movie will capture young childrens minds and they will in return read the books that are "darker" and will lead to them "killing off of God".
The movie is FANTASY FICTION. Even if it "destroys" and "bad-mouths" Christianity, we can use the avenue to watch the film and discuss the film and books. From what I am reading, Mr. Pullman DOES NOT like CS Lewis and this is his anti-spin. Sounds like me a great opportunity for us to have open discussion and dialogue.
I know that it can be a little scary when our childrens eyes our opened to "other things" but I also do not think that we should live in a Christian Bubble. It also points back to the ironic return of "boycotts". It makes more people aware of what is happening and "increases" the interest of more people; especially of people where this might be off of the radar.
Thus, I probably will be looked down upon when I look forward to seeing the movie and wanting to know more about the trilogy.
Has anyone else received the emails ?
Has anyone read the books ?
Is anyone excited about the movie ?
Our of curiosity, I was bad, I showed the clip to my boys. The thought it looked intriguing. They also thought it "resembled" Chronicles of Narnia. Their comment on that is what "worries" the Christian community.
At the present time, I think it is a movie that is based on a fantasy book and could be a great watch with opportunities to share about what is occurring. Am I off my rocker ?
The thoughts and writings on this blog are the thoughts of Jeff and do not necessarily represent the views of Grace First Parish of Russell and/or Lutheran Campus Ministry of Southwest Minnesota State University.
5 comments:
jeff, i've received at least a dozen of those email warnings. i'd never heard of the movie until i started getting the emails, so the "in case you thought this was a Christian movie" warning was a little misplaced on me.
We don't let our daughter (8) go to movie theaters at all yet because we want to protect her hearing, and she's she also gets scared very easily. When the DVD is rentable, i'm sure my husband and i will watch it and then make a decision about if/when she will get to watch it.
I haven't received even one e-mail about this movie. I saw the trailer in the theater and I thought it looked like great fun. I tend to take "christian" warnings with a grain of salt...not that there isn't sometimes some truth to them, but so often they are hype.
Erin:
This is not a slam, so please do not take it this way. I think that you might have not received them because you have (had) stepped away from the church bubble.
I think that because I am in the church bubble and are on staff, I get emails and calls from people hoping and thinking that I will be mad about this film and TAKE A STAND.
I agree with you, I think it looks like it is going to be fun and I do not take my doctrinal views from movies.
Now, I do look for teaching moments within them.
I think you are right about the warnings.
Jeff - No worries. I realize that's why I haven't been getting those kinds of e-mails. That's OK with me ;-)
I think that (a) God is big enough to look after His own name, thank you very much, and (b) "christians" ranting and foaming at the mouth and demanding boycotts does far more damage to His name here than any movie could do
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