Dec. 21, 2007 - Reply To Comments on "Beware The Golden Compass"
I apologize for not replying to this sooner, we have been very busy. I am going to reply to two comments that were left on my post on The Golden Compass.
Someone called Magdalin asked me some questions, in her first comment, and also in her second comment.
Magdalin's first point wasn't actually a question, but she challenged me to exercise free will. Yes, I do believe in free will; believe it or not, it is my choice to obey my parents. I highly value their wisdom and experience. I choose to listen to their exhortations.
I would also like to link to a comment that someone else left on the last post, click here. The author of the comment points out something very important and true, and points it out very strongly.
One of the other things Magdalin brought up, was that "If you are strong in your faith and convictions, then reading or viewing seemingly contradictory messages should not threaten you." If I already know that it is something that I don't agree with, in this case something that does not glorify God, or is anti-God, then I would not want to read it. Should I murder someone, just to see if I don't like it, or if it is wrong? Why would I want to immerse myself in something that goes against everything the Bible teaches? By reading or viewing these books or movies you are supporting the author. You may not agree with the author but having paid for it you do give support.
I don't see this as having anything to do with today's Church, other than the fact that the book is anti-God, athiestic, and even satanic. The author himself has said outright that "[Philip Pullman] is trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief." Mark Dinsmore ~ The Berean Call (Note, the article found by the link to your left explains several other things on this topic. I thought it was a great article.)
This is a note especially for Magdalin. The only way a comment would be deleted on Homeschoolblogger.com is if it is vulgar, or uses nasty language. Politely disagreeing, and debating, is perfectly fine. Everyone is different, and with 15987 users on HSB, there is no way all of us will agree on everything.
As to Lyra being a strong character, how many other books out there have just as strong, or even stronger girl characters? Why do people who love these books hold up the main characters as if they are the only strong characters in children's literature? What happened to Heidi? Or Laura Ingalls? For older girls, what about Elizabeth Bennet, or Miss Bishop? These books are still around, and the behaviors and attitudes in them are still applicable.
You (Magdalin) ask about disobedience, and compare Lyra's disobedience with that of the colonies uniting to become the United States. The colonists were adults. Lyra is a child who is wise in her own eyes and the author works it so that her so called wisdom works for the stories "good". However Lyra is not wise, being only twelve, and cannot make decisions based on experience and education. Number two, we (Christians) are under Gods rule, and no one elses. One thing that the Bible tells us is that we are to obey authority, but only as long as they tell you not to do anything wrong. If the Israelites had obeyed God straight from the start, we would all be following God's laws anyway, and there would be no need for a human authority.
God is not contained and confined in the Bible. The Bible is God's word to man. As to the Bible being written by men, yes, they were men, and men can err, but they were men who were inspired by God! If you follow this link it tells the awesome circumstances under which the Bible was written. Not to mention, the Bible passes the bibliographic test with flying colors! This link takes you to a site where it kind of explains how reliable the Bible is using the bibliographic test.
In reply to your last comment on Harry Potter being a Christ like figure, I think it best to leave yet another link. I'll also say that this is ludicrous and I believe it to be an excuse to make Harry Potter good. Christ would not use witchcraft nor would He disobey authority. Also, Harry Potter was not the son of God. Doesn't that make a big difference?
Finally, Homeschoolblogger is not preventing the spread of new ideas, but the Bible says "There is nothing new under the sun." That holds true. Ideas have been thought of before. Inventions have been dreamt of before.
I sincerely hope that I have helped anyone, not just Magdalin. I have stated my beliefs and arguments, in a polite way. You can go look at the other comments posted on "Beware The Golden Compass", and please participate in any discussion taking place in the comments. I am sure that someone can add to what I have said, or expand on things I did say. Long comments are not frowned upon. Also, Thank you to all of you who read this entire post, I know it was a long one!
Comments
Dec. 20, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Kekoa
Well said!
kekoa
Dec. 21, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
(applause) Hear hear!
You expressed yourself very well. Thank you for pointing out the difference between adults and children. I get so sick of watching children presented as so much wiser and better than the adults around them. The respect for age and wisdom is all but lost in our culture.
Erin M.
Dec. 21, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Poetess
My twin sisters are here!!! Susanna Elizabeth is 6 lb. 9 oz. amd Rachel Christine is 6 lb. 7 oz. And both are 19 inches long! And we think they have red hair which mean 5 red heads out of 11 kids!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dec. 23, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by intothewardrobe
Hello, and Merry Christmas!
I wanted to let you know that Into the Wardrobe has been updated:
PC Trailer on the Big Screen
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/intothewardrobe/449591/
For Narnia, and For Aslan,
-intothewardrobe/Narniagirl
Dec. 23, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by cauldronpool
A very good post, you state your points very well. And things don't get confusing, like they do when I try to talk. Found your post to be very interesting.
Making graphics isn't hard, it's pretty easy once you get the nack. ;) Hope to see you comming to Cauldron Pool again!
Dec. 24, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Jocelyndixon
I read this entire thing the other day but was unable to comment. I think you did a suburb job replying to the comments and defending your beliefs! Bravo!
Love,
Jocelyn
Dec. 25, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by pianolove
You explained that all very well. I agree with you entirely.
Heather
Dec. 25, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by ritatubbs
At times like this, when we're called upon to defend our beliefs, it's SO important to have a correct worldview, which you do. Thanks for taking the time to explain your position...it's practice for bigger and better things to come as you age!
Dec. 28, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by fiddlesticks
That was very well-said! I especially liked your answer to the comment on free will; we have excercised free will in choosing to follow God and the Bible. Phil. 4:8 says that we should think on whatever is true, noble, pure... and it won't benefit me to think about things that are not!
Thanks for adding me to your friends list. And again, good job on this post!
~Hadley
Dec. 30, 2007 - Very Well-Said
Posted by JacqueDixonSoulRestES
I love the analogies you used to put this into proper perspective. They are words to live by, not just in what one reads, but how one lives.
I agree with Erin M. I too am tired of watching children presented as so much wiser and better than the adults around them. I used to think this was a worldly or ps-ed thing, but I have recently been bombarded with the realization that many homeschooling Christian parents also give their children credit as adults and allow them to make adult decisions, exclusive of the parents input, though they lack wisdom, experience and/or discernment.
It is a good thing to know where the line is, because, as one grows into adulthood, the line will become blurry between childhood and adulthood, and to rely on your loving parents is the best thing you can do to become a mature adult. You have wonderful parents who love you enough to already have taught you that!
Thank you for pointing out the reasons to "Beware" this book - and movie.
Blessings my dear... you did an excellent job on answering this tough topic.
blessings, Mrs.D
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