[NYer]

Watch a video of the Catholic League's Bill Donohue discussing this issue here.

A film called "The Golden Compass" opens December 7. It is based on the first book of a trilogy titled His Dark Materials. The author of this children's fantasy is Philip Pullman, a noted English atheist. It is his objective to bash Christianity and promote atheism. To kids. "The Golden Compass" is a film version of the book by that name, and it is being toned down so that Catholics, as well as Protestants, are not enraged.

The second book of the trilogy, The Subtle Knife, is more overt in its hatred of Christianity than the first book, and the third entry, The Amber Spyglass, is even more blatant. Because "The Golden Compass" is based on the least offensive of the three books, and because it is being further watered down for the big screen, some might wonder why parents should be wary of the film.

The Catholic League wants Christians to stay away from this movie precisely because it knows that the film is bait for the books: unsuspecting parents who take their children to see the movie may be impelled to buy the three books as a Christmas present. And no parent who wants to bring their children up in the faith will want any part of these books.

"The Golden Compass: Agenda Unmasked" is the Catholic League's response. It provides information about the film, "The Golden Compass," and details what book reviewers have said about Pullman's books; a synopsis of his trilogy is also included.

If you would like to order copies, you can do so by sending $5 (includes shipping and handling) to:
 
Catholic League
Publications Dept.
450 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10123

Or order using our online form. (If you choose an electronic copy, a pdf will me emailed to you.)
 
On orders of 10 or more, the cost is $3 per copy.
 
It is important that all Christians, especially those with children or grandchildren, read this booklet. Anyone who does will be armed with all the ammo they need to convince friends and family members that there is nothing innocent about Pullman's agenda. Though the movie promises to be fairly non-controversial, it may very well act as an inducement to buy Pullman's trilogy, His Dark Materials. And remember, his twin goals are to promote atheism and denigrate Christianity. To kids.
 
Please get the word out.

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Catholic Ping
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[aruanan]

I remember going to see The Life of Bryan in NYC when it first came out. In front of the theater was a group of picketing nuns. After seeing the movie, it was evident that none of them had seen it.

[Salvation]

The more the Catholic Church is persecuted; the more it will grow.

They don’t know this, though, do they?

Hehehehe!

[Pikachu_Dad]

Wow. Is that why I didn’t like the books?

I guess I never got the theme. I just knew that the stories sucked wind.

[Aquinasfan]

The Catholic League wants Christians to stay away from this movie precisely because it knows that the film is bait for the books: unsuspecting parents who take their children to see the movie may be impelled to buy the three books as a Christmas present. And no parent who wants to bring their children up in the faith will want any part of these books.

So the Catholic Church doesn't want kids to read? What's wrong with reading?! < /s>

I've said this about Pulman's anti-Christian books before. But Christian parents will be lining up for this movie "because now Johnny's reading!"

Your child's salvation is more important than improving his SAT scores.

[steve-b]

Oh, for crying out loud, Bill Donohue is a textbook example of the sort of people who have no life other than to scour the earth high and low searching out things at which to take offense. Leave that sort of thing to the DUmbass left.

[SvdByFaith]

Here is a snippet of an interview the Sydney Morning Herald had with Phillip Pullman:

Pullman himself is shocked by how little reaction the books and upcoming films have received thus far. Talking with the Sydney Morning Herald, he confesses, “I’ve been surprised by how little criticism I’ve got. Harry Potter’s been taking all the flak. I’m a great fan of J.K. Rowling, but the people—mainly from America’s Bible Belt—who complain that Harry Potter promotes Satanism or witchcraft obviously haven’t got enough in their lives. Meanwhile, I’ve been flying under the radar, saying things that are far more subversive than anything poor old Harry has said. My books are about killing God.”