Christian Groups Claim Religion-Purged 'Golden Compass' Movie Promotes Pro-Atheism Books

infidel13 »

Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:53 pm Agree: 8   Disagree: 2

Three cheers for Ronin's post! One of the core philosophies of this country is to grant equal protection to individuals of all religious persuasions, including those with none at all. There is no need to be frightened or angry about the expression of views contrary to yours. You don't have to listen, and you certainly don't have to agree. Further, you don't have to take the condescending view that others are incapable of defending their own philosophies and hence need 'protection' from potentially "subversive" messages. They are quite capable of making reasoned arguments of their own, and some people are open-minded enough to examine ideas before deciding against or in favor of them. What society needs is not censorship from one side or the other, but a healthy dose of "live and let live."

Christian Apologist Tells Parents Not to be Afraid of 'Golden Compass'

infidel13 »

Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:42 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 0

While I find the strategy of 'read it and then troll the Internet for arguments against it' a bit worse than 'read it and see what you as an individual think about it,' it's certainly better than 'whine to the schools and libraries to ban it.' Society becomes intellectually stagnant when people are no longer willing to examine new ideas, whether to support or to attack them. What a boring world it would be without debate or discussion....

Conservatives Urge Ban on 'Harry Potter' Over Witchcraft, Homosexuality

infidel13 »

Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:34 pm Agree: 4   Disagree: 2

Funny how there is only a major attempt to censor this wonderful series when there is an opportunity to further historical prejudices and discrimination. Bravo to the religious right!

Survey: More Americans Familiar with Big Mac Ingredients than 10 Commandments

infidel13 »

Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:26 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

This is in response to a comment posted earlier which asserted that the United States was and should be a "Christian country."

Time for a little history lesson: Thomas Jefferson (and Voltaire, and many of the other Enlightenment philosophers from whom this country drew its philosophical underpinnings) was a Deist (not a Christian). The national motto "In God We Trust" was added in 1956 by Eisenhower, and hence is not a founding principle of the country. Further, it does not endorse Christianity in specific, anyway - it is prima facie as Deistic as Jefferson was. Most of the original inhabitants of the United States (and the colonies that preceded it) came either because they opposed established Christian churches of various varieties in Europe or to make money.

It is your personal right to disagree with people who do not espouse your views, but keep in mind that the government does not exist to back up your dogma. Freedom of (and from) religion is explicitly protected by the Bill of Rights. From the Declaration of Independence (with regard to such "natural rights"), "to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men" - the purpose of the government is to protect people's rights, not to give any one faction power over everyone else. Leave the Hindus and scientists alone, and go to church if that's what you feel like doing. Society doesn't care if you don't agree with it, so live your life as you see fit and let others do the same without self-righteous meddling.

Critics Slam 'Golden Compass' Movie for 'Castrating' Anti-Church Themes

infidel13 »

Wed Nov 21, 2007 1:08 pm Agree: 3   Disagree: 5

Personally, as a child, I found the Golden Compass series absolutely wonderful. On the contrary, I found the Narnia series rather dry and boring. My heretical literary views now expounded, allow me to continue. I am always disappointed when a book or series of books is diluted or otherwise compromised over the course of its translation to cinema. In my view, the best movie adaptations are those that are the most faithful to their source material. However, one must always keep in mind the importance of money, particularly in such a high-risk industry as Hollywood. Just think of what would happen if a studio were to release a movie with anti-religious themes in a country dominated by public religious sentiment - the studio would lose money! In the interests of not allowing that to happen, of course, the book themes have been watered down, for better or worse with regard to artistic value. Nothing more to see, folks - move along now.