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Topic: Commentary: A Golden Opportunity

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Tannerman
Administrator

Steve Tanner - Kidology Web Director

Joined: 12 August 2003
Location: United States
Posts: 1428

Posted: 13 December 2007 at 11:45am \| IP Logged

This topic is for discussion of Karl Bastian's commentary on The Golden Compass: A Golden Opportunity and an Open Letter to Philip Pullman

Read the commentary!

Gerry Galbreath
Premium Member

Gerry Galbreath

Joined: 06 December 2005
Location: United States
Posts: 422

Posted: 13 December 2007 at 12:11pm \| IP Logged

Excellent commentary Karl,

I had many of the same thoughts when I read Pullman's comments about Christianity and the church. He has obviously been hurt by over zealous "Christians". Everyone is calling Pullman an atheist but he is really an agnostic. In one quote he says, "...I don't know everything, and there may well be a God somewhere, hiding away. Actually, if he is keeping out of sight, it's because he's ashamed of his followers and all the cruelty and ignorance they're responsible for promoting in his name. If I were him, I'd want nothing to do with them."

The only God most people know is the God they see in us. Until we can learn to love and accept people the way they are without criticizing and condeming them they will never want to learn more about our God. Why do we always expect non-Christians to act like Christians? Many non-Christians are already more Christ like than some of the Christians I know.

I do want Christians to be aware of Pullman's message and protect thier own Children from it but there are many in the world that share Pullman's views and much of that is our fault because instead of being led by the Holy Spirit we are led by a religious spirit.

Maybe some of us need to get rid of our own "Daemons" and begin to truly identify with Christ.

I loved your letter to Pullman. Maybe it could actually be sent with the names of any kidology member that shares your sentiment. I would be happy to put my name on the list. He's heard enough criticism. Let's show some love.

Gerry

brichbk
CP Team
CP Team

Brett Richmond

Joined: 18 November 2006
Location: United States
Posts: 590

Posted: 13 December 2007 at 1:17pm \| IP Logged

"we don't seem to allow non-Christians to be on a journey toward Christ – they have to be either one of us, or one of "them."

Karl

I love the above line...it is so true. Why are we surprised when people who profess to be unbelievers act and live differently than us. This is exactly what Jesus spoke, acted, and believed was wrong with the Pharisees.

Here's another great part of your commentary, I whole hardedly and passionatly stand with you.

"We live in a lost world. Condemning a lost world is a waste of energy, it stands condemned already. Rather, like the Apostle Paul on Mars Hill, we would be much better off to boldly but with grace address the beliefs of the world and redirect people's thoughts and minds toward the Truth. Too often we push the lost away from Christ rather than listen to them and engage them in a way that might draw them closer. I have yet to meet a Christian who was argued into the Family of God. That is why Jesus said we were to be known by our love, not by our condemnations or smart arguments or Scripture quoting."

great job Karl

CuriousGeorge
Group Member

Joined: 24 February 2006
Posts: 58

Posted: 13 December 2007 at 3:41pm \| IP Logged

Good thoughts, Karl. You really brought the true nature of the "Golden Compass" debate to the surface – and painted it for the shades of grey, not black and white, that it is.

I've had the same feelings... Christians needn't shirk from controversy, nor condemn it. When something difficult comes our way, we don't need to run from it – we need to shine through it.

That's why I wholeheartedly embrace Pullman's books; I enjoy reading them (Pullman is, after all, quite a capable author) and always relish a chance to talk to another reader about them, in a grace-filled manner. Above all, they stand as an indictment to me as a Christian to live a glorifying, God-centered life that others can't help but be drawn to.

Deviating from the topic a little, Karl, did you ever read this article about J.K. Rowling's faith, published in the Telegraph a couple months ago? It really gives great insight into Rowling and her books, and shows you some of her "spiritual journey" that you alluded to. Well worth reading.

eriepastor7638
Premium Member

Joined: 30 November 2005
Posts: 382

Posted: 14 December 2007 at 7:45am \| IP Logged

Nice letter, Karl. One correction--- J.K. Rowlings self-identifies as a Christian and is a long-time member of the Anglican church.

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henryjz
CP Team
CP Team

CP = Canadian Pastor

Joined: 16 October 2003
Location: Canada
Posts: 1059

Posted: 14 December 2007 at 11:24am \| IP Logged

Karl thank you for your thoughts. I've been very disturbed at how Christians are reacting to Pullman's books and the movie. There's just been so much fear surrounding it all, and in reaction to that Christians have said very malicious things. We forget that those outside of a relationship with Christ look on us as the "bad guys" with an agenda, and I don't necessarily disagree with that because too many times we fit that bill.

Christ engaged the culture of those living on the outskirts of morality and rejected much of "religious" culture. We need to do the same. We need to spend more time looking at the world from different lenses (even lenses that are challenging or fearful) so that we are more able to understand and truly love those around us and engage people where they are out of a heart of love. As Eric Bryant in his book Peppermint-Filled Pinatas says, our apologetic to the world needs to be love.

New Hope
Basic Member

Kidology Champion

Joined: 08 November 2005
Posts: 1

Posted: 15 December 2007 at 10:28am \| IP Logged

Dear Karl: I was pleased to read your thoughtful reply to Philip Pullman's film.

It is well expressed and could help us avoid all the hype given to the Da Vinci Code. Sometimes we oppose secular positions before we allow them the same freedom of expression that we want to enjoy. Instead of defeating them, we end up helping to promote the very position that opposes Christianity.

We do need to take care of what and when our children are exposed to anti-God films. On the other hand we have not equipped them to influence their friends if they do not know what they are seeing and asking about. Way to Go!

Kidologist
Administrator

Karl Bastian

Joined: 20 October 2003
Location: United States
Posts: 3226

Posted: 16 December 2007 at 1:43pm \| IP Logged

New Hope wrote:

Dear Karl: I was pleased to read your thoughtful reply to Philip Pullman's film.

.....

Hey, New Hope! (aka sara's dad) Welcome to the Kidology.org forum and for making your first post!

Come back often, you've got lots of wisdom to share!

Pastor Mary Schabel
Premium Member

Kidology Champion

Joined: 20 October 2005
Posts: 9

Posted: 17 December 2007 at 8:11am \| IP Logged

Wow,

How true your comments are. I for one have been warning parents not to let their kids see this movie. And I still feel that that is in the best interest of the children.

However, I find myself guilty of judging the man and his movie and being everything you have described, that this ungodly man is angry about.

I really enjoyed your letter to Mr. Pullman and am impressed with your communication skills.

I will choose to pray for him and all those lost whom God desires to reach with His everlasting love.

Thanks for helping me,

Mary Schabel

Fond du Lac, WI

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Pastor Becca
Premium Member

Joined: 03 April 2006
Location: United States
Posts: 4

Posted: 20 December 2007 at 1:46pm \| IP Logged

Thank you karl for speaking so elequently.

Thank you for keeping our perfect God, Christians and the lost in focus. Reading your letter was a great encouragement to me and a challenge to love those who are lost with my actions and not with my judgement. The Church is imperfect for we are the Church and we are imperfect. I praise the Lord that we have Him to lean on the Hope of a future Glory with Him. Thank you Karl for saying what I could not. Your post and the movie review has helped me as a mom and Children's pastor to respond to all the parents and kids.

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