The Catholic League is calling for a boycott of “The Golden Compass” this December. This is making news and spreading around various emails. I have friends, whom upon receiving this email, that have decided not to attend the movie. Many cite that they do not want to give Pullman any money for a book they wouldn’t like. A few have said that they do not want to promote an atheistic agenda. I understand how folks can feel this way, I really can. I think the question, Why show a movie like this when there are so many good movies that can be made? is a very valid one.

Having said that, here’s why I will not boycott it.

• For one, Pullman, the author of “His Dark Materials” has already received his money from New Line Cinema. Even if no one sees it, he has his undisclosed sum of cash already in pocket.
• Chris Weitz, the director, changed the Magisterium so that religious elements were removed. The Book != The Movie
• This movie will not convince someone to renounce Christianity.
• Drawing attention to it by for a ban only increase its popularity. It’s like free advertising for the movie.
• I believe that the strongest calls for a boycott are rooted in fear.
• It’s silly to think that the God of the universe can be undone by any movie or book.

I’m not saying that everyone should go see this movie. I have no interest in reading the books. Some may have interest insomuch as the books serve as a discussion point with athesits/agnostics. Not me. My atheist/agnostic acquaintances already have their own preferred framework to discuss their ideas. (Carl Sagan seems to be the favorite.)

Frankly, I don’t know how they will be able to write around the last book in which the character of god dies. The Amber Spyglass is more strongly about religion than all the others, you might get a 15 minute short if all the religiously themed content is removed.

Instead, I think a more reasoned response would look like this. The Church of Scotland has chosen to instead embrace the movie as a golden opportunity to stimulate discussion on a wide range of moral and spiritual issues. The Kirk also sees this movie as a chance to talk about human destiny, corrupt institutions, and making choices in life.

I’m not saying that danger + opportunity = crisis. (Turns out that isn’t true, anyway.) What I am saying is that in choosing how to respond to something like this makes a big difference. Choosing to respond as the Church of Scotland does show confidence and a willingness to talk. They are meeting the moment with information and openness.

I like fantastic stories, so maybe I’ll catch it on DVD. Maybe not. The Naria movie was a disappointment to me, so at least I won’t be entirely disappointed by this one.

Fire away!