Dear Mr. Pullman,
My name is Stevan Sheets. I’m a member of clergy and more importantly, a follower of Christ.
I’m sorry.
I’m sorry for having to delete the same e-mail that comes into my E-mail inbox at least 3-times a day. The e-mail I’m referring to includes a “boycot” of sorts from reading your books as well as watching a new movie coming out based on one of your books, entitled, “Golden Compass”.
I’m sorry that there are a boat-load of Christians dismissing an entire genre of literature based on someone else’s opinion without doing their own homework to confirm some of the claims outlined in the E-mail.
I wish most Christians weren’t so quick to judge and/or so very harsh in their willingness to criticize things that they know little-to-nothing about.
I can imagine that you’re possibly not even aware of these 3-a-day e-mails I’m receiving, but I wanted to apologize regardless. I’m interested in the movie – may even go see it, too! I will, however, take time to discuss the themes of the film afterwards and look for ways to have conversations about it – something I wish more people were willing to do.
Thanks for listening!
Sincerely,
Stevan Paul Sheets
some articles I’ve been reading lately:
Bill Donohue Attacks Philip Pullman, “The Golden Compass” Movie
Pullman not promoting atheism in ‘Golden Compass’ (MSNBC)
i’m right there with you stevan! no wonder non-christians think we’re close-minded and judgemental! it’s one thing to have an educated opinion and quite another to not do your homework and jump on the bandwagon of fear! people are so afraid of what they don’t know…i haven’t done my homework on this move (or book) yet, but you better believe I will come to my own conclusions! thanks for your willingness to step up and think outside of the “Christian” box!
I concur. It breaks my heart that sometimes Christians prove to the world that we are who they think we are: judgmental and intolerant. I wish we would put the same amount of energy and enthusiasm into fighting discrimination, poverty, and disease. Thanks for reminding us to heal, not hate.
Not playing Devil’s advocate necessarily, but this set of books is actually more dangerous than the Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, to those that were scared of those books and movies. Lord of the Rings wasn’t evil in my mind, far from it. And Harry Potter, I can see people getting upset about depending upon their insecurities or upbringing. This one however I think does have more merit as far as concern. I mean, Christians dismissed Harry right off the bat, did we expect less for a series of fantasy books by an atheist whose views come through regardless of his plan for it or not?
That said, I will be seeing this movie, because it looks enjoyable, and I want to be able to discuss it.
http://snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp
I will ere on the side of caution on this one.
Respectfully,
Eric