Read 'The Golden Compass' first before passing judgment

Religious controversies are rife in entertainment. Some Christians say they feel offended by what they consider anti-Christian or antichurch views in certain movies and books.

Take "The Golden Compass," for example. The masses and the media have declared it intolerably antichurch. The author, Philip Pullman, as well as the movie have been attacked for fomenting blasphemous sentiments. Oddly, this controversy did not emerge and expand to this level before the movie came out. Why didn't the book receive just as much criticism beforehand?

One conclusion might be that people are condemning the movie, the book upon which it was based and its self-described atheist author without having read the actual book. Even after repeated statements saying that he wrote the book purely for entertainment and was in no way intending to insult the church and Christianity, Pullman still is sharply criticized.

Religious criticism of "The Golden Compass," however, seems at least somewhat justified when compared with attacks on J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" books. The logic behind attempts to ban that series apparently comes from its focus on magic. But it might be the widespread influence "Harry Potter" has on the masses that appears threatening and challenging to some people, rather than the mention of magic. Why should religious fanatics criticize this series, when in reality the books promote some good values and encourage literacy?

Atheists are incessantly under attack for their views. Yes, atheists have beliefs, one does not need to believe in God to harbor beliefs, and these ideas often are criticized. If atheists caused an uproar every time a supposed insult was dealt to them in entertainment, the complaints of the extremely religious would appear measly in comparison.

Most Christians, in fact, don't mind these "religiously controversial" books and movies at all. Rather, they enjoy them just like everyone else. The objections and grievances of a small minority are blown out of proportion, which really is not just to those who don't protest the existence of such forms of entertainment.

Those who do sharply criticize books and movies, such as "The Golden Compass" and "Harry Potter," should turn around and see that they are doing the same when the views of this small minority are being imposed on the otherwise satisfied public.

Authors are entitled to write whatever they wish, especially when their works cause more people to enjoy reading, and these movies and books aren't harming anyone. So what's the problem with these supposedly religiously controversial works?

Perhaps those who criticize them should read the books themselves first without outside influence. And afterward, if they still feel compelled to voice objections, they, too, are entitled to express their views.

I just ask that their arguments be valid.

Anne Cai is a 10th-grader at Porter-Gaud. Reach her at avcamethyst@gmail.com.