Twilight

[Idea]

So… I started up an enrichment group – a book club – and much to my unsettlement, our first book is one that I am not sure I should be promoting… I was thinking of sending this around as a review and food for thought for those who are now reading this book. I have not yet read the book – I am still waiting for it to come in the mail, so the following is purely speculation, and second hand impressions of it. Have any of you read the book? What would you say about it? Would I be out of line in sending the following to a church group? I feel like such a stick in the mud sometimes. At our last meeting, one of the sister was reading the “Golden Compass” series … I said – you do know who wrote this book and what it is really about don’t you? Was then met with silence – explained the premise and purpose behind the story – after which the reader defended the book… well, this old guy does get killed, but there is so much truth in it… I do not think it is trying to be evil… sort of defense of the books… Honestly, there so many other books out there to be spending time on. What is this obsession people have toying with things like that… of course I try to be polite, bite my tongue rather than criticize too loudly – perhaps I should be a little more loud… Anyways, here is my subjective, second hand impression of the book…


Twilight

“The safest road to Hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts” – C. S. Lewis



3 Nephi 12:
27 Behold, it is written by them of old time, that thou shalt not commit adultery;
28 But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman, to lust after her, hath committed adultery already in his heart.
29 Behold, I give unto you a commandment, that ye suffer none of these things to enter into your heart;
30 For it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into hell.


This book as been described as one where a socially awkward young naive 17 year old Bella is able to walk up to the edge of things, and resist temptations snare… I am not so sure that she has resisted though. I see an old wise vampire toying with her as a cat would play with a mouse. Are Edward and his family really as harmless as they would like her to believe? I detect a flaxen chord…

2 Nephi 26: 22 And there are also secret combinations, even as in times of old, according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of all these things; yea, the founder of murder, and works of darkness; yea, and he leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever.

I see a Vampire who is enjoying a game, in which he makes Bella think she is being morally strong… he has distracted her and given her false confidence by allowing her to conquer the lure of physical intimacy while all the time, he is taking something much more from her than a kiss. Is this a beautiful story of true love, or an example of just how deceptive evil can be? Can anyone ever really know another’s heart?

Isaiah 5: 20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Stories are meant to be symbolic, does the author, perhaps young and naive herself, understand the symbolism behind a vampire? A creature that lives from death, who cannot tolerate the sun… The sun is a symbol of all that is holy and good. It symbolizes the Celestial kingdom, spell sun a little differently and it is a symbol of… all that is good and pure and holy. Truly, a creature of evil who pleasures himself in death, would avoid contact with the sun. How is possible for such a filthy vile creature as this to gain entrance into any heart? A story in which Bella, and the author herself perhaps, are trying to define evil as good.

[Blackmarch]

well I don't read too much symbolism into fiction as most authors aren't aware or choose to ignore such symbolism.

I tend to stay away from vampiric stories as they tend to have extremes involving both violence and immorality.

However that said... Dracula is a good story, best read in a creepy isolated location. My bro has also gotten into a couple of vampire mangas.

[A New Dawn]

The Golden Compass series was written to counteract Christianity. It was written in direct response to CS Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia to give children something that portrays Christianity in a bad light.

As far as who the group is that you started the group for, if they are church members, I'd let them know right off that you think it is a poor choice if the idea is to introduce the books to children, but if it is just for you adults, I think it is OK to study the opposition to Christianity.

[PattyAnn]

Stories are meant to be symbolic, does the author, perhaps young and naive herself, understand the symbolism behind a vampire? A creature that lives from death, who cannot tolerate the sun… The sun is a symbol of all that is holy and good. It symbolizes the Celestial kingdom, spell sun a little differently and it is a symbol of… all that is good and pure and holy. Truly, a creature of evil who pleasures himself in death, would avoid contact with the sun. How is possible for such a filthy vile creature as this to gain entrance into any heart? A story in which Bella, and the author herself perhaps, are trying to define evil as good.

I think you need to re-evaluate your idea on vampires.
Every vampire story, every lore describes something different.
And once you have read Twilight you will see that your comments here are obsolete.
I can tell you why, but I fear it will spoil the book for you, but lets just say, one read if you feel your comments are still just, then I don't know what book you read.

If however you are not afraid of being spoilt, then let me know, and I'll let you know, why your argument is a very broken one.

[Blackmarch]

The Golden Compass series was written to counteract Christianity. It was written in direct response to CS Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia to give children something that portrays Christianity in a bad light.

As far as who the group is that you started the group for, if they are church members, I'd let them know right off that you think it is a poor choice if the idea is to introduce the books to children, but if it is just for you adults, I think it is OK to study the opposition to Christianity.
While the movie was ok it did leave a bad feeling. I haven't read the books.

[Idea]

The Golden Compass series was written to counteract Christianity. It was written in direct response to CS Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia to give children something that portrays Christianity in a bad light.

As far as who the group is that you started the group for, if they are church members, I'd let them know right off that you think it is a poor choice if the idea is to introduce the books to children, but if it is just for you adults, I think it is OK to study the opposition to Christianity.

I have not read the Golden Compass, but I might... I will not buy it, but possibly borrow it... rumors that it is not really "athiest" as athiests do not believe in anything else out there... sort of sounds like this book does not say nothing is out there? She said children would not enjoy it - that it was written more for adults...

I think you need to re-evaluate your idea on vampires.
Every vampire story, every lore describes something different.
And once you have read Twilight you will see that your comments here are obsolete.
I can tell you why, but I fear it will spoil the book for you, but lets just say, one read if you feel your comments are still just, then I don't know what book you read.

If however you are not afraid of being spoilt, then let me know, and I'll let you know, why your argument is a very broken one.

I did not send around my thoughts… I just have so many other good books I want to read, it is hard for me to force myself to hopefully not waste time on this, so I get cranky, and come up with excuses why I should not take the time to read it… I will read it though… not a thorough reading… I’ll speed read it… I do not want to spoil it, and enough people have said it is good – I will start reading it next week... I am almost finished with "Christy" - by Catherine Marshall - such a good book! A daughter writing her mother's incredible story - it has an American history they do not teach in history books, Christianity in a new light, the best of humanity, and the worst of humanity… I think they tried to make it into a TV series a long time ago, although movies / TV always ruin the best books. Somehow on the screen it is actors and fake sets… when you read it – it becomes real.

Books I just bought to read:
The Red Tent – Anita Diamant
Man’s Search for Meaning – Victor Frankl
A Man Called Peter (Peter Marshall)

Currently reading
Joseph Smith – Rough Stone rolling
Against the Pollution of the I – (read “And There was Light”, this is from the same author, – Jacquez Lusseyran)
CS Lewis – complete works: Mere Christianity, Miracles, The Great Divorce, The Problem of Pain, A Grief Observed, The Abolition of Man, Screwtape Letters…
Christy - so good! I'm going to go finish it up :)

[A New Dawn]

According to reviews that I read, the author was an athiest. ISTM that it would be hard to portray Christianity as bad unless there is something to compare it to, hence whatever he is using as the protagonist.

[Idea]

According to reviews that I read, the author was an athiest. ISTM that it would be hard to portray Christianity as bad unless there is something to compare it to, hence whatever he is using as the protagonist.

I have not read it so I cannot really say - that was from here

"link (http://christianforums.com/t6843754-the-golden-compass.html)" - post #3

Guess I will have to read it - although I refuse to buy it - I will not put any money in his pockets :)

[skylark1]

Books I just bought to read:
The Red Tent – Anita Diamant
Man’s Search for Meaning – Victor Frankl
A Man Called Peter (Peter Marshall)

Currently reading
Joseph Smith – Rough Stone rolling
Against the Pollution of the I – (read “And There was Light”, this is from the same author, – Jacquez Lusseyran)
CS Lewis – complete works: Mere Christianity, Miracles, The Great Divorce, The Problem of Pain, A Grief Observed, The Abolition of Man, Screwtape Letters…
Christy - so good! I'm going to go finish it up :)

I read Christy when I was a teenager. Its a wonderful book. Maybe I should read it again.

I also thought that Victor Frankl's Man’s Search for Meaning was very worthwhile reading.

Have you ever read the Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom?

[Zechariah]

Have you ever read the Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom?

That's one of our favorite books to give as a gift. My wife has always enjoyed doing gift baskets, and The Hiding Place is one of her favorite choices to include as one of the book items. People love it, and even if it turns out they've already read it, they always seem to know someone they want to give a copy to themselves.

[skylark1]

That's one of our favorite books to give as a gift. My wife has always enjoyed doing gift baskets, and The Hiding Place is one of her favorite choices to include as one of the book items. People love it, and even if it turns out they've already read it, they always seem to know someone they want to give a copy to themselves.
That is a great book to give as a gift. :)

Have you also read Tramp for the Lord?

[Zechariah]

That is a great book to give as a gift. :)

Have you also read Tramp for the Lord?

No, we haven't.

[skylark1]

No, we haven't.
It is sort of a sequel to the Hiding Place. I think that you would like it.

http://www.amazon.com/Tramp-Lord-Corrie-ten-Boom/dp/0515089931

(I thought that you quoted from it once, when you related her story of forgiving the guard that she met years later. Maybe I mixed you up with someone else, or the story was also published elsewhere.)

[Zechariah]

It is sort of a sequel to the Hiding Place. I think that you would like it.

http://www.amazon.com/Tramp-Lord-Corrie-ten-Boom/dp/0515089931

(I thought that you quoted from it once, when you related her story of forgiving the guard that she met years later. Maybe I mixed you up with someone else, or the story was also published elsewhere.)

Yes, I have related that story before, and quoted from it, though I don't remember where, but could have been here, but wasn't that account in The Hiding Place too? Then again, since I've read a lot about her, I could have read it elsewhere if it's not. But quoting from the account, I've quoted from an online source since most of our books are in storage.

At any rate - we'll have to read Tramp for the Lord too.

:thumbsup:

[skylark1]

Yes, I have related that story before, and quoted from it, though I don't remember where, but could have been here, but wasn't that account in The Hiding Place too? Then again, since I've read a lot about her, I could have read it elsewhere if it's not. But quoting from the account, I've quoted from an online source since most of our books are in storage.

At any rate - we'll have to read Tramp for the Lord too.

:thumbsup:
Maybe I am mixed up about which book that account was in, but I know that Tramp for the Lord was also a good book. :)

[Idea]

Love the hiding place - I now want to read Tramp for the Lord... but am currently forcing myself through twilight...

I am up to pg 197 in Twilight… It is the classic tale of girl who grows up without strong father figure seeks unhealthy relationship. It is disturbing really, their first meeting is one of rejection, and that seems to make her like him more. She likes him through lust – because of what he looks like, and because part of him is rejecting her – as she was rejected/separated from her father when she was young… I worry about the people who are obsessed with this book… A love of this book might indicate an unhealthy understanding of what love is.

See end of pg 16, pg 17 … http://www.princetonprinciples.org/files/Marriage%20and%20the%20Public%20Good.pdf (http://www.princetonprinciples.org/files/Marriage%20and%20the%20Public%20Good.pdf)

Read about what a broken family / lack of strong father does to children…

sorry - I'll stop ranting...
If you liked Christy - you have to read other stuff by Catherine Marshall - like Beyond Ourself - Such an incredible family, she is one person who understood what Christianity is really supposed to be.

Quote on back cover of Beyond Ourslef:

"Thank you for sharing with your fellowman the gift of life. My husband and I have just read Beyond Ourselves and will never be the same. We think this is one of the greatest books we've ever read."

"You're book Beyond Our Selves has touched me deeply. I read it slowly so as to digest it will. Thank you for a beautiful journey into your intermost thoughts."

"Last Friday evening I picked up a copy of your new book, Beyond Our selves. I shall never be the same person again as long as I live. Thanks for showing me the way."

My personal comments on the book - I stayed up all night reading it, went home, started ordering extra copies to start giving out. It really is a life changing book if you let the concepts in... I read this after reading "Bonds that Make us Free" by Terry Warner - a few of these type of book all together have changed me... Every time I feel in a slump, I can pull these books out, and put myself back on my feet again...

Any other good books?

[dragoniatiegre]

While the movie was ok it did leave a bad feeling. I haven't read the books.
And the movie just about removed the religious aspect that is prevelent in the books. I have read all three (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass, collectively known as His Dark Materials), and enjoyed them as books. I did not like the message that it was portraying, but being one who reads books to enjoy them, I can look past that message.

[Idea]

I finished reading Twilight, don’t know that I will read the sequels. I will say this for it – Bella and Edward are the epitome of female / male. Bella is physically weak blushing emotional girl – a beautiful, companionate, selfless creature she is. Edward is the knight in shining armor, big strong protector – a man with a mission and purpose in life because he has someone who needs protecting, and is worth protecting. A beautiful example of how men and women in their natural roles compliment, strengthen, define, one another… give one another Meaning and Purpose in life. These positive attributes are offset by the negative ones though. Bella not seeing herself as an equal to Edward – she does not realize the beauty of being human, does not see her strengths as strengths – a common shortcoming of women to devalue themselves and not recognize their true worth. There is a fine line between being humble, and being a victim… People always ask why the need for evil to exist – loving God, then why all the evil? There is some strange connection between good and evil, they almost need one another – opposition in all things or existence lacks depth.. Love/hate relationships, the best of times found in the worst of times, much of the best in the worst of us, and the worst in the best of us... In some strange way our shortcomings are what make us endearing… the more problems someone has, the easier it is to sympathize, and come to love them.

I started reading the Red Tent – it is a bit graphic, but also portrays women in a very powerful light. I do not think it captures the grace and beauty of femininity, creates more of a cave-man woman picture… Interesting ideas of goddess worship though. I did a study on Heavenly Mother awhile back, Ahserah, Ahserah poles, tree of life, etc… surprising, there is a lot of godess worship in the OT – and not just worship by pagans, Abraham worshipped Her… “link (http://www.fairlds.org/pubs/MotherInHeaven.pdf)” The English version of the OT hides much about her that is revealed in the original Hebrew version. The Red Tent explores early Jewish worship of her – recognition of female Goddesses give these women a power and equality with men that is somewhat lacking in traditional Christianity.… Ancient Jewish traditions are very mystical/magical oriented with idols, fortune telling, superstitions etc… Interesting that Joseph Smith was raised in a family who was into magic / mysticism stuff too – most Christians would say that it is weird and pagan, but it really is not. Christianity requires being open to the supernatural too. Christianity/Judaism has roots in traditions that are more “pagan” than most would like to admit.

[Kris10leigh]

I loved the Twilight series! If you do decide to keep reading, I think "Twilight" was the best, "New Moon" was tolerable, but I had a hard time getting through the long and boring middle and then "Eclipse" was good again, though I despised the ending.

Just a tidbit of trivia...Stephenie Meyer (the author) is Mormon. From her website at Stepheniemeyer.com:
"I am also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormon, as we are commonly called—for more info on what that means, see www.mormon.org (http://www.mormon.org/) ) and that has a huge influence on who I am and my perspective on the world, and therefore what I write (though I have been asked more than once, "What's a nice Mormon girl like you doing writing about vampires?")."

I read the Golden Compass books as well mainly because I don't like to debate a book I am not familiar with. I was greatly disturbed by the books. I thought they were a good read for a adults are secure with themselves, but for children it is an appalling series.

[fallenphantomangel]

The twilight series, along with the golden compass, are just stories. Most kids dont' even realise the symbolism behind them untill someone points it out to them.

[A New Dawn]

The twilight series, along with the golden compass, are just stories. Most kids dont' even realise the symbolism behind them untill someone points it out to them.

They are "just stories" in the same sense that The Chronicles of Narnia are just stories. They were written with a specific intent, that would be to lead kids away from Christianity just as the Chronicles of Narnia were written to introduce children to Christ. And the writer accomplishes his purpose by making the symbolism unrecognizable till things are pointed out, and by that time, it has done it's work.

[Kris10leigh]

They are "just stories" in the same sense that The Chronicles of Narnia are just stories. They were written with a specific intent, that would be to lead kids away from Christianity just as the Chronicles of Narnia were written to introduce children to Christ. And the writer accomplishes his purpose by making the symbolism unrecognizable till things are pointed out, and by that time, it has done it's work.

Right. I wouldn't begin to compare the "Golden Compass" with "Twilight". "Twilight" is a story, told for the sake of telling a story. "Golden Compass" is an agenda. There's a big difference.

[A New Dawn]

Right. I wouldn't begin to compare the "Golden Compass" with "Twilight". "Twilight" is a story, told for the sake of telling a story. "Golden Compass" is an agenda. There's a big difference.

I haven't read Twilight to know, I was speaking to whether The Golden Compass stories were harmless or not.

[fallenphantomangel]

You're so convienced that everyone is trying to lead your children away. I don't hear any agnostic people, or others from other religions complaining about the 'Chronicles' trying to convert their children to christianity. Why can't you just let it go?

[A New Dawn]

You're so convienced that everyone is trying to lead your children away. I don't hear any agnostic people, or others from other religions complaining about the 'Chronicles' trying to convert their children to christianity. Why can't you just let it go?

There is a difference between someone converting someone else to something you don't believe exists, and someone converting someone else away from something you do believe exists.

Besides, agnostics don't believe or disbelieve in God, they just don't believe one way or another. I'm sure if they did believe one way or another that they wouldn't be agnostic. :doh:

And I'm sure that there are those from other religions that complain about Christians trying to convert their kids away. You might not see it on CF (since it is a Christian discussion board), but I'm sure if you looked elsewhere (as well as ~E~) you'd see it.

[fallenphantomangel]

This is my view on this whole subject:

I consider myself a very patient person, concerning the circumstances (ADHD, etc). I know people have their flaws and it's nothing I can controll so why bother worrying about/getting angry over it, etcetera, etcetera~ But. The one thing I can not and I mean can NOT stand is the bible thumping, controlling, dictators of parents with their poor kids. And yes, I understand that quite a few people don't read Harry Potter for whatever reason (But I'm a Cheerleader!) and that's fine. I'm not gasming over the series and everyone has their own opinion, whatever. I can understand that you don't like to read fantasy (magic, etc) things because you're terrified of the idea that your precious discrimination in the name of some invisible Being is actually totally wrong. And that's OKAY. I DON'T CARE.

HOWEVER. Don't come into my department and complain to me about this kind of thing 'cause guess what you're suffocating in. MAGIC, IDIOTS! >__< It's the bloody CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT. Not Fiction, not Christian Fiction; CHILDREN. Where animals can talk, you can fly, and the sky is filled with rainbows.

"Oh Caryn, you are ever so angry! What has caused this disruption of peace?"

WHY THANK YOU FOR ASKING, ANONYMOUS! I shall tell ye children. Now gather 'round the campfire and let me tune me olde wood'n strings.

This lady comes in with her10-ish year old son, wanting to find a chapter book for him to read. Great, you've complited step one of your quest. She limits me on strictly "No Harry Potter, no magic, no fairies, no dragons." ... Fine, you bible thumper. So we go from 25% of the department to ... 5%. Whatever. We go along, and I ask the boy what he likes to read or what he's into. He off-handly tells me that one of his friends really likes "Leven Thumps (And the Gateway to Foo) and that it's really popular at his school. So I get it and show him and his mom plucks it out of his hands and goes "Oh no. No, no. Put this back. You can tell by the cover I won't allow you to get this." The boy and I both grimace and we continue along. (For the fellow BandNers reading, we started from the Collections/Poetry/end of Juv Fiction and worked towards Newberry/beginging) I ask hmi if he likes Greek Mythology (Lightening Thief) and his mom glances at the back and says no then asks him "What about that Narnia series? That's a good one, you like that one." And tells her it was boring. HA! WELL DUH. The only part of that the kids like is the second book! And this clicks off in my smart-ass head and I go "Ma'am, the 'Chronicles of Narnia' is fantasy. Why would that one be any different?" Knowing the answer of course, but wanting to make the point clear. She replies "Well, it's written based on biblical references." ... ¬___¬ So I inturn ask if she's seen Pan's Labrynth and tell her if you look hard enough you can find biblical themes in any story. And I continue before she interjects (fuel injects) that the basis for almost all the stories, fantasy or not, are an evil force tries to rise up and is defeated, in the end, by the good force. She snidely asks "Well is it rich good?" (which confused the hell outta me and everyone else I told) and then states that they're not the same 'cause they're not writting based on the bibble. I eventually grow weary of her thumping and point then to the Newberry Awards bay and ask if they needed anything else before going on my way.

So whatever, the boy wants to read fantasy and is no doubt doing so behind her back and they'll have issues later on if she's still so controlling. And like a manager said, if she won't expose him to innocent fantasy, she's opening the doors for racism, sexual overtones, and other crappy stuff that MAGICALLY DOESN'T EXIST IN THE EVIL WORLD OF MAGIC AND FAIRIES. LOL, IRONY IS FUN.

[A New Dawn]

This is my view on this whole subject:

I consider myself a very patient person, concerning the circumstances (ADHD, etc). I know people have their flaws and it's nothing I can controll so why bother worrying about/getting angry over it, etcetera, etcetera~ But. The one thing I can not and I mean can NOT stand is the bible thumping, controlling, dictators of parents with their poor kids. And yes, I understand that quite a few people don't read Harry Potter for whatever reason (But I'm a Cheerleader!) and that's fine. I'm not gasming over the series and everyone has their own opinion, whatever. I can understand that you don't like to read fantasy (magic, etc) things because you're terrified of the idea that your precious discrimination in the name of some invisible Being is actually totally wrong. And that's OKAY. I DON'T CARE.

HOWEVER. Don't come into my department and complain to me about this kind of thing 'cause guess what you're suffocating in. MAGIC, IDIOTS! >__< It's the bloody CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT. Not Fiction, not Christian Fiction; CHILDREN. Where animals can talk, you can fly, and the sky is filled with rainbows.

"Oh Caryn, you are ever so angry! What has caused this disruption of peace?"


Wow. Thanks for coming into a forum that is not your run-of-the-mill forum to visit and putting us straight. :doh:

Since when do you know me, or any of us that post here? Aside from the fact that you are off on most of your amateurish psychoanalization, you should actually read a write-up on the books I am talking about. I am fine if you, an adult, wish to trash your mind up with that type of thing, but my children (under my care, being raised by me) will read the types of things that promote Christian ideals (which includes a lot of fantasy and sci-fi (but let's not bother cluttering up the discussion with the facts, shall we?))

Thanks for your opinion. You can have it back now. :)

[fallenphantomangel]

Wow. Thanks for coming into a forum that is not your run-of-the-mill forum to visit and putting us straight. :doh:

Since when do you know me, or any of us that post here? Aside from the fact that you are off on most of your amateurish psychoanalization, you should actually read a write-up on the books I am talking about. I am fine if you, an adult, wish to trash your mind up with that type of thing, but my children (under my care, being raised by me) will read the types of things that promote Christian ideals (which includes a lot of fantasy and sci-fi (but let's not bother cluttering up the discussion with the facts, shall we?))

Thanks for your opinion. You can have it back now. :)


I've actually read the books, my last post was written by a very dear friend of mine and I happen to agree with her.

And yes, it is my opinion, isn't that what this whole forum is about, other peoples opinions? Wow, I pity your kids if you are raising them with this point of view.

[A New Dawn]

I've actually read the books, my last post was written by a very dear friend of mine and I happen to agree with her.

And yes, it is my opinion, isn't that what this whole forum is about, other peoples opinions? Wow, I pity your kids if you are raising them with this point of view.

As I said, I am fine that you have your opinion, but when you (or your very dear friend) come in and rage against me for raising my kids the way a parent feels led to raise their own kids, then you (or your very dear friend) need a good talking to.

I, on the other hand, pity your parents, and you, because they obviously led you to believe that you should have the ability to tell others how to raise their kids.

[fallenphantomangel]

As I said, I am fine that you have your opinion, but when you (or your very dear friend) come in and rage against me for raising my kids the way a parent feels led to raise their own kids, then you (or your very dear friend) need a good talking to.

I, on the other hand, pity your parents, and you, because they obviously led you to believe that you should have the ability to tell others how to raise their kids.


I just think you're being silly.

[fallenphantomangel]

And heavens forbid my mom taught me to speak my mind.

[Kris10leigh]

I haven't read Twilight to know, I was speaking to whether The Golden Compass stories were harmless or not.
:thumbsup: I was agreeing with you.

[Kris10leigh]

You're so convienced that everyone is trying to lead your children away. I don't hear any agnostic people, or others from other religions complaining about the 'Chronicles' trying to convert their children to christianity. Why can't you just let it go?
Actually, no. I have no problem with books leading people away from Christianity. I think people have strong enough minds about their religion to know whether or not they agree with the topic. What I do have a problem with is violence in childrens' literature, which is rampant in "Golden Compass". And the values are morally questionable regardless of what religion (or lack thereof) the reader subscribes to.

I loved Twilight and I loved Harry Potter! In my personal opinion, The Golden Compass is a great read for adults, but my children will not be reading it. For that matter, later Harry Potter books are not for children. Again, it's the violence factor. I don't want my kids having nightmares about Voldemort coming to get them in a flash of green light if I can help it.