Would these same disenting Catholic voices then condemn or condone Osama bin Laden's recent warning to Europeans of a "severe" reaction to come, concerning the publication of drawings insulting to the Prophet Muhammad? Afterall he too is only trying to defend his religion... Zealots are the same whatever flavour of religion they are promoting and should all be either ignored or ridiculed for their unlogical and uninformed beliefs.

Jacques Fond, Perpignan, France

Hmm.. First to comment on the idea of subverting innocent children.. Well, if I recall correctly, in the christian faith, God is supposed to have given mankind the right and will to choose, known as free will. How then, can any true christian denounce a book, which offers a different choice than that of the bible? are they against free will? That would be to go against the very word of God, which is, I believe, a sin.

Of course, free will also means that if a parent chooses not to see this movie or let their children see it, that is their right and we shall respect it. however, they too must respect our choice to watch this movie and enjoy it, whether for the religious theme or simply because it is a brilliant fantasy movie.

Stating an opinion, which is against that of the established church is in no way dangerous. Do you honestly believe that God would rather have worshippers, who knew no other option, or some, who did and chose Him among these options?

Robert, Denmark,

I'll just say one word - FICTION. I'll say it again - FICTION. Apparently some people need this word explained to them. Boy, if I was going to get some free promotion and publicity for a film I'd try and outrage some really influential (but stupid) groups and they'd do it for me, for free.

Tachyphylactic, there's another word. It means 'producing the very thing you're trying to cure'. Okay it relates to medicines, but these groups are definitely tachyphylactic. Incredible innit?

John Herbert, London, England

All this goodie-christians are a hoot. They have spent the last 2000 years trying to tell people what they shouldn't do. According to them, anything that takes imagination beyond what's written in their (edited once and again) book is a blasphemy, anything more exciting than vanilla ice cream is diabolic and anything that offers creative and original ideas is to be prohibited because what if children see it and ask questions? What if they can't answer them? Whaf if grown ups ask questions? I think that people that are sure of their own beliefs shouldn't be half scared to death by a movie.

Raul, Mexico City, Mexico

I WON'T be seeing this movie because I WILL NOT give my $$$ for a sugar-coated,watered down,hidden agenda film that has anything to do with underlying messages aimed twards being (prejudice) against anyone or a group of individuals so I'll buy their books for my children.

Joie, Sacramento, California

How come they didn't demote any movies that promote religion!? Hypocrites. They didn't say a damn thing about movies like A Christmas Carol. People who watch that could think that people who are bad are visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve.

Ryoma Kurosaki, Rochester New York,

I saw the film last night and really enjoyed it, good performances, well paced, lots of action and of course - fighting polar bears! As for the boycott, it doesn't bother me; i've boycotted christianity for 23 years now - by sleeping in on a Sunday.

If you believe you would feel offended by watching this film then spare a thought for anyone with half a brain who has ever read the bible.

Ben, Cheltenham, England

No one actually "kills" God. He smiles in happy wonder and vanishes, and it isn't the kids' fault. (They were actually trying to help him.)

I'm not a sci-fi fan, and the trilogy does have an "agenda"; I would have liked to have read more about Dr. Munroe's version of Christianity, which comes from "our world". Her loss of God was heartfelt and realistic. Her Church wasn't like the evil one in Lyra's world.

The trilogy ends with hopeful plans to begin the Republic of Heaven, not of Hell; and they plan to do this by teaching everyone love and kindness and justice.

The only reason I read "His Dark Materials" is because of all the emails telling me not to read it. :-)

Anodos, Grand Haven, MI

"Religious groups continue to call for boycott..."
Groups? William Donohue's Catholic Leaque is the only group mentioned.

Lemming51, Libertyville, USA/IL

Ladies and gentlemen,

Despite all of the evidence that this movie provides for itself being a threat to Christianity and humanity as a whole, I would like to call your attention to a greater threat.

The Veggie Tales.

Vegetables plucking themselves from the vine, gaining human characteristics and walking around singing has got to be a sign of witchery! THEY ARE THE DEVILS WORK!!!

I must point to one of their most well-known songs, "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything," for a further example as to why they should be boycotted.

The song states that these talking vegetables are pirates and don't do anything, and if you ask them to do anything, they won't.

This is an act of belligerence! And to be pirates in the first place is not something the Lord would condone. To top it all, they won't even live their lives as what they claim to be, because the are overwhelmed with LETHARGY!!! (Read: sloth, one of seven deadly sins.)

We have got to get these conjured edibles off the air!!!

Tyler, Dallas, TX

Is everyone afraid that their children are going to see this movie and completely turn against the church that you have raised them to love and believe in? If so then you are just delusional and afraid because its just a movie after all, it doesn't scream anti-christian propaganda the whole time, its just a fantasy movie made to entertain.

“In the books the Magisterium is a version of the Catholic church gone wildly astray from its roots,” Weitz wrote recently in a national newspaper.

But he warned: “if that’s what you want in the film, you’ll be disappointed”.

Its just a made up group of people to make an antagonist for the story, but they way that the religious community is reacting to this it makes me think that they are becoming like the group in the movie and everyone that is over-reacting to this is just making the religious community a bunch of narrow minded fearful people. It is really a sad thing to see.

George, Dallas,

There are worse things in this world than movies. If you're such a faithful christian maybe it's time to stop worrying about silly things and to stop making such a commotion.

Perhaps you should concentrate on loving your brothers and sisters in this world and start leading by good example. Sadly, most of you fail at that.

Instead of defending your faith...funny that...if you truly have faith you wouldn't need to defend it.

adrian, dallas, tx

In a world that is so full of delusions, and so passive with there children it is no wonder, people attack Christians who take a stand and say, "I'm not going to allow my children to watch a film that promotes inner demons." And to say that Christianity stifles imagination, makes me laugh at the ignorant thought behind this statement, Who created, the heavens and earth, who created all the different species, who created the ocean animals, who created the birds in the sky and the list goes on and on, of Our God who created things that are simply unimaginable, Jesus is the author of all, and the only thing the enemy can do is mimic the awesome imagination that god has given each and all of us to imagine wonderful things, not inner demons that will only come to haunt our children at night. When children watch this movie and wake up from a nightmare thereafter, consider Jesus in your in life He loves you just the way you are.

Allison Schmidt, Yankton, SD

In a world that is so full of delusions, and so passive with there children it is no wonder, people attack Christians who take a stand and say, "I'm not going to allow my children to watch a film that promotes inner demons." And to say that Christianity stifles imagination, makes me laugh at the ignorant thought behind this statement, Who created, the heavens and earth, who created all the different species, who created the ocean animals, who created the birds in the sky and the list goes on and on, of Our God who created things that are simply unimaginable, Jesus is the author of all, and the only thing the enemy can do is mimic the awesome imagination that god has given each and all of us to imagine wonderful things, not inner demons that will only come to haunt our children at night. When children watch this movie and wake up from a nightmare thereafter, consider Jesus in your in life He loves you just the way you are. Allison Schmidt

Allison Schmidt, Yankton, SD

Sorry, jesus isn't the son of god. His magic tricks are vamped up by the catholic church for popularity among believers.

Daemons are fictional the way demons are. They are products of our imagination. We give words power by denoting them as positives or negatives.

This story is a piece of art and you christian sociopaths are screwing it up with your verbal flailing about and negative depictions of someone's life work.

Chris, Dallas, TX

I am a 51 yr old Grandmother. and mother. I saw the sneak preview .I found it to be very EVIL ! RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING .TO portray souls as demons.-ie Demonic. and shapeshifters are Demonic I too was raised Catholic ,but Im not Catholic anymore. Witches are good? helpful? No witches are devils brides. I think they came out with this because they were mad at the attention that Chronicles of Narnia got. I am EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED THAT SCHOLASTIC BOOKS IS SPONSORING THIS! THEY ARE SURE TO GET IT INTO OUR SCHOOLS.i AM TELLING EVERYONE i KNOW NOT TO SEE IT AND ESPECIALLY DONT LET YOUR KIDS OR GRANDKIDS SEE IT!

JOY, lewisville, USA

The book is absolutly appalling on every level. Any Christian should be praying for the salvation of this Phillip Pullman. The true choas it creates in the mind is beyond measure. Especially the mind of an innocent child. Phillip Pullman should just come out and say, he follows Satanic principles. Every child wanting thier own demon or "daemon" what more could Satan ask for!!!! God is a mighty God, almighty and powerful:) Not weak and defeated as the Prince of this World, Satan, obviously the authors "Father." 'For what has man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul." Matthew 16:26
What it comes down to is that children's souls are left in jeopardy at the sight of this film and books.
I have faith that God will prevail!!! I believe that upon my request he will have legions of angels ready to do warefare for the innocent minds exposed to this!!! That Satan's plan shall be thwarted and he will be unvictorious!!! Jesus lives and loves :)

A. Christian, Reedsburg, Wisconsin

If you want to ban books, then ban religious books.
All of them stifle the imagination of children
And all of them are fictitious.

Mike, Berlin,

Does a novel, play or movie have to have a happy, moral, Christian story and message to be acceptable in the eyes of The Catholic League? How many of the classics of literature, stage and cinema would they like to ban?
It would be an extremely long list of blacklisted books, plays and films if those were the criteria.
They should grow up and let people make up there own minds..........

jim, sydney,

These are the reasons your children will hate you; religious zealots never allow their kids to decide for themselves. Whether it's a deity, a movie, a career, or a relationship, they must impose their skewed logic upon others.

Collin Szewczyk, Glenwood Springs, CO

My family and I will not be watching the movie, not because I am afraid of loosing my religion, or that it will change my belief in God. I have raised my son to respect the church, and the leaders, and to live a life that is led by God, and I would not want him to watch a movie that depicts the church has a evil organization. No matter how the world has portrayed the church, it is still the one place that will reach out to anyone in need with love and compassion. As far as Mr. Pullman, he has not been secretive on his views of God or the church, and I feel that as a christian I rather not support someone with those views. It seems as though he is the one trying to impose his views onto everyone and not the church. I think there has been enough studies and evidence to show that our enviroment and the things that we watch and hear can influence our lives greatly. God gave us our children to protect, and we should be as cautious about what they watch, as much as about who their around.

Melissa, Ward, Arkansas

As a Christian, I appreciate when informed of Atheistic propaganda. Of course he depicts the church in this manner...he is an atheist! I would not want to be 20 minutes into spending $50 on this before I realize what my children are being exposed to. As an adult, I can make my own mind up. And as a Christian, I can choose to send a message, that Christians do have a voice and can use it. Had this movie desparaged a race, gender, or even homosexuals no one would be upset over a boycott.

Tim, Los Angeles,

Why is God, the all powerful, all knowing, all seeing entity, so easily effected by marketing? Better yet, why does he need marketing?

Jamie , los angeles, usa

As a christian I must say that I will not see this movie or buy the books, and I will never let my child see or read it either. At the same point I do understand it is just fiction, and I am not worried about it or the person who wrote it. I worship God, not the world or myself, unfortunately the author I would say is most liekly the other way around. I have my doubts as to whether the author really wants people to become anti-God. They probably just want to be rich, and knew that the controversy would help them make more money. That is what I find to be the saddest thing in all of this. I just pray that this doesn't help young children turn away from God, because children are very impressionable. We always need put God first in our lives. To many people put themselves, money, or even possesions ahead of God and that. Remember, without GOD none of us would even be here.

Brandon Conrad, Harrisburg, PA

I find it strange that the Christians who are vocal about boycotting this movie have their faith built on such a shaky foundation that they think a movie is going to damage it. I don't begrudge anyone their opinion but I wish the outspoken religious types would stop telling the rest of us what we should or should not be watching. They need to focus on their own issues so that a book or movie does not frighten them so.

Jim Caspar, Erie, PA

"Its my understanding in the Final book the child kills off the Church or "God" is this correct?"

Yes, and as a Christian I say rightly so! The 'god' who appears in this book is a bumbling, senile, powerless idiot and the 'church' is a power hungry mind controlling organisation of evil. Both deserve to die. If I lived in Lyra's world I'd be on the side of the rebellion!

And the correct debate to have as a result is not about banning a good book/film but about what sort of God we believe in and what kind of church we want. Answer - not the ones in the Dark Materials trilogy!

andrew holden, oxford, uk

This book is a masterpiece. It keeps you gripped and yes it lets you look at faith head on. God fobbid anybody look for some other faith than christianity!!
It is a wonderously Spiritual book which I have no doubt that children will not even take any notice of. If they do what are people afraid of - that their children might be individual human beings with their own drive and thoughts instead of carbon copies of their parents. I thought we live in the 21st century !!!

T HALITI, GREATER LONDON, UK

They·ll be getting angry about Teddy Bear names next!

ken, bournemouth,

It's interesting to read the U.K critics reviews of 'The Golden Compass". They will gleefully give the movie 4 or 5 stars then proceed to tear it appart in their review. Why do they do this? Because their disdain for Christianity and religion in general (like most Brits) is so pervasive they aren't about to let their credibility get in the way of pumping this beautiful looking but horribly tedious movie. Even the most liberal critics over here
are calling what it is. A snoozefest. In other words, sorry guys, no sequels on the horizon. Look at it this way, at least they'll be starting pre-production on the Hobbit soon.

Dani, Happytown USA,

Its my understanding in the Final book the child kills off the Church or "God" is this correct? If so why would you want your child to see or read this Trilogy if in fact you are a religious person. So your right we ALL HAVE A RIGHT to our opinions and mine is to SKIP THIS MOVIE ALL TOGETHER.

Lisa, carmichael, california

I was super excited to see this film before I heard it was being boycotted. Now I am even more anxious to see it!!

John Ryland, Jonesboro, AR

All people are entitled to their own opinions and beliefs. Some people will agree with some, others will not. That is what is fantastic about this life. Live life the best way that you know how, to your best ability.

Adam Toone, Taylorsville, USA

Mr Pullman, the reason you have been accused of being an militant atheist has got something to do with the trilogy of books you have written I believe.

Cecilia Brown, stockport, England

I am a Christian parent and as such I was concerned about the reported content of this film. After seeing it tonight, I have concluded that it is appropriate for my elementary school age children. The "anti-clerical sub-text" could just as easily have referred to a secular government run amok; the "whiskey-guzzling bear" is a good example of the potential for redemption in all of us, even those whose lives appear to be wasted; and I won't even comment on the "standard genre occult elements" or the "character born out of wedlock". I am considering buying the books for my children, but I intend to read them first. If my children have been properly brought up in the church, then works of fiction like this will in no way affect their religious beliefs. Should this manage to shake their faith in some way, that indicates to me there was a problem before they experienced Pullman's work.

Brandy, Amelia, Ohio, USA

You do realize that when Jesus was on Earth he challenged the authorities of his day. The Pharasees were the Magisterium in Jerusalem in Christ's time.

Jason, Nashville, TN

Of course it is possible to be Catholic and to enjoy Pullman.

That runs neither against Donohue's central point nor against mine.

There are several things to consider:

(1) Whether monetarily to support something that might be enjoyable, even if such support would likely end up misguiding children. If the first movie does well enough at the box office, then the chances of a sequel improve. Does the Catholic want to enable the production of a second movie, one that would be more difficult to make palatable to a Christian audience?

(2) Whether to support a work in which authority is presented as evil. My impression is that some like Pullman's work because it teaches children to oppose authority. Perhaps this is not so. Perhaps a good authority is presented in the books. A fundamental Christian value is respect for right authority.

(3) A parent is responsible for a child's formation, but the parent might need help to be aware of what he's up against. Hence Donohue's remarks.

Thomas E. Vaughan, Denver, USA

It's quite possible to be Catholic and enjoy Pullman, thanks.

You are not what you read. <3

Katie, D.C.,

If the story is about the Catholic Church gone astray, why wouldn't the church promote this film? In a way, it would tell christians how NOT to inappropriately use their faith - by exploiting the weaknesses of others.

I find this film with very strong christian values. It questions the power of authority. The heroes in this story are beacons of what Christ would teach - loyalty, strength, courage, wisdom.

These are christians in a parallel universe who abuse their power, not put it to good use. I don't see how this film converts christians to atheists

Alyx Jolivet, portland,

I am a Catholic, and so I expect to be derided by those who revere Pullman and his efforts against organized religion.

What I should like to point out, especially to those who oppose organized religion, is that neither Pullman's cause, nor the cause of justice, nor the search for truth is furthered in the long run by his calling us nitwits. Even if you cannot see that the Catholic faith is reasonable, there are those who think carefully and critically, and nevertheless judge it to be so.

Anyway, the most important aspect of Donohue's message is that Pullman's movie, though in itself arguably innocuous, represents the tip of a rather nocuous iceberg. The larger story appears, even from Pullman's own documented claims, likely to be damaging to the formation of Christian children. This is a simple fact, and its proclamation is merely an attempt to alert the public.

If the film receives extra publicity, then fine. It is more important that the popular spade be known as a spade.

Thomas E. Vaughan, Denver, USA

LOL. So funny. The very people who wish to prevent others from seeing this film, go out of their way to unwittingly provide the publicity that will ensure that even more people watch it.
Anything that attacks organised religion has got to be a good thing.

Watch this film!

Tony Pritchard, Cancun, Mexico

I am currently reading The golden compass and am enjoying it immensely. I will definitely be seeing the film as soon as I have finished reading it. I hate to see when people are not allowed to make up their own minds about what they will read or see without
pressure from groups or factions. Maybe kids should be allowed to make their minds up if they wish to be "brought up" into the parents faiths. Boycott if you will but you won't stop me from seeing this or reading the rest of this great story and Trilogy.

Adam , Wilmington, nC

Pullman said in one interview that "I'm trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief" (Washington Post, February 19, 2001) and in another that "[m]y books are about killing God." (Sidney Morning Post, December 13, 2003). The villains in the story are all religious figures associated with a falsified parody of the Catholic church and, in the end, God is in fact killed. Mr Weitz, when asked whether the antireligious elements of the books had been deliberately toned down in the first movie, said that "[t]he aim is to put in the elements we need to make this movie a hit, so that we can be much less compromising in how the second and third books are shot.”

After a short flurry of interest, this movie is going to sink like a stone, not because it is antichristian, but because, as many of the early reviews have noted, it is bloated, hollow, mechanical, disjointed, and boring.

Vincent DiCarlo, Davis, California

I think what most people forget is that belief in Jesus Christ is not a belief in organised religion. I think this is something most churches in the USA have forgotten; where religion is an institution.

Tim, Sydney, Australia

I suspect that the financiers of this film hope the churches carry on this idiotic campaign.. it will do wonders for the box office takings.
Intelligent people don't need this stufff to see through the falsity of religion.

Alan Rogers, Lampeter, UK