Devil Loves the Two Extremes

The Golden Compass is coming out soon, and of course everyone knows there is this controversy with it being atheistic. Just like Da Vinci Code, which NCCS opposed. Of course I would support both movies' release. What is the point of withholding something from the people? Use it, and teach the kids, and you got to let them think for themselves, should they accept that message, or a Christian one as with Chronicles of Narnia. Withholding information from people (and kids) only makes them more curious. This is not to mention that one day when they grow up they have to face this issue anyway.

From the reviews I have read, I will definitely watch The Golden Compass for what it is worth. It is silly to ban it because there are so many shows out there that are also atheistic. TGC, however, is said to have universal values which I will definitely look out for, and I believe these universal values to be contrary to atheism. Whether a film explores love, justice, friendship, truth or things like that, they should be watched and appreciated for these values despite their flaws. Harry Potter is one example. I just cannot understand why so many parents would want to ban this show. Have they noticed the selflessness of Harry Potter? The concept of selfless love, as far as I know, has more to do with Christianity and God than with Satanism and the devil.

So this camp is what people may call the "Legalists". They would prevent their kids from watching certain shows which has a certain undesirable message. Maybe they want to ban rock music altogether, or ban all shows above a certain rating. While this is definitely unthinking, we should examine the other extreme: people who say all things can be watched or enjoyed in all freedom. I think this is another falsehood. It assumes that the Christian has strong enough faith, and good enough theology to withstand all sorts of undesirable elements in film, or music, when the cruel fact may very well be, that he or she is unable to differentiate the good and the bad. In such cases, freedom is misused. Maybe I can call it 'Lawlessness': since everything should not be disallowed, everything is to be allowed. The correct view, therefore I believe is the one in the middle. Review, and appreciate good themes/elements in film and music, while keeping away from things which are obviously harmful or which you know you would be unable to judge accurately. Such a position requires great wisdom.