SherryTX Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 (edited) First off - I am NOT looking to start the whole believe vs. unbelief thing here. I am just curious: I know many of you do not allow your kids to read the books or see the Harry Potter movies based on the content of the stories. For those of you that are religious, but consider the books/movies harmless (perhaps recognizing they are just fiction, so you read the books or watch the movies anyway) - knowing that the main actor is an atheist would this change whether you let your kids see the new or subsequent movies? My take (though I am no longer a Christian) is that it wouldn't matter. However, I am curious, as some are wondering if this will make a difference. He describes himself as a "relaxed atheist" and he isn't out to bash religion. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/harry-potter/5734000/Daniel-Radcliffe-a-cool-nerd.html Edited July 9, 2009 by SherryTX Edited to clarify Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tree House Academy Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 LOL - nope. I could care less what the actor believes. Now, do an interview with J.K. Rowling and let her announce she is an athiest and maybe, just maybe that will change my mind some. The actor though, no. What does that mean? He didn't write the books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMamaBird Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 What an actor/singer/etc. believes in private doesn't bother me. It's when they get all publicly preachy about issues that annoys me. If it's legal and they're not all in my face about it, I could care less. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nutmeg Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 For those of you that are religious, but consider the books/movies harmless...knowing that the main actor is an atheist would this change whether you let your kids see the new or subsequent movies? I fit your qualifiers, so I will answer: No, this does not at all change our plans to see the movie next week. :lurk5: (Couldn't, couldn't care less) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I fit too. Can't wait to see the movie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pooh bear Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 If the views points of an actor go against your own, then you would be missing out on lots of movies/TV shows. Would you not watch Lord of the Rings because Ian McKellen is gay Would you not watch House because Hugh Laurie is an atheist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orthodox6 Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 We never have paid attention "HP", so the movie won't even come up. As for the actor, of whom I never have heard anyway, his religious position is irrelevant for me. Go beneath the surface of almost any actor, actress, composer, musician, author, painter, sculptor. . . and one will find something unpalatable. Only in some instances will I use that as cause to avoid the music, film, or book. (two examples: the abominable lives and writings of Baudelaire and Verlaine) Go beneath my surface, and one will find all manner of unpalatable (accurate word is "sinful") elements. People talk with me and are friends with me, nonetheless. (for which I am truly grateful !) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Governess Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I fit too, and I already bought my tickets. Not bothered. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elizabeth Conley Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Harry Potter books and movies started when my kids were simply too young. Now it seems they're not interested. In general, neither child has a fascination for dark themes or the supernatural. We haven't discouraged it, they've just always seemed to feel a disinterest, if not outright aversion. For this reason the issue hasn't come up. Ironically, my husband and I have seen some of the movies, and I read a few of the books. We don't have any problem with the kids seeing them, but they don't care to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pretty in Pink Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I will still let my children read the books and watch the films so long as they do not contain content that I find objectionable. I couldn't care less what an actor's political or religious affiliations are. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingM Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 No, not bothered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pip Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Doesn't matter to me. Skander Keynes, who plays Edmond in the Chronicles on Narnia, is an atheist, related to John Maynard Keynes and Charles Darwin. Does that disqualify him from being in the movies? Besides, the UK is notoriously secular and lots of kids his age are atheists as they try to figure out the world. Now, if they were starring in, producing and writing a movie about the life of Christ, that might be different. And I fit your criteria. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Do not be afraid. :D Atheistic belief simply means you do not believe in divinity. That's it. It doesn't make one act immorally or be prone to devil-worship. (That would not be atheism, it would be worshiping ;) ). And Paganism? Not usually atheism. Buddhism is a religion with atheistic belief. I could be a good and kind and moral Buddhist and still be an atheist. Or a Hindu, even. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stacy in NJ Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Seriously, in the UK the only socially acceptable religious belief is the lack of belief. so, to answer your question, it doesn't disturb me, and my dss and I will see the movie and have read the books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pip Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Do not be afraid. :D Atheistic belief simply means you do not believe in divinity. That's it. It doesn't make one act immorally or be prone to devil-worship. (That would not be atheism, it would be worshiping ;) ). And Paganism? Not usually atheism. Buddhism is a religion with atheistic belief. I could be a good and kind and moral Buddhist and still be an atheist. Or a Hindu, even. One of my best friends is an atheist (seriously) and I would trust her with my life and more children more so than a lot of Christians I know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 We watch Bones, where the main character is also an atheist. Her partner is a die hard Catholic though. The segments dealing with faith have been very interesting and good for discussion. Dr. Brennan sometimes comes off as "bashing" a faith (usually a one spot, exaggerated spiel), but then is countered with a discussion by her partner. And funnily enough, she sometimes champions faith herself, though not believing in it, or asks those of faith some really good questions. Granted, those questions can't all be addressed in the time limits of the show, but with parental involvement and parents educating their children of their own faith, it can be really good. Scripture says we should be able to give answer. How can we give answer if we don't know the questions or where they are coming from? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luanne Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 If I only watched movies/television shows/etc. that didn't have anyone in them that I disagreed with religious wise or otherwise, I'd never watch anything. We will still be seeing the next Harry Potter movie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apiphobic Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Hmmm, your question has sparked a little conversation with myself. No, it doesn't bother me that he's an atheist, but that's not surprising because I'm an atheist myself. I enjoyed the Harry Potter books and movies and will watch the new one as well. I also read the Chronicles of Narnia series and watched the movies with no qualms or reservations. I like to tell myself that people are made up of more than just one part and I shouldn't write them off because I may disagree with an opinion, belief, viewpoint, affiliation, or whatever. I homeschool but that is not the whole of me and there is more to me than just that one aspect. It may run through the rest of my life and all my dealings or thought processes, but it doesn't define me. However, someone mentioned some other actors in this thread and it gave me pause. If I'm being completely honest with myself I would have to admit that if it is true that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie got together under less-than-ideal or dishonest circumstances and if there was in fact betrayal involved, I would lose any respect I may have for them and their pursuit of humanitarian causes. So I guess it's not that easy to say, "Oh, no, it doesn't bother me at all if they do such-and-such or if they are such-and-such!" I suppose everyone has their own buttons that can be pushed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommaduck Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Hmmm, your question has sparked a little conversation with myself. No, it doesn't bother me that he's an atheist, but that's not surprising because I'm an atheist myself. I enjoyed the Harry Potter books and movies and will watch the new one as well. I also read the Chronicles of Narnia series and watched the movies with no qualms or reservations. I like to tell myself that people are made up of more than just one part and I shouldn't write them off because I may disagree with an opinion, belief, viewpoint, affiliation, or whatever. I homeschool but that is not the whole of me and there is more to me than just that one aspect. It may run through the rest of my life and all my dealings or thought processes, but it doesn't define me. However, someone mentioned some other actors in this thread and it gave me pause. If I'm being completely honest with myself I would have to admit that if it is true that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie got together under less-than-ideal or dishonest circumstances and if there was in fact betrayal involved, I would lose any respect I may have for them and their pursuit of humanitarian causes. So I guess it's not that easy to say, "Oh, no, it doesn't bother me at all if they do such-and-such or if they are such-and-such!" I suppose everyone has their own buttons that can be pushed. :iagree: Very true. (I think the MJ thread showed this also. One can do good, but may push certain areas that cause others to write them off altogether) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa in Jax Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I said a lot of arrogant and uninformed stuff at that age. I think it's possible that Daniel Radcliffe is just speaking from a place of youth and I won't hold it against him or against the movie. Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KLynnTX Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 (edited) What movie are we talking about? ETA: OH, Harry Potter.....I didn't recognize the name Dan Radcliffe..... Edited July 9, 2009 by KLynnTX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtroad Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Not the actors... the author & movie director are more important. Sir Ian is in Harry Potter. He is openly homesexual (controversial to many Christians)...even rips out pages of Deuteronomy in hotel Bibles (shocking & controversial)... but that doesnt' change his awesome roles in Lord of the Rings or David Copperfield... or numerous others. Golden Compass... a whole "nuther can of worms. As long as they aren't promoting controversy in the job they do acting the character.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb_ Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 First off - I am NOT looking to start the whole believe vs. unbelief thing here. I am just curious: I know many of you do not allow your kids to read the books or see the Harry Potter movies based on the content of the stories. For those of you that are religious, but consider the books/movies harmless (perhaps recognizing they are just fiction, so you read the books or watch the movies anyway) - knowing that the main actor is an atheist would this change whether you let your kids see the new or subsequent movies? My take (though I am no longer a Christian) is that it wouldn't matter. However, I am curious, as some are wondering if this will make a difference. He describes himself as a "relaxed atheist" and he isn't out to bash religion. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/harry-potter/5734000/Daniel-Radcliffe-a-cool-nerd.html Christians take homeschooling advice from athiests, muslims, and pagans on this board. I hope no one is choosing playmates for their kids based solely on religious beliefs. I would say those situations have a greater chance of influence than a single actor in a movie. And that seems to be working out okay, right? Barb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ginevra Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I am just curious: I know many of you do not allow your kids to read the books or see the Harry Potter movies based on the content of the stories. It doesn't affect my view in the slightest and I am Christian. If he was giving a lecture on religious beliefs, that would be different, but I don't care what an entertainer believes when I'm partaking of the entertainment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erica in PA Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Not at all. I'm well aware that most actors and actresses don't share my Christian faith. Whether he's atheist, Muslim, Jewish, agnostic, whatever, doesn't matter to me as a moviegoer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SquirrellyMama Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Unless they have done something awful (murder, rape, molested a child) I don't care what they do in private. We wouldn't be able to see very many movies, listen to music, etc... if we only listened to or watched Christians. I remember our bible study was going out for dinner one year and someone raised the objection that the owners were gay and didn't think we should go. I belive in the Bible and what it says about gay relationships BUT I don't see why that makes them a bad restaurant owner or even a person with whom I cannot associate. On the other side of that our church put out a Christian business directory because they felt that we should give our money to other Christians. I personally feel that just because someone is a Christian it isn't going to make them a better business owner. I will give my money to the person who does a better job regardless of their religion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PollyOR Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 No. But I would be worried if my kids had wanted to see him onstage in Equus. Apparently, he was naked during that role. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommylawyer Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 It doesn't matter to me if an actor, singer, etc. has different religious or political views than my own. It won't prevent me from seeing their movies or listening to their music, generally. However, if they start cramming their views down my throat, I'll do without that part. I don't have a problem with HP, the actors, the stories, and I'm Catholic. However, despite the fact my 6 year old daughter and my husband both want her to start reading the HP books, I'm not going to let it happen until she's about 10 or so; it's a maturity thing, not a religious thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peek a Boo Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 LOL - nope. I could care less what the actor believes. Now, do an interview with J.K. Rowling and let her announce she is an athiest and maybe, just maybe that will change my mind some. The actor though, no. What does that mean? He didn't write the books. agreed, but even that wouldn't bug me too much. Now if she announced [like the author of the Golden Compass] that she wrote the series specifically to diss religion, THAT would have us re-examine the books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamela H in Texas Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 We don't watch it because of content, but if we didn't watch things (or read things or play online or...) just because the people involved were part of false religion (or refuse to acknowledge God), we wouldn't watch, read, or play almost ANYTHING. I do thnk we need to be CAREFUL how much of these things we do (something I need to really work on as one of my past times requires me to in close contact too regularly with those who don't believe/follow scripture), but I think it unreasonable to completely cut it all out. There would not be a single movie, very few songs, little reading material, little in terms of online groups, etc if we cut out everyone but those who are our same religion. It's probably a little easier for some groups (for example, more liberal mainstream christians) but it would be REALLY hard for many of us. So no, I don't make the decision based on that. I make the decision based on content. If I believe the content is displeasing to God, if I wouldn't do it if Jesus himself was physically sitting next to me, etc, then I know it's not best. My next thing to work on is the amount of time I do things that I might do for 5 minutes, but shouldn't do for 5 hours.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apiphobic Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 if I wouldn't do it if Jesus himself was physically sitting next to me, etc, then I know it's not best. just giggling at the thought of jesus sitting next to you i don't think i could make tea if jesus were sitting next to me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in OK Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 My opinion on the HP books has absolutely nothing to do with the actors in the HP movies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Golden Compass... a whole "nuther can of worms. . No worries, it was an awful film. :tongue_smilie: The bk on the other hand was good. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Seriously, in the UK the only socially acceptable religious belief is the lack of belief. Relaxed religious is also socially acceptable. It's passionate belief that many people find unusual. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Sir Ian is in Harry Potter. He is openly homosexual (controversial to many Christians)...even rips out pages of Deuteronomy in hotel Bibles (shocking & controversial)... but that doesnt' change his awesome roles in Lord of the Rings or David Copperfield... or numerous others. He's not in the Harry Potter films unless it's in a small part that I haven't heard about. Dumbledore has been played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 First off - I am NOT looking to start the whole believe vs. unbelief thing here. I am just curious: I know many of you do not allow your kids to read the books or see the Harry Potter movies based on the content of the stories. For those of you that are religious, but consider the books/movies harmless (perhaps recognizing they are just fiction, so you read the books or watch the movies anyway) - knowing that the main actor is an atheist would this change whether you let your kids see the new or subsequent movies? My take (though I am no longer a Christian) is that it wouldn't matter. However, I am curious, as some are wondering if this will make a difference. He describes himself as a "relaxed atheist" and he isn't out to bash religion. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/harry-potter/5734000/Daniel-Radcliffe-a-cool-nerd.html I couldn't care less what he believes. An actor's personal beliefs are none of my business and normally it wouldn't affect how I felt about his work. I'm not sure how his being an athiest has anything to do with his roll in the movie. He didn't write the script, so to me, it's a non-issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bella_gitana Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I think Charlton Heston was a complete moron, yet I really enjoyed most of his movies. :lol::lol::lol::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SherryTX Posted July 9, 2009 Author Share Posted July 9, 2009 Pretty much what I expected (or was hoping for). =) I have to say, most of my friends off line are atheists and most of them don't care about the personal beliefs of an actor either. I can say, though, that since Tom Cruise started getting a bit in your face with Scientology a few years ago, I had a hard time watching his movies. I finally got over that - because I think he is a good actor, and most of his films are really good. Some of my favorite bands are ones that are headed by Christians, and a lot of their music reflects that (Simple Minds, Evanescence, U2, InTuaNua, etc..)..but I don't care because the music is soooo good. As I said, I was curious - thanks for all the responses! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Mungo Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I'm willing to bet that if you never watched a movie worked on by an actor, director, filmmaker, production crew, etc that was an atheist then your viewing options would be extremely limited. So, no, it doesn't bother me at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bella_gitana Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Sir Ian is in Harry Potter. He is openly homosexual (controversial to many Christians)...even rips out pages of Deuteronomy in hotel Bibles (shocking & controversial)... but that doesnt' change his awesome roles in Lord of the Rings or David Copperfield... or numerous others. He's not in the Harry Potter films unless it's in a small part that I haven't heard about. Dumbledore has been played by Richard Harris and Michael Gambon. Laura That's what I was thinking, Laura. Now, Dumbledore, according to J. K. Rowling, is gay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cricket Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Relaxed religious is also socially acceptable. It's passionate belief that many people find unusual. Laura It was interesting to read the article. Quote: "In a pronouncement that will dismay America's religious Right, which has long voiced suspicions about Potter's "anti-Christian" message, the 19-year-old actor said he did not believe in God.....He joked: "There we go, Dan, that's half of America that's not going to see the next Harry Potter film on the back of that comment." Christians in America must really puzzle the Brits. :001_smile: This did make me chuckle: "Prof Dawkins, author of best-selling book The God Delusion, is no fan of Harry Potter, once remarking that tales of witchcraft are "anti-scientific". " It isn't always Christians. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 That's what I was thinking, Laura. Now, Dumbledore, according to J. K. Rowling, is gay. It's an interesting background but (I hasten to add) has nothing to do with his position as head of a school, as he's gay, not a paedophile - last time this subject came up, the two were confused on this board. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Dominion Heather Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 No way... I'd not get to watch much if I insisted that all the actors agreed with me about theology! I just enjoy good acting/music/stories. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fshinkevich Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 Well, I am not a religious person, so I don't exactly qualify to answer, but I will be watching the movies. I'd be a pretty lonely person if I based decisions on things like that, I'm sure I can find something I disagree with about everyone I meet :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bella_gitana Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 It's an interesting background but (I hasten to add) has nothing to do with his position as head of a school, as he's gay, not a paedophile - last time this subject came up, the two were confused on this board. Laura :iagree: That doesn't bother me either, but some people might have a problem with a character being gay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtroad Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 No worries, it was an awful film. :tongue_smilie: The bk on the other hand was good. :lol: We didn't do either. The anti-God content was enough. We don't do Harry Potter either b/c all I can gather the lines between good & evil get blurred.... never get that in Narnia or the Shire.;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clwcain Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 It won't make any difference to me. I don't look to actors for their philosophical or theological acumen, and I generally don't look to theologians or philosophers for their notes on blocking or acting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudyJudyJudy Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 (edited) I'm an atheist myself. If I refused to watch movies that had actors in them who weren't atheist, I'd be quite limited. :p Having said that, though, I do refuse to watch Mel Gibson movies now—not because he's an in-your-face Christian, but rather, because he's an anti-Semite. Edited July 9, 2009 by JudyJudyJudy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kate in Arabia Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 We didn't do either. The anti-God content was enough. We don't do Harry Potter either b/c all I can gather the lines between good & evil get blurred.... never get that in Narnia or the Shire.You're right, Lewis is pretty clear in Narnia that Christians are good and Muslims are evil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 You're right, Lewis is pretty clear in Narnia that Christians are good and Muslims are evil. I considered not giving the books to them, then decided that it would be a good subject for discussion. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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