tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19429730.post8780318545076585667..comments2023-07-06T19:51:29.939+08:00Comments on Ethereal Eclectic : More MuseJed Carosaarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775889983099808362noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19429730.post-6199859676643391892007-12-20T02:32:00.000+08:002007-12-20T02:32:00.000+08:00There's some interesting comments on the cross-pos...There's some interesting comments on the cross-posting of this blog on Facebook.Jed Carosaarihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10775889983099808362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19429730.post-34689386688327323102007-12-18T07:09:00.000+08:002007-12-18T07:09:00.000+08:00I agree with that common theme, with certain nuanc...I agree with that common theme, with certain nuances. But a key difference between Potter and Narnia/LotR is that in Potter, magic is the point. It is never the point in the other two, but rather a plot device that moves things forward. In Potter, witches are inherently good and heroes; in the other two, they never are, as Lewis recognized that witches are real, and are dabbling in evil. <BR/><BR/>Most importantly, in Potter, the magic used is at times real, in the sense of magic that people actually do as they involve themselves in the demonic. In Lewis and Tolkein, the magic is other-worldly, over-the-top, and ethereal, like transporting to another planet with the use of rings, or holding back hordes of ogers with a staff of light. There is no possibility that people would be enticed by this magic and think it could actually be done. With Potter, that is a very real possibility.<BR/><BR/>Lastly, as far as the movies go, LotR and Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe were excellently written and acted. Harry Potter was incredibly boring, with Star Wars-like plot progression, and some of the worst child actors to grace the Silver Screen.Jed Carosaarihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10775889983099808362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19429730.post-29703336365381336982007-12-18T05:16:00.000+08:002007-12-18T05:16:00.000+08:00I have to weigh in here...Tolkin's Ring Trilogy, R...I have to weigh in here...Tolkin's Ring Trilogy, Rawlings Harry Potter Series, CS Lewis's Narnia stories..all carry this theme, (an ancient one from Beowolf on): they all have an innocent child, who must combat terrors within and without the kingdom, finally willingly sacrificing themselves on adventures frought w danger so that others might live. What about this theme strikes familiar [non-nihilistic] chords @ Christmas?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19429730.post-2684107008270092592007-12-18T02:31:00.000+08:002007-12-18T02:31:00.000+08:00Dark Materials' first book is actually the Golden ...Dark Materials' first book is actually the Golden Compass, the book/movie in discussion in this post. No, I haven't read them. I've heard enough from Adrian to make me feel that I wouldn't enjoy the work, for the reasons posted above. As well, it seems to have a heavy dose of Marcionite Gnosticism. Its not the kind of ideas that I want to get into my head, especially starting to see the demonic in a playful manner, as if it was a soul, rather than the primary enemy that we fight daily. I find fantasy and science fiction both have a way of getting into one's head much more than other forms of writing or fiction, and so I am careful about what I read.Jed Carosaarihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10775889983099808362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19429730.post-69081795259844327562007-12-17T22:01:00.000+08:002007-12-17T22:01:00.000+08:00Have you read Pullman's "Dark materials" series? ...Have you read Pullman's "Dark materials" series? I found them craftfully written, and while in some ways challenging, I found they actually strengthened my own understanding of my faith.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19429730.post-16133789882932638042007-12-17T12:40:00.000+08:002007-12-17T12:40:00.000+08:00I think Lewis and Tolkien are good writing, as is ...I think Lewis and Tolkien are <I>good</I> writing, as is Overstreet and Lawhead. I think something like Rowling glorifying witches and real-life magic, or Pullman glorifying witches and demons, is a different matter entirely.Jed Carosaarihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10775889983099808362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19429730.post-63261588970665542302007-12-17T12:16:00.000+08:002007-12-17T12:16:00.000+08:00How these parents rant and fuss! They worry about ...How these parents rant and fuss! They worry about every possible future outcome provoked by every story that squeaks by Christian censors--when just the nature of our times has more potential for harmful consequences on undeveloped brains than any conjuration of an imaginary kingly animal devoted to human well-being. Bring on the 'net, ipods, cell phones! Do away w fairy tales and comics! Let's only flatline badly written "Christian" romances and "literature" and testimonial spins found in bible bookstores! Tell me, how have YOU done, since viewing Raiders, Star Wars, Superman, I,II, and III?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com