I’m an aspiring pamphleteer myself, and I don’t think these books are terribly effective as subversive literature, because Pullman’s agenda is too transparent throughout. A moderately educated reader can see exactly what he’s up to. I think a lot of the “Christians” who objected so strenuously to this hadn’t actually read it. I think it was mainly a case of a few people doing it for the publicity and a lot of well-meaning (from their perspectives) ignoramouses joining in.

That’s where parents should come into the picture. Children hopefully do not exist in a vacuum, without counsel or support.

I respect everybody’s concerns, but I still don’t see how a piece of fiction, let alone a movie, can have a real influence on ones most fundamental beliefs.
Odale: I can’t believe that just reading fiction changed your nephews beliefs, there must have been other influences.
How can anybody take Harry Potter seriously? OK, I have tried in my infancy to take off on a carpet, but I did realise that my chance of succes was minimal. HP is just an amusing story, not an attempt to change religion.

I loved the chronicles of Narnia, when I re-red them a couple of years ago I noticed things like: Oh, girls can’t do that, or: ”Queen Lucy (mega-cool chick) is almost as good as a man, or at least as a boy.” I found this insinuation of womens inferiority deeply disturbing, and my first thought was: ”My children are not going to read this. But then I red them as a small child, and never noticed it. It never made me think that I couldn’t be a dragonslayer when I grew up.

I think ones upbringing and given, or natural, morals and ethics are much stronger than fiction, or movies.

PS: I think like Odale thinks about Pullman, about the fairytales of HC Anderson: they are evil, mysoginist, and an attempt to torture children. I hated them as a child and they made me very unhappy. That man is a childhater. Give my (future) children Harry Potter anytime! (Not H D M)
Actually, they would get the books of Diana Wynne Jones; they are better than HP.

My nephew has the books, as well as the Harry Potter series (he keeps me in the loop). Between what he reads and other activity he has engaged in, he is now professing to be an atheist. I just keep loving him, as I believe Jesus does, too. He’s 24 and responsible for his own decisions but those are the things we are taught in scripture to avoid for that reason—apostasy. I realize some “of us” are overzealous and insecure about losing believers, but that’s pure concern about eternity. It is for me, anyway. I am resolved, however, that each comes to an age of accountability (not neccessarily chronological) and as much info as is available, I am not going to debate, cajole or condemn.

On the other hand, what kind of person would I be to know the truth in the Bible and not care what happens to others and at least try to “spread the good news”? To those who blatantly misuse and abuse Jesus’ name as false prophets, leading sincere followers astray and keeping others out, ‘woe to them’.

One pertinent point (to me). I wouldn’t spend a dime or the time supporting P.Pullman because he has such a nasty attitude of, “I’m miserable and I want everyone else to be miserable!” I think the poor man needs serious intervention!

Thanks for your candor, Jonolan!

The media portrays a situation in the US where Christianity is in a fight for its very existence, so I can understand the fear and hype over these books and movies. I agree with your opinion as opposed to theirs, but I can understand the basis of their opinions / fears as well.

Yeah, the Dark Materials’ classification as Young Adult Reading always confused and concerned me.