My sister recently told me about a series she started reading called “His Dark Materials,” by Phillip Pullman. She told me she liked the first book but just emailed me recently rescinding her recommendation after finding out some disturbing information about the rest of the series.
Apparently Pullman has used these books to promote his anti-God opinions. I am a religious person. I believe that there is a God and that we are his children. A series of books that teaches otherwise is not welcome in my home. I do not feel threatened by a belief that differs from my own, but I also do not read and study those beliefs either. I have read many comments stating that people who do not want their children reading Pullman’s series are closed minded. I don’t hear of too many atheists reading religious materials, and yet when I choose not to read a book with atheist themes I am accused of being closed minded.
I enjoy fictional stories about all topics, including magic (like Harry Potter). I don’t believe that a story that takes place in a magical or other fantastical world is anti-religious at all. However, Pullman’s series allegedly ends with two children representing Adam and Eve killing God.
A movie is being made of the first book, which is mildest in its anti-God themes. The idea is to get parents to take their children to see this movie in hopes that children will want the book series for Christmas. Children will read the second and third books, which contain a more blatant atheist theme. I’ve also read and heard that part of the storyline includes castration and female circumcision; not something I want my children reading about.
I would suggest learning more about these books before/if your children read them. And I won’t be going to see the movie!
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