All I can say after reading some of these comments, is thank goodness I have not been afflicted with catholicism! I have no idea what planet you are living on but it certainly is one where rationalism, free thinking and imagination is long dead.

Eva, Manchester, UK

Why bother to give the church any press. They/ It has no faith in it's flock.. I suppose we are just mindless followers and that's just how they want us. Are they afraid of their sheep following some other doctrine? Talk about lack of faith!

Dawn, NY, NY/ USA

The irony of the Catholic League's actions is so thick it would take a subtle knife to cut through it. They are taking exactly the position the Majesterium would have chosen in the context of the book - and in so doing are proving Pullman's point about the irrationality of some people's interpretations of religion (whether RC, Islamic, or other). If they don't suppress free thinking at all costs, they risk losing their flock, and eventually their meal ticket. Adding to the irony, they suggest a boycott of the book and the film, which is the best way to ensure the maximum number of people read or view the story.

Greg, Whitehorse, Canada

I saw the movie yesterday. There was no religion mentioned unless the Catholic Church recognizes itself in the Magistratum, which attempts to "protect" children from evil by removing their deamons (their souls??). If this is actually the case, the condemnation is their own....
The "nitwits" Philip Pullman refers to are more accurately called "zealots". There are way too many religious fanatics in the world - just ask the people in the trains in Spain, the subway in London, and the World Trade centre. Please stop this fanaticism - NOW!!!

Leo T, Toronto, Canada

I myself find that the movie is just that a movie. Fantasy is not reallity. Condeming something that is not real, well than those christians just don't have faith enough to believe in their on religion. I am a chrisitian of a very wonderful church that strongly believes what we preach, so to watch this movie is nothing because many of us just need to escape reality onces in a while; we need not live fanatasy or believe in it. Again I would like to say A MOVIE IS JUST THAT A MOVIE. The books are written as fanatasies not realitiy. If those that condem this movie, well then they have condemed books of all fanatasies.

Evelyne Pruett, So.F, USA/TN

Well Emily I don't think that Philip needs to prove that there is no god, because if he doesn't exist there would be no proof. I think it is up to you and other religious people to provide evidence that there is a god. And by evidence I mean cold hard facts... not myths and legends and fariytales that are written in some book. So for religious groups to say that Pullman's views are incorrect and thiers are correct is absurd. His views are just as plausable as the views expressed in the bible or or holy writs of any organized religion. So I ask again why an Athiest should have to prove your or anyone else's religious claims? Shouldn't the owness be on you to prove your theories not the athiest you'd condem? Just a thought... but that what we Athiest do best.

Artur, Toronto, Canada

Another thing, I believe that Pulman's comment about nitwits only refers to those who are trying to repress something just because it conflicts with their beliefs.

Catholics of America and Canada should follow Britain's example and not judge it until they have seen it for themselves.
I hate to see this movie tainted by everyone's negative views... I have learnt from my Christian friends that they believe in God because of what he represents and I don't think that people should condemn this movie if their own lord is so forgiving.
And many people are correct in saying that the battle to destroy God is one where they are trying to kill a false God; the first angel who lied and made others believe that he was the creator.

Finally, I do belong to a religion, but it is not Christianity. Frankly, I find their pratices odd sometimes, but my friends and family have taught me to be tolerant, which is something I didn't learnt first from religion.

Chris, Sydney,

I'm only in my teens and I think that what Philip Pullman said is reasonable. I have talked to my friends about it and we agreed that it is a fictional book and whatever the reader believes is up to them. I have a lot of christian friends and they don't really mind it, and just to be sure, I warn them of any content that they might find offensive.
Parents should read it first before judging it or just let their children decide for themselves. The church should not be trying to boycott something that mainly focuses on the courage found in kids.

Chris, Sydney,

look, Philip. I'm not trying to say that your completly wrong. your not. I'm a christian, but I don't agree with your desicion. I would madly love it if you became a christian, but heres a challenge. Try and prove that there isn't a God. And if you find that hes not real, email me. I wont believe you completly, but i will understand.

Emily, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Oh, so just because these books and movies do not conform to the views of the catholic chruch, let's start a religious war against it. Oh, PLEASE. I am catholic, was baptized, made communion and confirmation. YET i see no point in boycotting, or trying to convince others to boycott a purely FICTIONAL movie. I haven't read the books, but how bad could they possibly be in comparison to the brutal rapes and killings, jealousy and and thieving found in the bible? The movie's catholic critics say that Pullman is trying to kill god, that he said that was what the books are about. He never said that! aren't they ACTUALLY about killing a false god? SHOULDN'T THE CHURCH PRAISE THAT? And why is the Church so adamant about quelling the masses who intend to see it? Fear! Fear they will become even more out of touch with society. If people are truly faithful, they will see the movie for what it is, ONE MAN'S FICTIONAL AND CREATIVE IDEA., not anti-catholic propaganda.

Erica, Philadelphia, PA

The Church is in league with Pullman IMHO. Why else would they be hyping his movie (in the guise of outrage). It is a conspiracy damn it.

Ryan, Eugene, OR

The Catholic Church is once again digging its own grave. The Church is urging parents and children to avoid seeing one of the biggest movies of the year and this is only going to show how out of touch the Church is with the modern world.

The story in the book is a beautiful tale of heroism and sacrifice. It shows the amazing friendship that people can build and how it can have such an impact on so many lives.

The Church may be right to feel offended as there are aspects of the book that may well be interpreted as 'anti-Christianity'. The idea of the Metatron as some controlling overlord and the way that the Church is attempting to control every aspect of life may offend some Christians but it is their decision as to whether or not to see the film.

It seems to me that if someone was a 'True' Christian no amount of talk of killing God, daemons or Magesterium could damage their faith at all and so the Church has nothing to fear if their followers are true.

Clare, Newcastle, England

Anti-family? Diminishing adults? On this basis you really must prevent your children from reading any European fairy tale (Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Hansel and Gretel etc) as these do precisely the same job, only in a more sugar-coated and therefore arguably more sinister way. And you really ought to ban your children from reading most bible stories too - for example the dysfunctional family drama of deceit and jealousy involving Jacob, Leah and Rachel, or the horrid tale of Lot and Tara, or pretty much anything about King David, who was as 'diminshed' by his own weaknesses as any modern hero, right up until his sleeping with young beautiful virgins on his death bed. As for promoting athesim, you really think that if you shield your kids from any kind of intellectual challenge to the existence or authority of God until they are adult, that this will enhance their experience of faith in adult life? Who are you try to raise? A generation of PollyAnnas?

Clare, London,

When my daughter wanted to read these books about 6 years ago, I looked at the cover and said «sure»! But after she'd read several chapters she asked me to read the first book because she felt something was wrong...good is bad and bad is good. The propaganda in these books is astounding. I can't believe that they passed the very little screening that editors are supposed to do and that they ended up on library shelves...and I can' t believe some of the comments above that call Pullman's writing deeply spiritual and that these books promote family...rubbish! The family is desecrated in these books as well as are many traditonal values ..somebody above cannot read between the lines! Children are elevated and adults are diminished! The books promote peer orientation! That is not what children need to learn in our violent society! They need to learn to trust and attach to caring, significant adults in their lives. Pullman's counter example works against all that parents need to teach!

Christine Picard, Sherbrooke, Quebec

The issue here is not whether or not to ban a book. The question is whether Christians want to support a "fiction" that incorporates so much "reality" in a twisted and distorted way. Is it hard to see that a book in which "Magisterium," a clearly Catholic word used for its hierarchy, is the name of the evil institution, in which "clerics" "absolve" each other before committing crimes, and in which "deamons" are friendly counterparts to human souls, has an agenda that is against faith, particularly Catholic-Christian faith? These are not words or concepts invented by Pullman. They are religious themes that are first distorted and then attacked. Effective propaganda has always blended fact and fiction, creating a caricature of the intended thing and teaching people to see it negatively. The negatively viewed "fiction" is then easily associated with the real thing. Do we really want our children to be playing with action figures who lead them on a battle against the magisterium?

Seamus Griesbach, Lisbon Falls, USA

The Magisterium of Golden Compass controls free will by cutting away the part of children that makes decisions for themselves.

Donohoe's attempt to remove such wonderful literature from the children is a watered-down attempt to do the same thing.

To have Pullman's book, which is deeply spiritual and promotes family, love, truth and the innocence of children, compared to pornography is utterly inexplicable to me. The anti-Catholic undertones is a tiny part of the book. And it protests the way the church attempts to remove free-will rather than the belief in God itself. It asks children to question authority, as many have said, to endeaver to discover truth for themselves, and can just as well promote Christianity as Atheism.

I believe 'nitwit' is appropriate. By protesting the book, Donohoe is now doing the exact same things the book criticizes religious groups for. In a sense, I believe it has proven the book right.

Emily, Calgary, Canada

Interesting, if you are an athiest, why write books about killing God? There would be no God to kill in the mind of an athiest. Common sense. So why write about a God you do not believe exists? That's silly. Seems like it would be hard to do. My kids are smarter then that, and it is a very bad fairy tale. Sort of morbid. No wonder we have so many people who end up depressed and full of anxiety. If anything, these books are like a real bad nightmare. I love the Lord to much to defame His name and take away what He did on the cross for me. This is a direct attack on who God is and does not glorify Him in any way. Does not matter how well written it is. If one is going to boycott, do it for the right reasons. It has nothing to do with money or protecting my children, it has to do with edifying God by not filling my time with something that does not make my faith in Him grow. That should be the main goal of any believer.

Rachel, Lakewood, NJ

i wonder how many of these people have actually read any of the books? This discussion has just developed into catholic/athiest bashing. As a catholic i am strongly offended to people making such low blows against my religion, especially about stuff in the old testament (which is old for a reason) and for bringing up the crusades, come on guys can you forgive us after a thousand years? if you go back far enough every group of people has something to be ashamed of. Second and almost worse i don't like the atheist bashing my fellow christians are doing. for a group of people who pride ourselves on forgiveness and acceptance you guys are being jerks. This is a novel. It is written well and i thought it was highly spiritual. And besides if you disagree dont see it, if you agree, see it. And if you think that its presence will ruin peoples faith, than those people have more problems than movies. if your faith is so weak it can be swayed by a movie you have bigger problems.

Sean, Boston, usa

"To regard it as this Donohue man has said - that I'm a militant atheist, and my intention is to convert people - how the hell does he know that?"

Gee, I don't know, Mr Pullman -- could it possibly that he read the interview where you said your goal was "to undermine Christian belief"? And the part of your book where you say "Christianity is just a mistake"?

Someone's a nitwit here, and it ain't Mr Donohue.

Ellie M., Toronto, canada

The real brilliance of Pullman's work is that it can be read on many levels. Although it is being marketed to children, the more emotionally and spiritually trying themes are written in such a way as to be directed towards adults. In my view, children will read a book that has entertaining events and characters, whereas adults will read a book that is a fascinating review of Christianity, creation, and faith.

As a Christian, I greatly appreciated these books as they challenged me to reconsider a religion that I have come to take for granted. I'm somewhat taken aback by all the uproar surrounding the movie and the books. Come on people, what are we so afraid of? As some other people have commented, you don't see atheists running around boycotting Christian movies (which even I am honest enough to describe as a form of propaganda). Trying to force other people into adopting our own point of view is both ridiculous and wrong, to say nothing of counterproductive.

Laurie, Mankato, Minnesota, USA

As parent, I don't always let my children "think for themselves," if by that you mean letting them see, read or do whatever they want to do. I don't allow my children to view pornographic movies, smoke cigarettes or read Hustler magazine. Parents should take an interest in what their chilren are doing and decide for them while they are young, allowing them more freedom as they grow older. Since I haven't seen the movies or read the book, I won't criticize them, but I don't see the problem with people opposing either if they think the message is harmful.

Mr. Pullman's calling protesters nitwits is counterproductive. When one resorts to calling opponents names, it is indicative that they don't have a real argument in their favor. The protesters have stated their objection to Mr. Pullman's product; he shouyld conter their arguments rather than call them names.

Lastly, to equate the Catholic League's protest over the movie to the utilization of sharia law in Sudan is unfair.

Mark , Rockaway, New Jersey USA

If there are indeed nitwits, it is Pullman, and those that take issue with the Catholic Church and other Christian groups for boycotting Pullman's books and movies.

Pullman is on record as representing the antithesis of Christian beliefs. He believes that those who 'believe' are "nitwits" for merely believing. To which Catholics and other Christians are merely saying, why should we financiallly support anyone who makes a living denigrating our beliefs?

Why would anyone subsidize someone who makes a living by mocking you? Is it really that difficult for many of the Pullman supporters on this board to understand that? If it is, then who really is the nitwit?


what the boycotters are merely saying is why shou

Mark W Scott, Sparta, ||||New Jersey, USA

These ridiculous people who are protesting the movie (wonder if most of them have read the book, oh wait, that's right, the books are BANNED in many of these "Christain" communities. Their children are not allowed to think for themselves. Kind of like the children in the book who have had their daemons cut away. HMMM.) are only reinforcing the militant ignorance of evangelical organized religion. Sorry, maybe that's a little harsh, but GRRR! Open your minds, folks. Maybe you'll find a deeper and more loving belief.

Kate, Whitefield,

Poor Leticia --if Donohue has a PhD it would have to be in sociology. Donohue represents everything that is small, mean, fearful and stupid about the human mind. Of course he's not an agnostic or atheist--with that mentality he has to be a Catholic. And I know whereof I speak--having been educated in a Catholic convent and a Catholic high school where at least half the nuns and priests were crazy. University was certainly a pleasant change--and no, I didn't study sociology.

Patricia Finlay, Toronto, Canada

Philip Pullman also said something else - that i thought summed this whole ridiculous situation up, it was something like

"I bet that this is the only movie that has been criticised for being to anti-religious and for having it's source novels religious themes "watered-down" in the same week - by people who haven't even seen it yet!"

Siobhan, Cardiff, Wales

Why don’t you Catholics just burn all the books.
Sorry you already tried that in world war two, didn’t you
Sieg Heil

Mike, Berlin,

Why do those who believe in an omnipotent god worry so much about books or movies which criticise their god? If he's real, and so powerful, why does this matter? These people should be treated with the contempt their twisted world view deserves.

Roy, Hong Kong,

Philip Pullmans books are fantastic. The depth and thought put into his stories are wonderful, they really paint a picture in your mind and work with your imagination. All children should have a chance to read them. What a shame that religion again tries to spoil things for people. Surely being an atheist is a choice the same as being a Christian, so why should an atheist not be allowed to have his say and make his point of view! It's amazing in this day and age, with technology and science the way it is that people still believe in a god. Religion is just a fabrication produced by man to control. Look at the world, most of the hurt and pain within it is caused by religion! I hope the film is a smash hit. I know I'll be seeing it and no doubt eagerly waiting for the next two in the trilogy.

Rebecca, Leeds, UK

This is a completely inappropriate action of the church. They claim that it is evil and will fill the hearts of children with atheism- which I have no doubt was NOT the intent of the books in first place...
How is taking books and movies about children's innocence and free will off the shelves going to make the world a better place?

Atheists don't go around complaining and boycotting religious movies or religious books or religious practices in schools...

kTp, NS, Canada

Members of the "We're religious and we're outraged" Club should spend more time with their appropriately named teddy-bears and less time pretending to be grown-ups.

Phil, Epsom, Surrey

It doesn't say much for their faith in the strength of their religion that they cannot endure a simple Hollywood film. Who cares whether people believe in God or not, it shouldn't affect whether people make right or wrong decisions as religious people are capable of making 'wrong' decisions.

How ludicrous to suggest that this film be banned. How would they react if Passion of the Christ was banned?

The ACL's pronouncements are motivated by not being able to stand the thought that some (i.e. many) people do not agree with your take on life, the universe and everything!

Nick, Brighton,

Unfortunately, while well intentioned as they are, representatives for the Catholic Church are in fact helping to add more attention and money to this film and the books that inspired it.

We're not happy with the author's comments, his apparent agenda, or the fact that these books are marketed to children....However, there are just too many atheists and secularists out there that are going to fill the theaters and the book stores. Most Christians are passive and apathetic., and so evil will continue to dominate our media culture.

Lisa, Mt. Shasta, CA

Religious fanatics do nothing but harm to their own religion and to the more enlightened followers of their faith. The American Catholic League has done more to promote this film, than ten thousand world-wide advertisements and ten million dollars of the promoters money ever could.

In mine and many others eyes, the leaders of the Catholic faith are no different to the mad Mullahs in the Sudan, so insecure about their own religion, that they dish out 40 cracks of the lash, for mistakenly calling a teddy bear Mohammed. The leaders of the American Catholics and the nutters in the medieval, backward state on the Horn of Africa are one and the same. They are full of hatred, are insecure in the foundations and truth of their religion and do more harm to their societies and faith, than a film, or book ever could.

I am a Christian, but I do indeed shake my head in disbelief at these ridiculous people. Free speech and thought will always be preferable to the book burners and hate mongers.

Steven Leach, Sheffield, UK

I will tell you what i told all my friends - Evil only enters when you let it in - satan's biggest campaign is to convince the world that he doesn't exist... seems to me its all a matter of choice - those books will not be entering my home because of MY choice.... I believe that we should teach humility and the first of that is to believe that there is someone higher than ones self... if we lose that then we are lost - Should my daughter decide when she is old enough to choose for her self - i can only pray that i raised her enough in Christ that she will see the truth... Not because anyone else tells her - but what she knows in her heart to be so. Peoples choices are their own - i think ( once again its my opinion) that if people want to believe in God or whatever relegion then its their right - & they have a right to express this in any they see fit without causing pain to others. that said - the church is made up of humans - it would do us well to remember that all saints are dead

Camille Davis, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Everyone loves a controversy! The Right says this, The Left says that. I am going, I am not going. I will read his book, I won't read his book. Right now all I am seeing is Two Brick Walls bashing each other. Slamming each others views as stupid. You have all forgot one simple truth. YOU HAVE A CHOICE. I remember growing up my dad taught me. The one thing that makes your life important to you is the choices you make and that you will have to live with the choice you have made. You are not my judge in the choices I made. I make bad ones as well as good ones. But I am happy with my life and my family. People in America, remember that it is our right to be different and make the choice. If someone wants to go church why should I slam them! It's their right! If they go to Bar! Again it's their right! They made a choice! Before you slam again remember each one has a choice. Live with the one you make!

Jay, Nashville, TN

It's amazing - atheists who assume that they're intellectually superior to the rest of the world - when many haven't a clue about religion because they have been brought up as athiests.
The Bible isn't 2000 yrs old - it's been written over centuries, added to, amended etc which is why it sounds weird - it's composed of many languages and converted into modern form.
Not all Christians believe in it as literal truth.
Not all faithful people have been 'brainwashed' from birth.
Not all Catholics hate Philip Pullman.
Shame on those of you who can not tell the difference between the reactionaries and the tolerant. Please, spare me the ranting of ill-informed athiests who think they know what's what about religions they have had little or nothing to do with.
Find the courage to admit that the loud reactionaries do not represent the whole religion:accept that to be faithful isn't always ignorant and narrow-minded. Atheists can be as guilty of that, just read this forum. Pullman rocks

Sarah Elizabeth, Taunton, Somerset/UK

Leticia Velasquez, E Moriches, USA says "We Catholics are wary of the powerful emotions evoked by film can encourage younger viewers to make decisions about faith who are not yet in command of their reason. This is called manipulation, and the arts today are full of it."

Sorry Leticia but we atheists are wary of the powerful emotions that religious fundamentalists try to evoke by their ritual and dogma and are concerned that children who are not yet in command of their reason are forced by parents into environments where exercising their own judgement or reason is discouraged or, even worse, punished. This too is called manipulation - or even brainwashing!

Kevin Miller, Tonbridge,

Here we go, the Religious Wrong are at it again. To paraphrase Maurice of Leeds, "The great satisfaction in not having a faith is that you know the arrogant believers all have to die one day, and their smugness will not keep them alive." Have faith, when it's the only thing left to you after logic fails. I'm fed up with pussyfooting around the religious extremists of whatever persuasion. Why, in America or wherever else, should they be right and everyone else wrong? Teach creationism as one theory of life's orgins by all means, but give equal airtime to all the other theories too. Educate our children to be thoughtful adults, using their intelligence to decide for themselves what is their truth without having to go through the violence of rejecting a particular view (and sometimes with it a community - as I did) to arrive at their own true understanding of their place in the world. Climb down from your pulpits and smell the roses. It's the only chance you'll get.

Gavin, The Hague, Netherlands

Paul of Toronto,

All I can say is you have your way of doing things and Christians have a different way. Faith in God teaches a Christian on higher ideals that will translate into, with God's mercy, into an eternal life with God.

I cannot say what faith in gnosticism or atheism will translate into in the next life. All I can say is God's mercy is a mystery as is He. May God bless you and your children.

Brady-Tx

Bill Brady, Brownwood, Tx

Here in the west we tend to decry the Islamic world for its reactionary views but, clearly, fundamentalist Christians, such as this catholic bishop, are equally narrow minded. I recall that Christians in the USA have tried to ban Harry Potter books and films in the past - but they were quite happy to encourage everyone to go and see Mel Gibson's extremely violent view of the story of Jesus! What a mixed up set of values they have!

Stories and films like this stimulate the imagination. They thrill and inspire. They bring pleasure to many children. They certainly do not indoctrinate them against religion. Churchmen like this bishop manage to do that all by themselves when they show what silly, narrow minded, bigoted views they hold. Get real and get a life and let children enjoy being children!

Kevin Miller, Tonbridge,

Bill Brady, teaching your children one religion - from birth - and withholding access to information that may have opposing views - is not simply passing on your knowledge but restricting their opportunity to learn.

It is one thing to pass on knowledge it is another to ban or restrict access to books.

I have two children and have never prevented them from reading any literature - even literature that would be opposed to my views. One is what I would consider a gnostic, the other, an atheist. We have many philosophical arguments and discussions over the dinner table and it is clear that even those definitions of their philosophical outlook on life are too broad.

If they wanted to go to church, be a muslim or catholic or budhist, etc, I would not stop them or detract them. Life is a journey they must experience.

Unfortunately most christians would not feel the same way.

They would rather ban and brainwash than develop and cultivate.

Paul, Toronto , Canada

Lack of Christianity that has caused wars?!?!!?!

And the crusades were what?

British imperialist expansion was based on propagting what religious belief?

The inquisition burned people why?

The Christians killed more pagans when Constantine was in power than where persecuted before that, but for what reason?

The Old Testament tells stories of how many wars raged in Gods name? And why?

The Bible (Old Testament) revels in rape in Gods name why?

Before the Bible, how many atheist tomes supported rape, pillage and war?

Do they teach history in the US these days?

Paul, Toronto , Canada

It is the lack of Christianity that has caused Wars, not the practice of it. I have never read such mindless idiocy. Do they actually teach history in the UK these days?

Nigel , Baltimore, US

Jeez. If they're so against these books becoming movies, they ought to at least *read* them. "Know your enemy."
Then at least they would *know* that the books ARE NOT about destroying God! For crying out loud, they're about the opposite - it's about destroying a self-absorbed being that has been masquerading as God, and taking the universe to Hell in a handbasket with it...
Goodness... "nitwits" indeed...

Maggie, Tyler, Texas

Maurice Finn from Leeds has it right.
Children need their parents' protection from aetheists with clever films in the same manner they need protection from pornography. I love my three daughters enough to homeschool them, and keep them out of the sewer of pop culture until they are trained to use their reason to see the truth. Then, after university, they will tear the work of arrogant fools like Pullman to shreds!

The Catholic Church has no fear of reason, we kept the Greek philophers alivein the Middle Ages when we started the Unviversity system in Europe.

We Catholics are wary of the powerful emotions evoked by film can encourage younger viewers to make decisions about faith who are not yet in command of their reason. This is called manipulation, and the arts today are full of it.

Let Pullman face Dr. Donohue(a PhD in Sociology in a debate and show him who is the superior intellect. Donohue will run circles around Pullman, and then smile his favmous cheshire cat grin!

Leticia Velasquez, E Moriches, USA, New York

As a Catholic this sort of knee jerk reaction grieves me. So what if it were true and Philip Pullman does have a militant atheist agenda? My faith is strong enough to take the strain and if it was not, then it's not much of a faith, is it?
My children have read these books and say they are some of the best they have ever read (they are grown up now so they have read a few).
Mr Pullman is entitled to his views. I fully intend to go and see the film. I'm a big girl now. I can make up my own mind.

S. Delaney, London,

Has the world gone mad? Everything seems to have reached levels of insanity in terms of Political Correctness this week. Is anyone entitled to make their own mind up now? Naming of Teddy Bears leading to floggings, no free speech at educational establishments? Do people really have such fragile minds that they cannot withstand listening to something against their views (prescribed or thought-out )?There appears to be a competition between religeons, with all vying for the sympathy vote. I suspect that whilst all cannot unite under the banner of tolerance and understanding they certainly can whine "You insulted my beliefs" as loudly as each other! Maybe this competiton could serve as the replacement for the Football which the UK will miss out on next summer?! Incidentally, The Chronicals of Narnia were great until you got to the last book, which explained how religeon featured throughout the series. Kids don't think that deeply -they want pirates and space adventures above all!

Leigh, Birmingham, UK

Paul from Toronto. The essence of being a parent is to give your child the benefit of your knowledge. Parents do this all the time in many practical ways. Religion is only one instance. A parent that is an Atheist will train their child in Atheism. Would you have a problem with that? If not, then why do you see a problem with a Christian training their child as a Christian?

Brady-Tx

Bill Brady, Brownwood, Tx

Are Catholics afraid that he might be right? For a dogma based primarily on faith such a reaction is quite hypocritical.

Chuck L., Jersey City , NJ

Is it any coincidence that Pullman, Hitchens and Dawkins are all British. It seems the main reason the British can't accept the concept of Christianity is because if they did they would have to accept that there is something they do not understand. This is obviously something the British are too arrogant to admit.

Saying that children should make their own minds up is the same as saying they should be allowed to watch adult films and let them decide if there suitable or not. A child does not have the intelligence or maturity to make such decisions.

The great satisfaction in having a faith is that you know the arrogant non believers all have to die one day, and their smugness will not keep them alive.

Maurice, Leeds

Maurice Finn, Leeds, West Yorkshire

The religious fanatics said the same thing about Harry Potter. I think they end up making themselves look rediculous with their boycotts and the film/book will end up more popular than ever.

J.Fairfax, Kansas City,

It's funny that this film shold stir so much controversy despite Chris Weitz, the director, claiming that all religious references have been muted. He might as well have left them in.
I have read the books (they are some of my favourites) and I eagerly anticipate the fim, despite this review.

P.S. To all religious extremists wishing to boycott this film,
This is, and you may not have heard of this before... another viewpoint. That's right- There's more to this world than just your religion.

P.P.S. And Paul Owen from Birmingham, you could not be more right!

HP, Middlesex,

It is ridiculous that adults who think it is ridiculous that children should be allowed to make up their own minds should have children.

If one takes their argument to a logical conclusion, they are not allowed to make up their minds as their parents are still doing it for them and so on.

We are all children of our parents, after all!

Paul, Toronto, Canada

Bill Brady, the problem is that it a child is born to a christian, the parent assumes the child is christian and is making decisions on how that child should think before they have a chance to ponder such things.

If it were just adult christians banning books that other adult christians might read, that would be one thing. But when it is a school board pulling books off a shelf to prevent children from having a chance to make an informed decision on their own, that is wrong.

Paul, Toronto, Canada

The book and movie ( whether written by any other motive than to provide entertainment) should be up to the individual to read or watch. Pulling books from shelves is censorship. Having read all 3 books(and enjoyed them) and also being a christian, being told what to do doesn't sit well with me. I view books and movies as entertainment, if it amuses, or gives people a chance to think about a subject-fact or fiction- then I will watch/read it.

Sarah, Calgary,

It's ridiculous to suggest that children should make up their own minds. That's why they have parents, and parents should be alerted about the book's direction.

Lucille Schwarzenberger, Roberts, Idaho

Good for you, Mr Pullman, in standing up to another attempt by the Catholic hierarchy to shut the young's minds and to ensure that they perpetuate the myth (and feed the Vatican's coffers) for at least another generation. I'll definitely be seeing the film now.

Don't forget - Narnia is a good myth, because ASLAN IS JESUS IN DISGUISE. The Passion is good because it shows how Jesus suffered for our sins (with no context whatsoever provided) and how we Jews were to blame.

Mr Pullman's work is, of course, a bad myth because it dares to posit something different from rote Christianity. And the Da Vinci Code is bad, not because of its self-evident lack of quality but because it dares to suggest that Opus Dei is More Than a Bit Creepy.

No surprise to hear that Canada caves in first to the bullies. Its willingness to bend over backwards to keep absolutely everyone happy was worryingly apparent when I lived there briefly, and is a blemish on an otherwise splendid country.

David, Manchester, UK

Gary, Huyton,
If you hate the Catholic Church so much why are you so concerned about getting your children holy communion? Either you are part of a religion or you are not, you can't pick and choose which bits you want to do and which bits you don't.
Personally I agree with all of your comments about the catholic church and can't understand why you want anything to do with them whatsoever.

J Roberts, Manchester, UK

Tell these competitive MOPEs for the title of Most Offended People Ever - the Catholic church and Muslims with the teddy bears incident where to get off.

Scott, London,

Bill Donohue is warning Christians to avoid this movie and the book that inspired it. What is wrong with a Christian giving warning to Christians? If you are a Christian and you choose not to heed the warning it is your business. And if you heed the warning then it is your business. It helps a person if they can live their lives by following some informed opinion. I am sure very few people invest their money on a whim so why is it a "problem" to have Bill Donohue inform Christians about this movie?

Brady-Tx

Bill Brady, Brownwood, Tx

This is irony isn't it?

Greg, New Bedford, USA/Massachusetts

Its leaches like Philip Pulman who are minting money by espousing their warped views on religion. He should really be thanking the very God that he's trying to do away with - that he isin't a Muslim - otherwise he might not be around for very long and might encounter that same God before very long, in the next life.

Mario, Dublin, Ireland

Technically speaking, this isn't the only movie that undermines Christian, Jewish and Muslim beliefs. Most of the other ones do too! When was the last time you saw a romantic comedy that didn't confuse love with lust, where the characters waited to get married to have sex?

The difference here is that the author of the book is on record stating that he wishes to undermine Christianity. If that offends you, then by all means, express your displeasure by not attending this movie. That, too, is freedom of expression. He can write the books he likes, and you can attend the movies you like.

Mike van Lammeren, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

Thank God the bulk of our religious nutters left on the Mayflower. I really don't understand how Roman Catholic Church in Britain cannot comment, when all the raw material is there, available to buy from pretty much any bookshop in the UK.

Rebecca, Felpham,

You don't need to read Philip K Dick to become an atheist. A little bit of questioning, critical thinking and rationalising will get you to see that religion is rubbish by the age of 11.

Unless of course you have been indoctrinated and brain washed.

I love to see the panic that such trivial books cause amongst the church. It just goes to show how scared they are of losing their followers/power and how shallow and shaky their belief really is.

/sarcasm on - Right now I've said that I'm of to worship satan, kill some babies drink their blood and torture some kittens. /sarcasm off /rolleyes.

Russ, Reading, UK

Giles, Manchester, England said: "Other than the bible, what evidence can Christians produce backing up their claims? Ask the same question of an atheist and he will have the weight of 200 years' scientific study behind him."

I SAY: What evidence does one need to back up Christian claims? Christians don't need to back up their claims! It's not worth worrying about who belongs to God and who belongs to His fallen angel, Satan! God's children have their names written in the Book of Life before they are born, and they will all end up of the Holy Spirit anyway. That's why one person in a family might become a Christian and receive the Holy Spirit while his or her siblings spend their whole life as unbelievers.
It doesn't matter if Christ died on the cross or not, because He most certainly was sent by God and was crucified for us. It's not just the Bible that records the existence of Jesus Christ. I don't have blind faith, just the Holy Spirit within me, that's all I need.

Phil Newman, Darwin, Australia

Yet another ridiculous boycott by religious people, if your'e going to boycott something, perhaps it should be something that's actually important, not a bloody ficticious(!) movie/book.

On the topic of what Jason Simmons said, the burden of proof is not on the atheist, you can't prove that something doesn't exist. It is the ones claiming the exitence of somthing that should come forward with proof. Sadly for you, there is none. Like Giles said, atheist has tons of scientific resarch to back up their claims, religion has nothing.

And also, some say that the author is disrespectful of chistianity, well why should he (or any atehist for that matter) be respectful of a religion that has so little tolerans for so many silly things based on what a 2000 year old book says? Homosexuality is a good example, it's noones business apart from the homosexual him/her-self, so to all christians, mind your own business and stay out of everyone elses.

Mattias K, Norrkoping, Sweden

Muslims Unenlightened? Let's see now (deep breath!)

Forced marriage, polygamy, female slavery and subservience, honour killings, beheadings, limb amputations, death sentence for apostasy, suicide bombers targeting innocent civilians, stoning to death of women for adultery, the burqa, Sharia Law based on the teachings of a 1000 year old book!

Have I missed anything?

J Roberts, Manchester, UK

Attention all atheists. It has come to my attention that children are being encouraged to learn about, read, watch and even act in something called the 'nativity'. Now the nativity story is not overly offensive in itself, but it might lead children to read the book that it's from. This tome will encourage them to become hippies spouting off about the meek and rucking with bankers or alternatively want to subjugate women and stone homosexuals to death - it depends which bits they read. Responsible parents should be aware of this before they consider whether to let their children watch this insidious and dangerous 'nativity'.

I think it actually says a lot about organised religion that it feels the only ideas children should be exposed to are those which indoctrinate the 'correct' views and all others should be screened out. Organised religion and its influence is waning in all the world's most developed nations bar one, and they'll catch up sooner or later.

Al, London, UK

To JA Smith, it was interesting that you equate censorship - in the form of pulling books off a shelf - as a way to provide information so someone can make an informed decision. How can they be informed if the book is pulled and the 'leaders of the community' have already classed the books as radical?

Next they will be pulling Fahrenheit 451 off the shelves so that the children don't read of a dystopian society that wanted to prevent informed decisions by buring all literature they felt was radical.

I was astounded that you equated understanding god (or no god) as a 'safety' issue - making sure they don't get hurt riding bikes, crossing roads, taking drugs, etc. Surely God or, at least, philosophy is not something to be protected against but understood. Equating to pulling books off shelves - as a safety measure - would mean never letting them ride a bike, go on a boat ride or cross a road. Poor analogies at best, but very telling as to how Christians see god and religion.

Paul, Toronto, Canada

Philip Pullman and the film's producers are quite clearly concerned by the reaction of Christians - particularly those in the USA. If this wasn't so, why were the more blatant anti-religious aspects of the book edited out in the film?
Philip Pullman has expressed his hatred for the Narnia Chronicles yet C S Lewis never tried to hide or dilute the allegorical nature of these books. For Philip Pullman to call his own critics 'nitwits' hardly moves this debate forward at all and is an extremely disappointing reaction from a man who claims to base his judgments on 'reason'. And yes, I probably would boycott the film, not because of the Catholic League, but by reason of the low rating given by reviewers.

Karol Jozef Gajewski, Accrington, United Kingdom

Donohue and his silly little catholic league are irrelevant. They don't represent catholicism. He runs around picking on celebrities like Penn Jillette and the South Park guys just to get mentioned in the backpage of some silly entertainment rag (no offense).

That's the only thing he's any good at. Stretching that fifteen minutes out as far as possible.

How many catholics have even heard of him?

Not that there's anything wrong with "pushing" atheism on children, even if that's what Pullman was doing (he isn't). We can promote Christianity, teach that Islam is a religion of peace, but how dare we say there might be something to rational atheism?

Donohue is silly and he should be in the unemployment line. That silly little charlatan.

Justin, Portland, Oregon, USA

"And for something they say does not exist they have made a pretty penny out of Him"

does that make it that fairies exist because there exist books on faries?

Ed Hazzan, Leamington Spa, England

Religious conservatives love this agenda.From top to bottom the social policies they push upon is are all oriented around the idea that people are unable to make moral choices on their own and that somehow this makes the church necessary. We have to take away everything bad because people arent capable of deciding for themselves that they dont want something and that the church is the only thing that can save them from themselves.

How can this moral majority expect to be taken seriously after the years of hypocritical action on behalf of themselves and this president that touts his faith as a reason why hes better than the other supposedy 'godless' party.

Thankfully the sad corrupted excuse of organized religion in the United States hasnt been able to get its claws into power yet - but they try every shady thing in the book to make it so.

FTY - I consider myself agnostic. Im not against the idea of god, just all of the interpretations of it shoved in our face here in america.

Kevin, phoenix,

I am religious myself (although not Catholic) and have no problem with his books and nor would I mind my children reading them. We simply can not keep screaming for a ban just because someone has a different view from us. My faith is strong enough to withstand one mans agenda

Simon Beames, St Albans, England

Huh? It's ok for war protesters to protest when they feel a war is being waged that is wrong, it's ok for abortion rights advocates to protest when they feel their right to an abortion is being threatened, it's ok for gay rights advocates to protest when they feel their rights are being abridged by virtue of their sexual orientation, it's ok for animal rights advocates to protest when they feel animals are being abused. How come it's not ok for people who believe in a particular faith to protest when they feel their faith is being publicly attacked? People who protest what they feel to be an attack or abridgement of rights are acting properly and with a conscience. How can you believe in something and not stand up and defend it? And by the way, I *have* read the books, and yes, they DO attack the Christian faith, most specifically the Catholic Church. (And they have every right to do so... but then, the Catholic Church, for example, has every right to say so, and to object.)

Nancy, Syracuse, NY, USA

The information a child receives is what they will use to form their moral understanding of what is right and wrong.

No one book or movie is a threat to that process unless it is the only book or movie which is read. The question really is a parental question, "How much information is your child receiving in order to properly form their christian conscience?" If a child is only exposed to very subtle forms of atheism then the child will have a hard time forming a relationship with God.

What is needed is balance. Books or movies that elevate magic and fantasy should be balanced with books or movies that treat the mystery of God in a way that young minds will be inspired and entertained. Where are all of these books and movies you ask? I ask the same question.

Brady-Tx

Bill Brady, Brownwood, Tx

Why are religious conservatives so afraid of people hearing about different views? They must not have much faith in their own beliefs. Pathetic.

CK, Raleigh, NC/USA

Thank the good God that I don't live in the UK. Obviously its the Land of the People Who Don't Believe Anything Will Fall for Everything. Please tell Mr Pullman this "nitwit" is praying for him but, since there is no God, I'm sure he could care less. Until the day of his death, then he will, of course.

G, USA,

there's nothing like a good book-burning, is there?

although I feel the catholic church may find itself in a rather precarious position when it comes peddling dangerous nonsense.

I dread to think what kind of deluded schoolkids these school boards are happy to churn out.

jem, london, uk

Why do we never seem to be allowed to make up our own minds anymore? If you believe it is trying to undermine the Christian belief then don't read or see it but let those of us who think it's just a good story enjoy it without hassle!

Beth, Oxford,

Don't religious types ever read books before jumping on a bandwagon to ban them? The series makes clear that the aim is not to destroy "God", but to fight an evil Authority figure who has falsely set himself up as God. You'd think, what with all that bible reading, that most Christians would have attained a basic level of literacy.

How strange that so many people seem to feel their convictions are under threat from a collection of children's books (albeit very good ones). Suggestive of a pretty weak will.

Sorenson, UK,

What has the Catholic church to fear? Are the foundations of their faith not strong enough to withstand one man's agenda? Or is there a reason why they, like all desert religions, have to rush into a blind panic as soon as something is put into the public domain that they do not like. It is only a matter of time before so called peace-loving religions threaten to punish middle aged women because children pick a name for a cuddly toy.....

Deamhain, Aberdeen,

Once again the sanctimonious narrow minds insult our intelligence by trying to censor us. In a free-minded society we should be allowed to make our own decisions. The majority of adults and children who see the movie or read the book are more than aware that this is a work of fiction.

Alan, uxbridge,

How many of these people have actually seen the film or read the book? I am a Catholic and I read the triolgy and greatly enjoyed it because we all have the right to make our own decisions and choices, and at the end of the day Pullmans Dark materials trilogy is a thoroughly enjoyable story, it didn't convert me from my beliefs, it just made me more interested in Pullmans other novels. All these religious groups are achieving is making the christian church look bad!

Matt, Essex, England

Pullman can write what he likes , but jwhy does anyone who does not like his book branded as a nitwit, surely this goes against his postion of letting people make up their own minds.

Uche george, London , UK

I think that every child has the right to decide on their own religious views, and not have the views of their parents imposed on them - surely, where views are imposed on children by their parents, and the children are effectively brain washed into a belief, is a form of child abuse and should be banned?

Simon Albion, London, Uk

If a book or film cannot stand up on it's own as a work of fiction, but can create debate and interest then the religious groups have real problems if they feel that their members need to be banned from seeing or reading it. If they feel that their strength of faith is so shaky that a children's book can disturbe it then perhaps they should be looking at the teaching and practice of their religion.
The Bible causes debate on all sides but few talk about banning that.

Bernie, Southend, Essex

Clearly the Catholic League has little faith in an "all
powerful God" of with one simple flash of lightning he would wreak great vengence. Maybe it is thieir faith that is the problem?

David Vinter, Louth, Lincs. , UK.

Thought we had the freedom to choose what to read and watch. If religious eduction in schools teaches children that there are many religions, all with a different view of God (or Gods), and that all other viewpoints are wrong, then what's the problem in letting children watch the film or read the books?

God is supposedly omnipresent, ompipitent etc. so I am quite sure if he does not approve of the book he will let us know. Preferably not just to a handful of believers, but to everyone.

David Stewart, London,

This sounds like more censorship by the Catholic church because they don,t like other peoples views which contradict their own,remember the fuss over The Da vinci Code.I would have thought that they had bigger problems with child abusers within their own clergy,poverty in the catholic third world and of course,the rise of Islam which puts this into perspective.Its the 21st century and the world has moved on from the times when you believed every word the church had to say.People are smart enough to make their own minds up.

J Matthews, Craigavon, N.Ireland,UK

How reactionary an ill thought through is this? Just consider that only now that the film is about to premier is the fuss being raised and books withdrawn from a school library. If this is such an important issue, why didn't these groups raise it while the books were in publication, but wait until the film is moving towards it's premier? Because they hadn't thought it through before now.
The books are brilliant - I hope the film is as good as is being suggested, and I sincerely hope that it does encourage people (especially the young) to read and make up their own minds.

Ian, London, UK

Absolutely sickening that religious zealots want to determine what my children can or cannot read! Promoting an atheist agenda? what is an atheist agenda? Seen any Atheist radicals lately? Is it as revolting as the pro-christian/anti-semetic snuff film known as "The Passion of the Christ" which all these same religious folks promoted as a fine peice of film? So promoting religious intolerance and HATE is acceptable, but a fantasy story is not? Perhaps the Catholic Church should spend less time trying to burn books and more time stopping their clergy from molesting children, and then hiding and condoning that action. Judge not, lest ye be judged yourselves. The only saving grace here is that they will only make the book sell more, and the movie be seen more, having raised the awareness of it so dramatically.

Kris Vosper, Burlington, Ontario

It is true that a school board or two in Ontario have taken Pullman's books off their library shelves "for review". However, these schoolboards are Roman Catholic school boards and do not represent the majority of the people of Ontario or Canada.

Adam Quinan, Toronto, Canada

I am a "Catholic Atheist", and have been for many years. I have read Pullman's books, as well as the Narnia series, Harry potter etc and have never been offended by any. His Dark Materials is certainly the best of the lot, in terms of plot and literary quality. I can only assume that the critics have not read the series, and are unaware of the humanity and the number of good and caring people portrayed, including the heroine Lyra, and the deep relationships and complex situations dealt with. It is an amazing series. As an atheist, I am not offended by religious views of others, and enjoy their writings. Pullman's comments on organized religion are valid and to the point. I remember my Catholic past very well.

kizzie garneau, St.Donat, Qubec, Canada

Mr. Pullman must be smiling with absolute glee. The Catholic League has just assured THE GOLDEN COMPASS a place in the most watched movie of the year category. Nitwit is an accurate description of these people.

J. Lavine, virginiatown, ontario canada

Now those of us with any sense will flock to see the film. Not only because the Catholic lobby doesn't like it but because they've promised us it tries to destroy religion!

Pullman is right, why does the Catholic lobby not believe that Catholics are sure enough in their beliefs that a children's film will undermine their faith (however absurd the rest of us might find it)?

cw, London,

The people who are opposing these books and films would do themselves a favour to read the books before issuing such nonsensical statements. The book does not "climax with an epic battle to "destroy God"", they are actually trying to destroy a renegade Angel who has taken over heaven and taken God prisoner.

Surely, it is beneficial to teach children to be open minded and analytical about faith and ultimately let them decide for themselves? The Catholic Church must be in a sad state of decline to try to censor and monitor what book children are reading.

Regardless of Pullmans comments about 'undermining the basis of Christian belief', we can still learn a lot from the message, which for me is the essence of this book, and that is that God is everywhere, in everything, and we should be free to worship outside of the constraints of organised religion.

Jayne, Southend on Sea,

This movie had not really been on my list to go see. However, now that there's a religious zealot determined to tell people what they should be reading and watching, I'm going to take my daughter to see it. At least twice.

Those "nitwits" (morons more like...) need to sod off out of our library shelves and quit trying to be our thought police.

This has made me decide to be a walking commercial for the movie :-)

John, Auburn, Washington

so where is god? when i was a child i was told he was above the clouds this made my first flight very disappointing. What do they tell children today?

tom irving, bristol,

By the way, I'm not Catholic, Irish, or an uneducated, lower-class "nitwit".

People who don't agree with you are not beneath you, contrary to what you have apparently been taught.

I will not be buying any PP books, or watching his movies, now that I know what kind of person this is. What a role model!

Jack E., Highland, NY, USA

So the catholic bible pushers have jumped on the bandwagon.How many of these people screaming, boycott the film have actually read the book?If it was not for religion, most of the terrorist act and acts of war would not be going on. If there is anyone on this earth that can prove that the bible, and all that is written in it is 100% true please prove it. This a publicity stunt, I have to go to church every week with my 7 year old son. Why? We along with other parents are being blackmailed, we have been told if the children do not attend church, they will not be able to make their holy communion. I see every week how empty the church is, the church is always crying poverty. The church is one of the richest greediest businesses on the earth. They should try selling off some of their assets, why does the pope need so many flunkies around him? I ask you how can a catholic priest give guidance on marriage and bringing up children, he will never do either of these normal things.

Gary, Huyton,

What an obscure view SK! On what premise have you concluded the Muslims to be less 'enlightened'? Please see if there is any way you may lift that veil which is giving you a distorted view of Islam. Please try and enlighten youself first before propagating such views. May the light prevails to stop hate-mongers and bigots from polarising every single religious issue and keep comparing Islam and Chritianity. Untutored readers like you go by cliches, so see if you can get rid of that tiny speck in your eyes befor you embark on taking that beam from others....

Swaleha K, Birmingham, England

Wouldn't these nitwits be better employed stopping their priests abusing children.

terryprattle, nottingham,

Pullman, Dawkins and the rest of the cabbal do not believe in God.
However they are blessed because God believes in them.
And for something they say does not exist they have made a pretty penny out of Him.
As doubting Thomas learned, so will they.

CA Metcalfe, Hornchurch,

Let's see...

Author Salman Rushdie got a couple of death decrees issued by Islamic fanatics... Danish cartoonist... that Dutch woman... and a few others.

American Cathoilcs only wants a boycott. I think this is acceptable. They too must have their right to Freedom of Expression. Galaxy forbid (politically correct to include atheists) that American Catholics are enlightened enough unlike the moslems in Sudan who may lash a British Christian teacher 40 times for allowing Sudanese children to name a teddy bear "Mohammed". You think I should market "Mohammed teddy bears" for Christmas and make a million dollars?

SK Lin, Hongkong,

Well said Adrian. To condemn a story in a book based on your belief in a story in another book (i.e the bible) is pretty ridiculous.

Other than the bible, what evidence can Christians produce backing up their claims? Ask the same question of an atheist and he will have the weight of 200 years' scientific study behind him.

Giles, Manchester, England

The athiests posting here all reinforce the reason for the boycott. If they want to write children's books attacking the Christian faith, then I find it ludicrous that they would be surprised or offended when Christians don't want their children reading it.

And, yes, the books are anti-Christian. Not the first one but definately the 3rd one. And in our society, authors have every right to tell such a story. But Christians also have every right to boycott it.

I also find it amazing that people here expect parents to let children find their own beliefs? Parents always try to instil their own values and beliefs in their children. Do you really just your child read any material they want and make up their own mind? Then you wouldn't care if you if I introduced them to Nazi hate literature?

My biggest condemnation of the series is that after the first book, they really aren't very good.

Davis Simpson, Calgary, Alberta

Great advertising for the movie...

Seriously. The books are enjoyable to read. Great imagination. Unfortunately, I thought the 3rd book was a let down. Religious? Never thought about that.

To often the religious people see/read to much into things. And when they do, they just make people want to see/read/do the opposite.

I think I'll reread the 3 books this weekend. Before I go to church.

I think we have seen this sort of thing before? Wasn't a nice time for a whole lot of people. Hate to think this is where we are heading.

Dloewen, Vancouver, Canada

If those who rail against the Catholic Church for informing Catholics about the views of the author would just go to see the movie themselves and not be so worried about what the
Catholics do, it would be a nice change. No-one is telling them, what not to see. All the Church is doing is giving their people an informed choice. They can make up their own minds. Children have to be guided by their parents, in many aspects of their lives, such as boating safety, cycling, crossing streets, drugs, friends, and yes religion.

J A Smith, Abbbotsford B C, Canada

I couldn't agree more with Paul. The Bible is veritably literature. I wonder who has noticed the naughty things that go on within its pages? Let me recount a few:

Jacob tricks his neighbor into marrying his daughter and being circumcised. He then takes the opportunity to slaughter the entire male population.

The oh-so-virtuous Job "lays with" both of his daughters.

According to Revelations, we are all damned, because nobody--not even the mad fundamentalists--have been following the very strict rules set down there.

Alexander, Minsk, Belarus,

crazy. ive read plenty of phillip pullman books and i see nothing wrong with them. what is happening to the world? everyone who believes in a god suspects everyone else of being a religion-hating atheist!

marysia, Pontardawe (Swansea), wales

Has no one noticed that the bible itself is in itself a story, added to to and censored over 1 thousand years, often for the politcal purpose of supression and control of the population. what we are seeing now played out in the middle east by jihadists, from "intelligent design" in the heart of America is the last desperate attempt by religion to control and impose "morals" on us. The book is a charming story which encourages courage, fairness, freindship, and tolerence....which is more than can be said for the Catholics, responsible for millions of deaths in AIDs plagued africa due to the rejection of contraception. It's only "love thy neighbour" aslong as they are not gay, a jew, or a woman it seems.

Lets boycott the Bible, who's with me?

James Moore, London,

It's a good job it didn't have a Teddy called Jesus in it...

Chris, Melksham,

There are many films and stories out there promoting religions, The Passion of the Christ, the Bible story book etc. We allow these to be shown and published, therefore I believe anything opposing views should also have a right to be shown/published. I only oppose when a medium is claiming to be fact or truth without any strong evidence or manipulating the evidence (Al Gore...). Therefore anything regarding religion or faith based arguments can not be.

I believe in free speech and making your own mind up about anything. Everyone should be presented with all sides of any argument or way of thinking. Trying to manipulate people thoughts and/or way of life is wrong.

Have we gone back to medieveal times and let a religous group take control of what we do, the way we thing and our children? or in 2007 do we have the right to decide for ourselves?

I am glad the UK is not as backward thinking as the towns in the USA.

Paul, North East, England

Hypocrisy is alive and well in the Christian faith.

It's okay to let your kids read CS Lewis' books and watch the movie but not books by Pullman or, for that matter, Rowling.

Why?

Because the Christian faith is based on taking young children and force feeding them from young, when vulnerable and susceptible.

Why?

Because once old enough to think rationally and independantly, many will choose to throw off the shackles. And Catholics can't allow this to happen.

The Bible is full of stories of rage, anger, vengeance, rape, murder - all perpetrated by 'God' and for 'God.' Clearly this is good while a novel like Pullman's is bad.

Hmmmm.

Clearly there are many people suffering from pyschological issues if they feel they can excuse and apologise away all the bad parts of the Bible but speak out against books like the Golden Compass.

Paul, Toronto , Canada

It disturbing when a religion has so much pull in the modern world. Religion has no right to infringe on freedom of speech. I hope this controversy takes more people away from religion - I hope they see the corruption of ethics that has gone on for the past thousand years.

It disgusts me.

Elizabeth, Toronto,

The movie will succeed because the media, most of whose members have little time for religion (studies have shown this), will promote the movie with great vigour. The fact that Pullman has directed his animus specifically at the Catholic Church, the faith most disliked by the media, will be an added incentive for them to hail the movie as ' a masterpiece' or 'groundbreaking' or 'courageous', regardless of its merit.

Jim, Toronto, Canada

As far as I'm concerned those Christians who call out against Phillip Pullmans Novels and film have some serious insecurities in their own beliefs. If your belief is that strong then this should be no challenge and you should be able to face arguments against and still come out believing and all the stronger for it!

Besides which, If they don't like the film just don't go to see it! Do not try to stop those who do! It's our choice as everyone should have a right to. I think it is brilliant that there is at last a famous author willing to give an alternative point of view to religion and beliefs. It means that children are more aware of the options and can make their own choice instead of just being told by their parents what to belief.

Simon Gardner, Swansea, Wales

If anyone actually read the entire series of books, they would know that the God they destroy is a false one, who spreads only malice, and only through destroying the FALSE God, can people ever know the true one.

Natalie, Philadelphia,

Does it truly matter if he is an athiest or not? People should be allowed to make up their own minds and be forced into other peoples beliefs. This seems to be the case with the militant christianity in the US at the moment. You never hear of athiest trying to ban films like Evan Almighty as they potray God as existing do you! So why should the opposite be the same. There is no excuse for this ridiculous thinking and thrusting of their own values down peoples throats.

Rob, London, England

I haven't read THE AMBER SPYGLASS yet, but the first two books were anti-organized religion-- in the same way that the best religious songs and artwork are religious.

That is, his viewpoint on the subject is just a framework for a much deeper set of concepts that transcends any given religion. If you haven't read it or watched it, then try it. THEN YOU can decide for YOURself what YOU think of it.

Michael, Pueblo, Colorado, US

Why does the American League not critique members of its own faith? Nicole Kidman is Catholic and her second wedding was one in the Catholic Church. Perhaps the Church needs to focus on teaching its own members about God before condemning they who are differ in thought. At least the author is not duplicitous and answering only to money. Perhaps the multiple cosmetic surgeries have altered Ms. Kidman's faith in God as well the normal journey of aging. Maybe the Botox has frozen her mind as well her brow.

Katherine, Central, Virginia, USA

Why as Christians do we feel threatened by this? God says...

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

We serve a Big God! He doesn't need us to defend Him, rather He is OUR vindicator. As we are in the last days, it's to be expected that we will face this kind of opposition... but the best way that we can respond, is by becoming the ambassadors of God, that we're meant to be, because so far we've done a terrible job as 'Christians'. If anything, we 'Christians' have become a stumbling block to people finding their way to God. If people could really see God through his children, the world would be saved by now.

Pray for Mr Pullman and exhibit God's love towards Mr Pullman, as love conquers all, love never fails, and love covers a multitude of sins...

Jaeneen, Sydney, Australia

I'd like to point out that the issue here is the ethical morality of censorship of film and books, as well as the true intentions of Mr. Pullman's works.

However, most people seem to be using this discussion board as a medium to promote their beliefs. I've noticed the majority of people have taken the opportunity to bash Christianity and religion as a whole. Stay on topic. Everyone: save your irrelevant commentary for dedicated online forums.

Alex, Orangeville, Ontario, Canada

Pullman, an avowed atheist, truly does believe in the Almighty - the Almighty Dollar or Pound or Euro, that is!!. He is backpeddling on his previous blantantly anti-Christian comments and the content of his books, so as not to hurt the receipts at the box office, and by extension, get movies 2 and 3 made. American Catholics are too smart. and have been treated like pinatas for too long to be fooled. The Golden Compass will tank in the land of the free and home of the brave.

Mark DiStasio, Branford, CT , USA

How can a book undermine the fundamentals of Christianity... it's like saying that this book will undermine God? My God??? Are we talking about the same God here? You cannot truly know my God if you think that, because my God is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, He is the great I AM!! We are just created beings where he is the CREATOR!

Jaeneen, Sydney, Australia

It is stupid to truly believe in an invisible magic ghost, regardless of what name you give it or how many people join in. Jeer at a Christian's beliefs today; don't let them get away with it. They have no special right to dignity. They are, as Tony Blair intuitively feared, being nutters.

_Felix, Nottingham,

"To regard it as this Donohue man has said - that I'm a militant atheist, and my intention is to convert people - how the hell does he know that?"

Perhaps it could be from prior statements by Pullman like this:

'In particular, he told the Washington Post that one of his key goals was to "undermine the basis" of Christian belief.'

Regardless of whether it is true, the conclusion drawn by Donahue seems a fairly reasonable one to draw, given public declarations by Pullman such as the above. In ignoring this, and merely attempting to villify and ridicule his opponent, it is Mr. Pullman who comes out looking like a nitwit here.

Robert Lee, Gainesville, FL, USA

I suppose in a sense these books are the Catholic "satanic verses"; but much better written.

John Maxwell, Widnes,

The North American Catholic League is only doing what the Catholic Church has been doing for centuries, trying to suppress, ban and censor any dissenting voice against its one "truth".

Wonder what this Donohue chap would have said if atheists had called for Mel Gibson's Jesus movie to be banned because it promoted Catholic Mel's religious agenda? Why is belief in a cosmic fairy better than non-belief in a cosmic fairy?

What clowns these religious facists are!

Infitic, Balerno, Scotland

Undermining Christianity also undermines Islam as their Al-Qur'an claims Christ as their prophet.

I bet Indian Muslims will be out in the streets to ban this movie as they did for The Da Vinci Code.

Salahuddin, London, UK

I am always amazed how people get so upset when someone disagrees with them. If people feel that the movie is anti God and want to boycott that is their right. They also have the right to tell others. If people are anti God they have the right to see the movie. They should just have the honesty to admit that they are Godless.

Sean, New York, NY/USA

They are really that insecure over their beliefs?, well it figures its a business anyway, got to protect ones margin........

Ian Hendry, Boston, USA

Well, if Vatican plc doesn't like it, it MUST be good!

These people truly are pathetic. Nitwit is far too polite a term to use!

Mike Homfray, Liverpool,

If these religious people had any confidence in their faith, and the faith of other followers, then they should have nothing to fear from Pullman, Dawkins, Hitchens etc.

Andrew Ryan, London,

For someone to say that His Dark Materials is an effort to undermine Christianity obviously has not read the trilogy.

Pullman certainly brings up the dirty laundry themes of past Catholic practices, such as the eunuch choirs, but for anyone to defend these practices is in themselves evil.

What the Catholic League must understand, which I am not sure that this brash and "nitwit" organization is capable of doing so, is that this trilogy is not merely a fictional story; it is also set in an entirely fictional world. He could have said that up is down and left is right. But as soon as one writes something reminiscent to this world's religions, it is not only false, but the beginnings of a religious battle.

One word: RELAX.

Matthew Johnsen, Columbus, Ohio

Their a dying breed, not worth listening too, its as simple as that.

Luke Espley, Bristol, England

Religious leaders, of course, are terrified that people are going to read a work of fiction and be convinced that there is no God.
Oh wait a minute, people read the work of fiction that is the bible and believe that there is a God, so maybe they have a point.
People are sheep, it's official, ban books, better yet burn books. That will solve the problem of free will.

Nick Moss, East Grinstead, West Sussex

The catholic church of which I am a member as usual is as backwards as ever. I am fed up with these idiots and to be honest they are going to cause trouble in the US next year during the elections. They really are a bunch of intolerant fascists. Jesus if he ever did exist if he knew what some of these religious nut jobs say in his name would be diwsgusted in my honest opinion. Live and let live I say and preach understanding and friendship but you are banging your head on a brick wall. Phillip Pullman rocks!!!

Shaun, Hull,

CS Lewis shameless