ChampionNews.com reports: Christian teachers have criticised a public reading scheme which urges children to read what they say is an 'anti-church' book.
Sefton Council want young people all over the borough to pick up Philip Pullman's Northern Lights - a novel which is seen by some faith groups as anti-Christian propaganda. The event - the Big Read - is a mass reading session, and this is the first time Sefton are taking part.
Council encourage children to read 'anti church' book
Christian teachers have criticised a public reading scheme which urges children to read what they say is an 'anti-church' book.
Sefton Council want young people all over the borough to pick up Philip Pullman's Northern Lights - a novel which is seen by some faith groups as anti-Christian propaganda. The event - the Big Read - is a mass reading session, and this is the first time Sefton are taking part.
Rupert Kaye, the chief executive of the Association of Christian Teachers said: "Northern Lights has been written for a purpose which goes far beyond the author's desire for critical acclaim or financial reward. It's been written with the self-avowed aim of discrediting Christianity, undermining the church and attacking God.
"In Northern Lights (which is part of the 'His Dark Materials' trilogy) the church is portrayed as an evil and repressive organisation which, from time to time, allows the abuse of children in furtherance of its early goals."
A spokesman for Sefton Council - which covers Southport, Formby, Maghull, Crosby and Bootle — said: "The Sefton Big Read scheme aims to encourage people to pick up a book and discover the fun of reading.
"The Northern Lights is a widely-acclaimed book which has received international praise and sold millions of copies worldwide. It is still in the top 100 book chart. It is a fantasy novel, which is being made into a blockbuster movie, due for release later this year.
"Supported by many educators and education organisations, it is aimed at young people aged 11-plus and is often used for study in secondary schools across the country."
But Rupert Kaye added: "As a Christian teacher I find it particularly odious that Pullman's bitter and twisted trilogy has been marketed and sold as children's literature and desperately sad that so few Christians have taken the time to see Pullman's work for what it is - anti-Christian propaganda."
4 comments - Add yours
#1
"Pullman's bitter and twisted trilogy(...)"
Pfft.
# April 28, 2007 05:51 by Lari
#2
And yet if it was narnia being pushed, would there be complaints? I doubt it.
Stop limiting what children read.
# April 28, 2007 21:07 by edd8990
#3
I can't stand it when adults entirely underestimate the ability of children of that age group and up to think for themselves.
# April 29, 2007 02:15 by Miss Bear
#4
Seriously, let people believe what they want!!!
Kaye's remark puts a bad name on Christians....if kids are to believe, they must find their own way to be with God, not be forced.
(either way Im still agnostic =])
# May 9, 2007 03:16 by RepublicanofHeaven