[foal]

If those are real quotes then it was dumb for him to be so outspoken. I mean if your agenda is to turn kids against religion and you want them to read your books for that purpose, why would you announce it?

I thought the Golden Compass trilogy was great, I may have been a little old for it when I read it, but it was still pretty addictive. It's not atheist, but part of the plot (which becomes major in the last book, I think) is about a war against "The Authority" who is clearly modeled after the Abrahamic God. I loved this idea, because I've always felt that if that God existed he is unjust and evil.

If it causes any children to question the justness of their God I personally think that's a good thing, but I can understand their parents not wanting them to read it.