"Pullman believes that Lewis's books portray a version of Christianity that relies on martial combat, outdated fears of sexuality and women, and also portrays a religion that looks a lot like Islam in unashamedly racist terms."
What other rhetoric would you expect from an atheist? I think Pullman is simply reflecting his own beliefs about Christianity in this statement. I read Pullman's first 2 books, and enjoyed the first one. When I read the second book, I began to see Pullman's true colors. I realized that his books had a distint anti-Christian message. The second book is complete with horrific scenes ,like having one's soul severed from one's body. Frightful stuff. This man is NOT a happy camper. I would not listen to his opinion on the much loved Narnia books, since it is colored with hate for Christian religion and his own pessimistic, dismal outlook on life.
I read "The Golden Compass" and "The Amber Spyglass" and squirmed through them. They made me very uncomfortable before I knew of Pullman's hatred of all things Christian. What disturbed me the most was how these books were marketed towards children and young adults; they are decidedly NOT for youngsters!!! The covers are beautiful but extremely misleading.
I know his books have been optioned for filming by Hollyweird. I don't care how they sugar-coat the plot, I won't see them or have anything to do with them.