I read the series and came away with nearly the exact same impression that the author of the article did.

I don't feel it is anti-theistic precisely because I am in the same religious boat as Philip Pullman. My personal take on the matter is that I hold nothing against those who find solace, comfort, and strength from their beliefs. I've even counseled several people towards the church when they were in times of need.

I'm not up for a huge debate at the moment, but as an atheist, I have to say it is fascinating to think about religion, and to delve into a subject full of mystery and history and humanity where I have little-to-no emotional ties. As a writer, I find it fascinating to read works like Paradise Lost and it's offshoots, and I enjoy playing with religious matters in my own work. It is wonderful to see books like His Dark Materials that seem to spring from a source like my own.

I don't feel like I'm being very clear, but the bottom line is that I think that a work that shows this "Spirit" side of God in such a manner teaches children to think more softly about religion and spirituality and is an effective antidote to the colored focus that the media and historians put on the clergy and church infrastructure.