The Golden Compass

Which elements of the Golden Compass would especially concern religious Christians? Do you think that these concerns are enough to keep the book out of the public school classroom? Why

Being that I am not a very religious person myself I had a hard time seeing why certain things are offensive to others. I think its okay to be offended by the book but to the extent that people want to pull this book off of shelves is a bit ridiculous.
A few things that might offend people are
1. The fact that the church (Magisterium) wants destiny to exist (having control over the citizens). However, Lord Asriel wants to due away with destiny and is pushing free will.

2. The fact that Lord Asriel wanted to make contact with other worlds

3. Golden Compass is thought of as a direct attach on organized religion particularly Catholicism

4. Having Daemons that represent the true soul of the individual. Moreover, the members of the Magisterium have Daemons that are snakes and bugs etc...Considered as a direct attack on Catholics.

5. The fact that the author Philip Pullman is an atheist could be reason enough for others to want to toss the book!

6. Every religious character in the book is seen as sneaky and one that is trying to take away pleasurable things. Therefore, kids see religious figures as bad.

I can definitely see how these things can be offensive. However, I don't believe that school boards, parents, or anyone else for that matter have the right to pull books off of shelves. If you don't want your kid reading something that is perfectly acceptable. However, do not push your views on others. Because one parent doesn't like one book, other children are deprived of literature.