I also know many other christians, atheists and agnostics who think very carefully about their beliefs. As long as you are thinking I enjoy talking to you no matter what you believe.

Personally, I think that no matter what your personal beliefs, teaching critical thinking skills is perhaps the single most important thing we can do for kids.

But, after thoroughly enjoying A Million Little Pieces before Oprah even knew who James Frey was, I think that people can enjoy a book for what it is, despite what category the publishers (or whoever) decide to put on it.

I think this goes for the Frey book just as well as the Bible. If it speaks to you, then it speaks to you. If not, then find another book. I’ve heard of more than one person whose favorite book isn’t the Bible but To Kill a Mockingbird. If I had kids, I certainly wouldn’t mind them learning a thing or two from that book.

As for The Da Vinci Code, I always took the religious stuff, and the author’s subsequent views on it, as a literary device Mr. Brown used to advance his story. It wasn’t meant to be religious per se…the religious stuff was just meant to make the “crime story” more interesting. And, it did advance the story in that manner.

Nevertheless, I think readers of all genres should read with context and critical thinking. And, they should know that not all authors speak for them. There are plenty of books in the library…and if that fails them, Office Depot offers a quite decent supply of lined notebook paper and elegant pens.

AS a card carrying christian let me just say that sometimes my fellow christians annoy me. ok…alot.

Here’s my take.

Harry Potter? Dont get what all the hubub was about.

Davinci Code? I get the hubub. Dan Brown says he is writing fiction but claims all his historical details were factual. Even non-christian historians found that amusing.

BUT-he has a right to write his book and make a movie. And I have a right to point out where he was wrong. It didnt shake my faith in the slightest, but I know people whose lack of historical knowledge allowed their faith to be shaken. In that sense I agree with CG Hill. So I gladly educated them on the facts and hopefully strengthened their faith in the process.

Golden Compass? I am working on getting a copy so I can read it but what I have heaerd from a reliable friend of mine is that it doesnt get so anti-God until the third book.

But again-he has a right to write his book and movie and I have a right not to go (though it looks pretty good cinematically).

I saw a story the other day about atheists who are now meeting on sunday mornings to discuss philosophy and religion and so forth and they have a class for kids while they are meeting.

I think that is fine. It’s called freedom of religion. I’ll fight to the death for your right to indoctrinate your kids while preserving my right to indoctrinate mine.

God bless the USA.