Philip Pullman threatened by religious zealots over new Jesus Christ book
Philip Pullman, the best selling author, has been threatened by religious zealots amid claims he should be “punished” for a controversial new book about Jesus Christ.
By Andrew Hough
Published: 7:30AM GMT 22 Mar 2010
The atheist writer, 63, claims he had received dozens of angry letters from critics accusing him of blasphemy in his new book “The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ”.
The author of the best-selling His Dark Materials trilogy has received scores of letters condemning him to “eternal hell” and “damnation by fire”.
In the book Mr Pullman writes that a man called Jesus lived 2,000 years ago but that Christ, as the son of God, was the invention of the disciple Paul.
The book, to be published next week, is in the form of a gospel and is partly inspired by Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Neither Mr Pullman, who is expected to have special security when he appears at next week’s Oxford Literary Festival, nor his agent were available for comment on Sunday.
But the author earlier told The Sunday Times that he had been threatened by some people who were concerned about the book. It is not clear if authorities have been contacted.
“Many refer to the title itself, for which there is clearly a passionate objection from some out there,” he said. “The letter writers essentially say that I am a wicked man, who deserves to be punished in hell.
More:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/booknews/7493602/Philip-Pullman-threatened-by-religious-zealots-over-new-Jesus-Christ-book.html~~~~~Philip Pullman: Another author faces religious ire
Philip Pullman, author of "The Golden Compass," says his new book has provoked "scores" of angry and threatening letters.
By Marjorie Kehe / March 23, 2010
The title could hardly be more provocative. Philip Pullman's new book, set for release next week, is called “The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ.” As a result, Pullman has told the British press, he has received scores of angry letters, some threatening him and condemning him to “eternal hell” and “damnation by fire.”
Pullman, who is best known for his children's books, particularly the "His Dark Materials" trilogy, which includes "The Golden Compass," has long been open about the fact that he is an atheist. His new book posits that Jesus existed, but simply as a man who lived 2,000 years ago. The idea of Jesus as the son of God, says Pullman, was an invention of the apostle Paul.
Pullman's books have long provoked controversy, with some parents arguing that children should be protected from Pullman's beliefs, of which they find evidence in his fiction. But now Pullman says, angry letter writers are telling him that he is “a wicked man, who deserves to be punished in hell" and should be subject to “damnation by fire.”
When Pullman appears at next week’s Oxford Literary Festival, he is expected to have special security.
Some of those commenting on Pullman's story of wrathful letters have invoked the name of Salman Rushdie and even used the term fatwa. Some have also expressed dismay that self-proclaimed religious people would use such angry and threatening language. " 'Judge not, that ye be not judged,' " quoted one blogger, who also asked, "Goodness me, haven't these people actually read the Bible?"
http://www.csmonitor.com/Books/chapter-and-verse/2010/0323/Philip-Pullman-Another-author-faces-religious-ire
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