Questions About The Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials, #2)

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Answered Questions (5)

Everyone says that this book is atheist. I've read it, but I'm still not sure whether it is or not. I mean, I guess it does have the Church be 'The Enemy' ........?

Kaitlin Moore So Atheism is the denial of God... I would say the book is more pantheistic or agnostic depending on how you choose to view the work. The witches have…moreSo Atheism is the denial of God... I would say the book is more pantheistic or agnostic depending on how you choose to view the work. The witches have their own goddess, there is a heaven, and angels, and hierarchy. But the book never addresses how the earth was formed other than dust formed the angels.

However there are nuggets of beauty for the person who chooses to believe in God, particularly in the third book when grace is addressed.

I'm a Christian pastor.... I love the church and all it is supposed to be and Pullman's world is often hostile to the church that is. I'm good with that. However, often times it's easy to be critical or reduce to a word [like that book is] "atheist" when your beliefs are threatened or the dark spots are pointed out by an outsider. It makes it easier to get people to ignore the work.... because God forbid there is a piece of fantasy fiction that isn't theologically accurate. (less)

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I am only on chapter 2 of the book, I picked it up in a charity shop because it looked intriguing. Only when I got home did I notice that it was part of a trilogy. In my opinion (I could be wrong about this), the book doesn't make any ties to the first I don't feel like I've missed a whole lot from a book. I just feel like I'm reading one book. So I'm guessing you have read the other two, should I read them?

Warren You absolutely must read the first book first. As in any trilogy, the first book lays the foundation of all that is to come, and reading the second bo…moreYou absolutely must read the first book first. As in any trilogy, the first book lays the foundation of all that is to come, and reading the second book myself, I've had to refresh my memory several times by referring to the first. I don't see that the second book can make complete sense without having read the first.(less)

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I'm finding it difficult to continue this book because Lyra has an alethiometer that will tell her the answer to anything and she rarely uses it. She's on a quest to find scholars to ask them questions to figure out what Dust is...and why not just ask her magic 8 ball what it is? Why isn't she asking this thing 2k questions a day? Is this just how things continue? It's infuriating. Spoil if you need to to answer.

Gabriela The alethiometer basically tells her to stop doing whatever she wants and stop asking questions that don't help, so she decides to believe and help wi…moreThe alethiometer basically tells her to stop doing whatever she wants and stop asking questions that don't help, so she decides to believe and help will, that's why she hardly ever uses it, she doesn't relly on the alethiometer. It's a really good book, I recommend you stick to it and eventually it will catch you again(less)

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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Monica Cook Yes, it does. Earlier in the book it explains that they were lovers previously. That’s why she goes to look for him instead of staying with the other …moreYes, it does. Earlier in the book it explains that they were lovers previously. That’s why she goes to look for him instead of staying with the other witches. (less)

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Is there any other explanation why the God needs to be killed other than 'Church is doing bad stuff' ? I mean... maybe I missed sth, but can you just burn churches instead?

Tashy The point is summed up pretty well toward the end of the second book:

“There are two great powers,” the man said, “and they’ve been fighting since time…moreThe point is summed up pretty well toward the end of the second book:

“There are two great powers,” the man said, “and they’ve been fighting since time began. Every advance in human life, every scrap of knowledge and wisdom and decency we have has been torn by one side from the teeth of the other. Every little increase in human freedom has been fought over ferociously between those who want us to know more and be wiser and stronger, and those who want us to obey and be humble and submit."(less)

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