The quote from Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials" highlights a critical perspective on the Church, suggesting that it imposes control over individuals. It conveys a sense that religious institutions prioritize their authority and dogma over personal feelings and emotional well-being. This view presents the Church as an entity that seeks to suppress positive sentiments and individual expressions of joy or freedom.

This idea reflects a broader critique of organized religion, suggesting that the same patterns of control and oppression can be found in various churches. The statement implies that the institutional approach often leads to the destruction of personal connections and the individual's sense of self, challenging the notion that religion is solely a source of comfort and community.