Hopefully the church isn't Joel Osteen's. I went to a new church Sunday; I am hoping to go back this week. I haven't decided yet if I'll attend their Bible study; it's from 7-9 on thursdays, and I'm already at school 11-5. :/
If Jubal hasn't answered you, I can tell you: yes, "Republic of Heaven" IS from His Dark Materials. It's Phillip Pullman's intentional sneer at the Kingdom of God.