I do understand all you say, though I still think at least some of the others are worth being read. Be prepared for the christianic influences everywhere, as for the lack of complexity in the story's development, but don't let that keep you from getting to "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe", and after that, to the end of the chronicles.

I had heard about the religious undertones, but I thought they would be more subtle. I don't have a problem with religious symbols - I had a Christian upbringing in a very religious community - it's just that precisely because I had a very religious education I don't see the need to have such overt references. It felt a bit like reading a retelling of the Bible. I guess it's a matter of personal preference. I'll still read the others in the series to see how they are. :)