Television watchdogs have received a string of complaints after Coronationa Street legend Ken Barlow condemned the Christian faith during episode aired on Easter Sunday.
Ken, played by actor Bill Roach, made a string of outbursts throughout the show - including claims Christians force their religious views on "vulnerable people."
During one sensational rant, Ken accused his grandson Simon's school of indoctrinating him to Christianity before vowing to tell the youngster "the truth" about religion.
The broadcasting standards watchdog Ofcom confirmed it had received "dozens of complaints" with regards to the Easter Sunday special.
ITV swtcihboards and internet message sites have also been jammed, with angry churchgoers labelling the rant "completely unacceptable".
Web user Johnandy, said: "It was utterly outrageous that Ken should make the outright attacks on the Christian faith which he did during Sunday's episode.
"Corrie has always, as far as I could tell, been absolutely neutral on the issue of religion/faith and I have to wonder where the Sophie-story is going.
"When it comes to atheistic/agnostic/humanist views being propounded in the pre-eminent soap opera in the UK, and on Easter Sunday to boot, that is completely unacceptable.
"In case it has escaped the minds of the writers, producers and directors of this extremely popular programme, in the last census over seventy percent of respondents claimed to have some Christian adherence.
"This is something to be meddled with at ones peril!
Another web user, by the named of Carley, added: "As an individual who has not watched Coronation Street for the last few years I was shocked to retune and find the programme portraying the christian faith in such a derogatory manner
"For Ken Barlow of all people to disregard creationism in schools, which is probably the only time children are exposed to any form of religion at an early age, was uncalled for.
"The majority of schools do not even discuss the christianity due to our multicultural society.
"And while nobody says that creationism is true, it is something that I for one enjoyed learning at school as part of my cultural heritage.
"We are always taught we are an open society and that our faiths should not be marginalised.
"Church is a comfort to many people and is an integral part of our British history.
"I was both shocked and appalled by what I was watching on TV, let alone on Coronation St and on Easter Sunday. "
A Coronation Street spokesperson said: "Coronation Street is a soap opera set in modern society and therefore represents views from all side of the religious spectrum.
"At the moment we have a very positive story involving Sophie Webster and her new found interest in religion, Emily Bishop has also always been seen as a very positive representation of christianity.
"Likewise Ken Barlow's different views on religion have always been a strong aspect of his character."
* The Coronation Street scenes that triggered complaints from Christians came when Ken Barlow questioned the existence of God and the divinity of Christ in a broadcast on Easter Day.
In one scene Ken refused to attend an Easter church service with his wife Diedre, son Peter and grandson Simon.
Ken told them: "You attendance today is pure tokenism. Do you believe in God? No... so why join in this charade and let your son be indoctrinated.
"I went to his school attendance day last week and they had artwork on the wall depicting the Creation. He is being taught Creationism!"
When the family returned from the Easter service Ken started giving young Simon what he described as a "the humanist view".
Ken told the boy: "You know what the man in the pulpit said about Jesus and other people rising from the dead - it might not be true.
"There are people with a different point of view. Scientists for instance - they believe that the world started after a big explosion, that we don't need religion and superstition in our lives - we don't need God, Heaven and Hell."
Only when Simon asked "My mum in is in heaven isn't she?" was Ken stumped for words.
Later discussing the power of religion to comfort the giving Ken said: "Of course it's comforting - that how they get their hooks into people when they are vulnerable!"
*
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