At the time I was part of the religious right. I don’t remember the books being directly targeted, but I do recall what could be considered a bit of leftover satanic panic as well as anti secularism.

I found out about the books when people at work were discussing them. I personally was interested in fantasy my whole life and was partially put off by the idea of witches, but since it wasn’t a satanic manual of evil I was okay with it.

I think the churches got wind of it too late, and while some people totally read it because it was forbidden, I don’t think it was ever considered counterculture.