Sir, – I read with interest David McConnell's letter (October 13th) and found myself in agreement with his sentiments. I too was brought up in a church-attending Christian family environment.
I have continued to practice my faith for most of my life to date but at this stage in my early seventies, I am finding it more difficult to continue to accept core Christian beliefs. The element of supernaturalism is chief amongst my doubts. I am at present only an occasional church attender but, like Prof McConnell, continue to enjoy the opportunity to reflect, the beauty of singing and the words of powerful oratory at times.
My strongest belief is that we were all born with a conscience and the exercising of this to do good rather than evil is the key to a fulfilled life. There is room for both religion and humanism in our world and followers of each should encourage respect. – Yours, etc,
JOHN BURNETT,
Carrigaline,
Co Cork.