Sir, – With the uncritical undergraduate presumption we associate with the secular mindset, Ivor Shorts (Letters, August 3rd) demands we stop the “institutional abuse” of children’s minds by the teaching of religion in schools.
Curiously, he appears to have no problem with the teaching of art, music, poetry, literature or drama, all of which are merely variations on the religious theme. Perhaps the giveaway is in his final sentence, where he rather chillingly looks forward to a time when children can be taught how they “should” act. – Yours, etc,
DAVID SMITH
Artane,
Dublin 5.
Sir, – There is none so illiberal as a liberal whose views you dare not align with.
In likening religious teaching in schools to child abuse of the mind, and drawing a parallel between faith and fairytales, Ivor Shorts (Letters, August 3rd) demonstrates a clear need to be reschooled in the meaning and value of "respect towards others" which he ends his letter in calling for.
The inconvenience of parents wanting religious education in the schools they choose for their children is surely one of the greatest irritants to those illiberals who espouse freedom of choice but not if it clashes with their ideologies.
– Yours, etc,
Dr MAITIU Ó FAOLAIN
Foxrock,
Dublin 18.