A chara, - I was present for Richard Dawkins's civilised and humane lecture at the RDS. Therefore, I was shocked to see Dr William Reville declare that "Dawkins despises religion, particularly the Catholic Church" (Science Today, March 13th).
This could be taken to mean that Dawkins hates Catholics, which seems to me a dreadful misrepresentation. Let us hope William Reville merely means something like "loves the sinner but hates the sin".
Richard Dawkins's position is that science and religion cannot converge. Isn't this obviously so? Religious faith requires a declaration of belief in the supernatural despite the absence of scientific evidence. If the existence of God could be verified by science there would be no need for faith.
Also, I write as an atheist who uses "Dia Dhuit". May I assure him that if I ever greet him so, it is not to wish such power to his proselytising elbow? - Is mise,
JACK GANNON, Ratoath Estate, Dublin 7.