To The Spectator
It is possible that I have been counting myself an atheist for longer than Richard Dawkins – if only because I am almost a decade older than he is. It is only fairly recently, though, that I began subscribing to the Humanist Association, of which Professor Dawkins has long been vice-president. I confess that I joined largely in the hope that membership might one day reduce the likelihood of some well-intentioned priest spouting mumbo-jumbo over my coffin.

Having signed up, I was faintly shocked by the ferocity of the humanist movement. I recognise, for example, that faith schools are intrinsically unfair, but I would be disinclined to deny parents their choice. The children will in any case make up their own minds later. (The world seems to be full of lapsed Catholics.) I cannot even get wound up by the prospect of a handful of bishops occupying seats in the House of Lords. Almost everywhere one looks in the West, religion is losing ground and seems set to go on doing so. With most things going their way, it is unnecessary for humanists to behave like a frustrated minority.
Geoffrey Foster, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire

Yes, we also believe that time is on our side. But Epicureans are nothing if they are not courteous, considerate of the feelings of others, and, yes, moderate. If you have read the writings of Professor Dawkins and have heard him talk the I think you will agree that people will be lured into the Epicurean fold more with honey than with bile. I’m glad to put Mr. Foster’s letter on this blog.