In his article "Boyne falls short again" (October 20), Lloyd Cooke writes: "true Christianity is a religion of beliefs: of faith. It is a reasonable faith, yes, but it is not a faith built simply on reasons, or on who has the best arguments." He then encourages Ian Boyne to use his column to take a stand in the name of Christianity, and cites this as the sole reason why Boyne the journalist has disappointed "again".

Though in his most recent column Boyne has tolerantly described the criticism as "balanced, reasoned and fair", I have a significant problem. If the columnist were at the pulpit, then perhaps it would be fair to encourage him to take a stand in the name of a faith. However, asking Boyne, the journalist-theologian to take a public stand in the name of a religion one finds favourable is manifestly unfair, and unbecoming criticism of one of the few in media who has lived up to journalism's mandate of providing widely researched, credible information accompanied by deft analyses.

Watered down

In an age where journalism standards have been watered down and the art of reading has significantly declined, a journalist who brings this to the table should be commended and not condemned by religious fanatics wanting to give sole prominence to their belief.

Information should be allowed to circulate, and be made available in a reasoned manner.

Sadly, the appreciation for philosophy is perhaps on the decline, but Boyne must be credited for stirring up debate on various spiritual issues previously on the backburner.

Like many, I may disagree with several perspectives, but awareness is key, and the primary role of the journalist is a purveyor of such awareness. This being the standard, Boyne has been exemplary.

I am, etc.,

A.B. FITZ-HENLEY

abkafitzhenley@yahoo.com

Barbados