I was taken aback by the atheistic rants of Alfred Buckland in his letter published on November 5 and would like to respond.

Buckland is incorrect in claiming that religion is "the source of the lack of critical thinking and the inability to analyse situations and formulate viable solutions to the nation's problems". On the contrary, religious dogma illuminates, defines and solves problems. Anyone who wants to live in a world where people no longer fear the consequences of their actions is simply delusional and asking for anarchy.

God is a loving God. The dogmas of the Christian Church are there for man's benefit, not his destruction. People who do not follow God or his objective truths need only fear themselves for they will end up being the instruments of their own ruin.

Buckland falsely sees the Church as being responsible for the "deviant and repugnant behaviour by church officials". There is no religious rule that sanctions such atrocities. Human nature is weak and, indeed, I would wager that even Buckland has committed a few sins in his lifetime. John, the apostle, wrote: "If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us."

Mental slavery

Buckland speaks of the fallacies of religion but does not give a single reason to support his prejudice and bigotry. He talks of religion being "mental slavery", but the only one trying to push mental slavery on the readers of The Gleaner is Buckland himself. May God be praised and may all men, including Buckland, come to the truth.

I am, etc.,

MARK NELSON

Toronto, Canada