Religious divides

I am disappointed that The Scotsman saw fit to publish a 
letter from Mark Boyle (Letters, 10 November) which was nothing more than a personal attack on myself.

Just because I stand up for the Christian faith against the militant secularist agenda does not make me a self-publicist nor a pub bouncer.

Believe me, the level of hate mail and abuse that happens every time I dare to question the fundamentals of the secular elites, is reason enough to avoid this kind of publicity.

Alistair McBay of the National Secular Society (Letters, same issue) makes a more serious point, although it is confused, as is this whole issue, by the inability to define what creationism 
actually is.

The fact is that in Scotland’s schools the only attempt to introduce the American-style creation/culture wars is from the secularists. If by creationism Mr McBay means young earth six-day creationism, then that is not being taught in any science class in Scotland’s schools.

If, however, by creationism he means anyone who believes that there is a Creator, then I am right to be concerned that the Secular Society are using the bogeyman of “creationism” to further their campaign to remove Christianity from Scotland’s education 
system.

David Robertson

St Peters Free Church

Dundee

I was interested to hear that the Humanist Society Scotland has commissioned an academic study into the extent to which religion is entangled within Scottish law.

Religious reactions to this 
research have varied. Reverend Sally Foster-Fulton, Church and Society Convener at the Kirk, has said: “Our work and advocacy for the poor and marginalised, and our contribution to the cultural ­heritage of Scotland should be 
reflected within Scottish law.” Why should this follow?

There are many charities who do similar work but have no expectations to influence the legal system. Despite the Kirk’s laudable work with the underprivileged, their range of attitudes especially on sexual morality, should not be brought to bear on legislation. What if you were a gay parent seeking custody of a child?

Rev David Robertson, who will become Free Church Moderator in May, described the move as “laughable” and “propaganda dressed up as research”. This is an insult to the professional academics involved who have been commissioned only to produce facts. Is the truth so fearful?

Neil Barber

Edinburgh Secular Society

Saughtonhall Drive

Edinburgh

Richard Lucas once again vents his vehement personal hostility towards the Scottish Secular Society (Letters, 10 November).

One wonders why church leaders are becoming quite so militant and aggressive? It is essential there is an independent body like the Scottish Secular Society that is prepared to challenge religious privilege, duplicity, unacceptable behaviour or extremism.

Gary Otton

Secretary

Scottish Secular Society