Madam, – Elaine Byrne is partly right in her explanation of why the Protestant countries have less corruption than Catholic ones (Opinion, March 31st). A hierarchical set-up can reduce personal responsibility. But she is theologically off the mark, because both traditions believe that God is gracious and forgives the sins of those who repent.
I reckon that a major factor was the Christian revivals of the 18th and 19th centuries. These had a civilising effect on European society (more than is normally acknowledged), and the effect was greatest in Protestant countries.
We need more of this kind of debate, where people discuss religious tenets on their merits. This contrasts with the article on the same page, where Brian Whiteside argues the humanist cause using the language of rights and equality. These are important concepts, but they can be crude instruments. With the growing evidence that religious practice is generally good for society, equality should not be used to stifle the evaluation of issues on their merits. – Yours, etc.