Sir, - Anthony Sheridan's insulting assertion (December 31st) that what Dr Reville called "mainstream religion" is "superstition and magic" is not very original and does neither his intelligence nor his manners any credit.
The fact that the "mainstream religion" to which Dr Reville was not doubt referring, and to which I adhere, namely Christianity, has survived for 2,000 years despite persistent attacks from without and even worse abuses from within should provide Mr Sheridan with at least some food for thought, not to mention argument.
If Mr Sheridan dislikes religion so much, or perhaps harbours some particular deep-rooted clerical animosity, he should just come right out and say so, instead of resorting to generalised derision and diatribe. It's that sort of thing that gives atheism a bad name. - Yours, etc., Shane O'Connor
Green Road, Newbridge, Co Kildare.