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Thursday, April 19, 2007

Letters to MPs - The God Delusion pledge by James Christie

Here's my version sent to John Hutton:

Dear Mr Hutton

As one of your constituents, I am sending you a copy of Richard Dawkins' book, The God Delusion, in response to an internet pledge to send a copy of the book to every MP in the UK.

Dawkins' principal point is that religion should not be taught or supported because it almost certainly misdescribes reality. He must surely be right. I feel religion is extremely dangerous, as the events of 9/11 and the "Christian" Western response demonstrate all too clearly. It is all too easy for someone to think that they have some deeper claim to truth and wisdom if they are convinced that God is on their side. As did Osama bin Laden and also, it seems, George Bush.

It is commonly considered a great thing to have an identity by which to describe oneself, and while I agree that ties to region, football teams etc. might well be harmless, religiosity is fed by much deeper and more fundamental emotional drives. It would be wise to keep this in mind, particularly in respect of the issue of faith schools.

I don't know what your position is on these issues but I hope you will accept the book in a spirit of friendship, and I do hope you will be able to find the time read the book and that you find it entertaining and enlightening.

With very best regards,
Peter Fisher at 12:42 today

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