Hi

I've read your blog with great interest and not a little admiration. I too am amused by the hate mail, although concerned for the wellbeing of the girl whose mother is going to effectively make her suffer for asking pertinent questions, and those who suffer the same fate but whom we don't know of. I run a general blog (not an advert) and have placed a link to your blog there.

I was brought up in a split family (one atheist, one believer) and turned to Christianity in my late 20's. I studied with the Anglican Church (and by the way, you're not an Anglican just because you were born in England as one flamer has stated!) and gained a licence to practise as a Lay Reader, a sort of preacher able to take funerals, Evensong and the like. However, my post-graduation studies, like yours I believe, drove me further from the faith. I too have a library of Christian books, mainly theological dicussions and expositions, and nine different translations of the Bible.

I have no point to this post other than to congratulate you for not falling in the trap that I often fall into, that of abusing people who share different ideals to mine. Your arguments are reasoned and your presentation calm. I will review my own behaviour as a result.

Which I suppose does raise a point in itself. I have been inspired by a fellow athiest to moderate my behaviour in order to be kinder to people, thus leading a better life, whereas Christianity often brought me into conflict with non-believers as I tried to impose my views upon them.

Ironic eh?

Please keep it all up, and hopefully inspire others to moderate their views at the very least.

Cheers.

If everyone reviewed their own behavior and tried to be kinder to others, the world would be a much better place. Glad to hear you're doing your part!