The argument between those with religious beliefs and atheists is one that, although mildly interesting, is never going to result in one side convincing the other.

I prefer to work out whether each genuinely believes their own views or whether their beliefs are so much of a mental crutch that they are continuously trying to convince themselves of their validity. Being brought up in a family of CofE, Catholic and atheists, I’m not convinced that this or any other God based faith is the ‘real deal’.

I suspect that because I can accept that when I die, then that’s it, finito, I feel no need for a deity that promises me eternal life.

I’ve come to realise that many cannot accept this concept, especially where there’s money to be made. It has been argued that without religions, there would be chaos due to the lack of a social control mechanism.

But then you would only have a political one and, as Communists have proved, that doesn’t really work either.

Perhaps there should have a ‘religion’ based on your surroundings rather than a deity — at least we’re then less likely to destroy our own environment.

Mind you, like the Australian Aborigines, we’d probably be overrun by a bunch of criminals anyway. Ah well, that’s life — and death.

MICHAEL HEAVEY Oxford Road Old Marston Oxford