Sir, – After Cillian Downey's (September 5th) misunderstanding of what I meant by schools being "run on principles guided by reason", perhaps some clarification is needed. School governance, built upon a foundation of reason, would be neither guided by – nor prejudiced against – any particular religion.
Such an educational system would be characterised by inclusivity, tolerance and compassion, while promoting critical thinking and calmly rejecting the influence of dogmatism, superstition and bigotry. To claim “the substance of belief is reasonable whether or not we agree with it” is bordering on the ludicrous. Not all beliefs are reasonable. After all, is it reasonable to believe that homosexuality is an abomination, or that someone working on the Sabbath should be put to death? One’s right to hold a belief should always be respected, but it is neither wise – nor possible – to respect the beliefs of all the people in the world. This truism becomes all the more apparent when one considers that many of the world’s religions preach starkly conflicting ideologies, many of which are claimed to be fundamental truths. – Yours, etc,
JOHN HOGAN,
Ballyneety,
Co Limerick.
Sir, – As a fan of the great Séamus Ennis, I read the views of Dr Ali Selim with some disquiet ("Call for State schools to accommodate Islamic beliefs", September 3rd). It would seem that the bodhrán is okay but not the tin whistle. I feel that Mr Ennis would not be happy. – Yours, etc,
HUGH McELROY,
Station Road,
Portmarnock, Co Dublin.