True Believers in Power of Skepticism

Re “Here’s to Doubting Thomases,” Commentary, Dec. 27: Crispin Sartwell easily makes his point about rational skepticism by arbitrarily selecting material that supports his bias. He chooses the worst in religion and ignores the best. He even uses Soren Kierkegaard as though the old Danish philosopher were on his side. He fails to mention that Kierkegaard was a practicing Christian. Let’s hope that students in professor Sartwell’s department of humanities and sciences are treated to more objectivity than what is evidenced in his commentary.

Charles Hoffman

Encinitas

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During this time of year, with our annual expressions of irrational dedication to the mysticism represented by Christmas, Hanukkah and Ramadan behind us, it is refreshing to see you publish the rational humanist views espoused by Sartwell. It seems particularly appropriate this year, when Christians, Jews and Muslims seem determined to reach record numbers in killing each other in the name, and with the blessing of, their respective deities.

Warren Sinclair

Los Angeles

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Here’s to Sartwell for his brave commentary. As a 10-year-old in the back row of Sunday school, it occurred to me that the particular stories I was being taught were not only hard to swallow on grounds of common sense but also completely at odds with what my friends of different religions were being taught in their Sunday schools.

I thought, “Doesn’t everyone see that since all these stories can’t be true, it is very likely that none of them are true?” I was told that I would grow to appreciate my religion as I grew older. Instead, at 47, what I appreciate is people like Sartwell, for having the courage to point out the obvious.

Bob Cheslow

Los Angeles