GEORGE Cowley's argument (implicit or explicit) that true morality and virtue come only through Christianity is insulting to non-believers and those of other faiths alike.

Yes - Christianity may provide some very good moral guidance. But true morality does not come from unquestioning acceptance of that guidance - or any other.

It comes from making decisions yourself, for which you take responsibility. It comes from the often agonising task of considering all the possible courses of action in a particular situation and then doing what you think is right.

And this does not, as some believe, preclude also having basic moral norms for society that can help constrain behaviour that harms others and assist in decisions over issues that will affect all of us.

That is true morality, for believers and atheists alike - not surrendering our (quite possibly God-given) freedom of thought to anyone or anything else.

GRAHAM GARDNER,

Birtsmorton,

Near Malvern.