Letter: Atheists can have moral convictions

Mitt Romney's "Faith in America" speech this month stoked the religion vs. atheism controversy. Romney said that "while differences in theology exist between the churches in America, we share a common creed of moral convictions." Atheists felt condemned by his speech. Although I am an unshakable Christian, I am compelled to speak up for my atheist friends.

Regarding the atheists I know, we "share a common creed of moral convictions." People need to set "religious" and "atheist" labels and stereotypes aside and look for the merit and heart of the person. A Japanese saying illustrates true spiritual tolerance: "There are many paths to the top of Mt. Fuji."

People who believe that their religion or philosophy is "the only true way up" scare me. Such self-righteous beliefs have led to murder and rule by the sword. That's not what our forefathers intended.

Pam Price, Henderson

archive