In response to Mr. Novak’s letter to the editor concerning atheism: First, communism does not equal atheism, as he implied. One is a form of government, the other is a view of the world based on scientific theory. Second, there are many more people in history who have died for the sake of self-righteous religious people rather than those killed by atheists.

You claim that atheists have no reason to feel like victims, yet your letter is abrasive and is an attack on a large group of people. Do you know all atheists and have some proof for the fact that they are all immoral and evil? Maybe you’ve met a few who are bitter and resentful, but I personally know many who — while they are not believers themselves — are respectful of their believing peers.

Are there bitter and argumentative atheists out there? Of course — just like there are Christians and Muslims and Jews who are bitter and argumentative. I would hope you judge these people individually and not as a collective whole.

Concerning those “attacking” billboards: I’m sure they don’t appreciate billboards that depict scriptures, crosses or invitations to church. If you don’t like the billboards, ignore them just like they ignore yours.

Just remember — when Christ was on the Earth, the people he berated the most were not the non-believers, but those who self-righteously esteemed themselves better than others because of their belief.

A thinker AND a believer,

KARLEE CYSEWSKI

Coeur d’Alene