One of the reasons I decided to leave religion was intolerance to differing views. This intolerance was expressed in Steve Novak’s letter to the newspaper. David Warnick wrote a more tolerant letter about atheists. One only has to watch the movie “The Shunning” to see how bad religious intolerance can become. The Crusades are also a good example of intolerance.

But I suppose the main reason my thoughts changed is that religion no longer made sense. Concepts that are illogical are explained by another concept, “faith.” A good example is Adam and Eve. One person is created and another is created from the rib of the first. Most people know that is not possible, but they still believe it.

In spite of what Mr. Novak says, that somehow nonbelievers are not capable of getting through life in an ethical and moral way, I have managed to do so. It’s not that difficult. Some people don’t need spiritual guidance to be respectful to other people. Mr. Novak may have chosen to be religious; I have chosen not to be.

BRUCE HANSEN

Coeur d’Alene