30 JULY 2005, Page 20

Matthew’s sad gospel

From Andrew Macdonald Sir: Matthew Parris has decided to sing yet another chorus of the same sad atheistical song (Another Voice, 23 July). What is the basis of his comment that ‘religion often seems to have more of a purchase on those who have become dissatisfied with the way they are living their lives than with the rest’? Is not there a good case for saying that those who resort to alcoholism, workaholism, shopaholism, or a shallow hedonistic mix of all three, are plunging themselves into rather more dismal and impoverished forms of worship? In my experience people with religious beliefs are a rich mixture; some are unhappy with their lot, others rather happier than most atheists.

Andrew Macdonald

London W14