I MUST admit to being a bit confused as to the points that both Mr Momoniat (LET, January 5) and Mr K Robinson were making but unlike them I am in fact an atheist.

I worship no deities, cars, football teams or any other material objects or imaginary beings, and most certainly have no wish to promote any customs, pagan or otherwise, tempting though human sacrifice may be. I am sure many people can think of suitable victims.

Saturnalia was a Roman feast celebrated during December and involved the giving of presents to all and riotous parties.

Sound familiar? As far as I can ascertain no human sacrifice was involved although there may have been animal sacrifices.

Christianity adopted many of the old Roman festivals and found a 'Christian' reason for their existence.

Nowhere in the so-called Christian 'Bible' can I find any references to Father Christmas or the decorating of trees with lights and would be interested if Mr Robinson could enlighten me.

I believe they may originate in the old Norse customs.

According to my dictionary the term religion comes not from Greek but from the Latin word religio meaning fear of the supernatural, which seems appropriate to a modern day Christianity that emphasises 'fear' and punishment in its teachings.

Atheism is the rejection of belief in a god or gods.

Mr Robinson I am sure is also well aware of the law that requires the teaching of religion in all schools and that such teaching should be of a mainly Christian basis.

Fortunately the more enlightened managed to include the option for pupils to refuse this indoctrination.

L LAWES, Bold Street, Blackburn.