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• In John O'Connell's letter, 'Faith as happiness' (Letters, December 3), he displays the exact attitude which drives people away from faith in their droves.
It is this kind of sanctimonious attitude that says, "I have faith, and I am happy, therefore someone without faith must be unhappy." It is pure drivel.
Mr O'Connell's entire point is based on a false syllogism: "What is faith? Faith is a form of happiness. So the lack of faith is a reflection of a loss of happiness."
The logic simply doesn't follow, it only appeals to the built-in smugness that is derived from the very message it advertises.
This is certainly not a way to usher people back to the pews. Perhaps instead try inclusiveness, tolerance or transparency?
As for the thought of a revolution led by people of faith – historically, these haven't worked out great for humanity, so let's instead try and push toward new enlightenment.
Brian Murphy
British Columbia, Canada
Irish Independent
