THE issue of religion, as raised in these columns and elsewhere surely boils down to whether we can still believe in an Old Testament deity somewhere in the clouds, beyond detection of telescopes and satellites – one surrounded by winged people in laundry fresh apparel.

And if not, do we continue to pretend to such a belief for sentimental reasons or perhaps because religion might be good for us?

COLIN SUTHERILL, Bridge Street, Pembridge .