Billboard important for open debate

Dear Editor:

It is interesting that Mr. Jaskela concluded that the advertisement placed by the Centre for Inquiry Canada (CIC) was founded in hate as opposed to being a counterpoint on a debatable issue. In questioning the CIC's right to place its advertisement, he is equally attacking the beliefs of those who deny the existence of any deity and call upon individuals to act with their hearts and minds, rather than be influenced by the writings found in a book.  

The fundamental problem with Mr. Jaskela's position is the suggestion that the advertisement placed by the CIC is "lying," thereby implying that there is an unassailable truth that is being attacked.  Unfortunately, the belief in a deity, whether that deity is called God, Allah or something else, is ultimately a matter of personal faith and belief, not a matter of unchallengeable or objective truth. 

Similarly, while Mr. Jaskela may well believe in the Bible, his belief is at its base a matter of personal faith, not an objective and unassailable conclusion or truth. A book, whether that book is the Bible, the Quran, the Book of Mormon or some other "sacred" document written by man, even if purported to be inspired by a deity, is just a book. 

As a counterpoint, however, the CIC's position that there is no deity is equally a matter of personal faith; albeit a position that is perhaps more logically sound as it is founded on the absence of any empirical evidence of the existence of one or more deities.

Mr. Jaskela suggests the statement of opinion in the CIC advertisement is a form of bigotry. Ironically, in saying this, he appears to fail to appreciate that his comments reflect an "assault to freedom of thought or self-determination" of those who believe as the CIC, to use Mr. Jaskela's own words. 

Mr. Jaskela and those with a belief in a deity, together with those who deny the existence of a deity, should be equally entitled to advance their personal beliefs, without fear of being accused of hate or bigotry.  It is only by dialogue and debate on such issues that one can actually refine one's beliefs. To stop the exploration and discussion is to stop thinking. In the end, however, what one believes regarding the existence, or non-existence, of a deity (at least in this present world) is matter of a personal belief.  

As one currently in the agnostic camp, having neither the uncompromising faith of a believer nor that of an atheist, my interest is in thoughtful consideration of these issues. 

The CIC's advertisement, far from being hateful or bigoted, provides a counterpoint that will encourage that consideration and raises the opportunity for further dialogue and debate.

A. Perry, New Westminster