""In a discussion which in large part centered on teaching of Christianity to children, you brought up genital mutllation--which has precisely no bearing on the topic--except in a very twisted mind.""

1. Only in JtS' paranoid mind did this discussion centre on Christianity. Everybody else was talking about organised religion in general terms, and discussing the merits (or otherwise) of imposing myths as truth on human beings too young to exercise informed choices.

2. Genital mutilation is one example of a religiously inspired abuse of the children so mutilated, and before you question the topicality or the religious aspect of it, can you deny that cirumcision of Jewish boys is a requirement of that religion?

3. Perhaps you would like to answer the following question, which is definitely germane to the topic.

Do you think it is right that the children of Jehovah Witnesses and others with the same beliefs should, according to their parents, be allowed to die rather than receive a life saving blood transfusion?

In the UK, the state has to step in and order treatment to be given, which decision is strenuously opposed by the parents.

Do you think that it is reasonable for parents to impose their religious beliefs on a child, even to the point of death?

If not (and I do hope not), where do you draw the line?

Don T.