Moral beliefs are the issue, not a lack of them

Re “A faith vacuum haunts Europe,” Opinion, Aug. 1

Niall Ferguson claims that the “de-Christianization” of Europe has created a “moral vacuum.” But even a Harvard professor could not have failed to notice that it is not atheists blowing up innocent people in London subways.

Ferguson has it backward. Religious faith is alive and well in England -- and that is precisely the problem.

Ron Garret

La Canada Flintridge

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Ferguson laments the “de-Christianization” of Europe and suggests that it provides a soft target for fanaticism. After all, Christianity was the reason behind “the Continent’s loveliest edifices.” Christianity also was behind the Spanish Inquisition and the Crusades. I would suggest that individuals who can think for themselves and do not need to rely on the predigested moral absolutes of organized religion might in fact be a much harder target for fanaticism.

Kathryn Hope

Garden Grove

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Ferguson laments that in morally adrift Britain, fewer than one in 10 people would be willing to die for their religious beliefs. I wonder if the families of victims of suicide bombers would agree that what the world really needs now is more people whose beliefs are so strong that they are willing to board a crowded subway car with a backpack full of explosives and set it off.

Jonathan King

Venice