God is best left out of politics
Re “Atheism with a smile,” Current, March 5
It is pointless to argue about whether there is a god. Every physician knows that belief in a god, and especially in a happy hereafter, can be extremely helpful to many patients in dealing with a serious physical or mental problem and with everyday life. On the other hand, it is also obvious how destructive religion can be. In fact, it may destroy our civilization.
The only answer, if it’s not too late, is to keep one’s belief, or lack of it, a personal and very private matter. Politicians should not have to carry their religions on their sleeves to get elected.
Our Constitution mandates freedom of religion, not a specific god. So let’s have a secular-based president, Congress and Supreme Court, not a faith-based government.
SAMUEL SAPIN
Sherman Oaks
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