• YOUR correspondent Albert Beale (Beware the pedlars of fairy tales, August 25) notes with gladness the decline of religion, but then is surprised at the growth of paganism, as shown by belief in the power of crystals.

He should note the famous remark by GK Chesterton, “When men choose not to believe in God, they do not thereafter believe in nothing, they then become capable of believing in anything.”

He could have added, “they become both ignorant and stupid”.

As regards stupidity, here is a test. What is the difference between “Christ came on Earth to redeem fallen man” and “The energy from crystals can heal you”?

If your correspondent cannot answer, then his claim to use reason and rationality is unsustainable.

KEIRAN PROFFER
Allcroft Road, NW5