Why it makes sense to be a cultural Christian

SIR – Madeline Grant (Comment, April 3) says Professor Richard Dawkins has made an “admission that he’s now a ‘cultural Christian’”. Anyone that has followed his thinking will know this is not a change in position. He’s been on record as a cultural Christian for years.

Far from being the contradiction Ms Grant suggests, being a cultural Christian and an atheist in a country that has been Christian-dominated for so long makes good sense. Christianity has permeated British art, literature, architecture and laws for many centuries, and it is perfectly possible to enjoy cultural aspects without a belief in God’s existence or participating in Christian rituals.

As an atheist, while I don’t believe in the stories behind Christmas and Easter, I’m happy to celebrate the occasions and enjoy the cultural elements with family. If people stopped believing in Christianity, the cultural parts would not cease, as they are part of the country’s DNA.

Paul Kelly

Chesham, Buckinghamshire

SIR – In my dictionary, a Christian is a caring, compassionate person.

I am a Christian atheist. I try to follow the example of the good man, Jesus, but I don’t believe in anything supernatural.

Richard Dawkins is right to describe himself as a cultural Christian, and it should be obvious what he means by that.

Kathleen Robson Horwich, Lancashire

SIR – I think a closer look would show that it is “observed” Christianity – that of beautiful churches and a formal service on Sunday morning – which is declining.

There are many Christian churches whose memberships (rather than “attendances”) are increasing weekly, with a very wide demographic, from newborns to octogenarians, and who understand faith as a way of life, not a set of religious rules. Christianity is alive and flourishing in the UK.

Mik Shaw Goring-by-sea, West Sussex