Iran conflict latest in a long list of Holy Wars

THE EDITOR, Madam:

A few days after Israeli Defence Force and US Air Force jets began bombing targets in Iran, a delegation of American Christian leaders held a televised ceremony at the White House. Although President Trump is not known to be overtly religious – in fact, many have categorised him as the complete opposite of that description – about a dozen pastors and evangelical preachers were laying hands and praying for him as he sat behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. Their prayers asked for divine guidance and heavenly blessings during the conflict in the Persian Gulf; it really seemed somewhat incongruous, as their icon is known as the Prince Of Peace. Many observers, who may or may not be atheists or agnostics, see Christian nationalism playing a large part in the present American administration, and further proof that the conflict in Iran is the latest in a long list of Holy Wars. The Middle East is the birthplace of Judaism, Christianity and Islam; religions which have always been at loggerheads with each other, although they claim to all praise the same god, whether he’s called Yahweh, Jehovah or Allah. Multitudes of believers have died for these religions throughout history, with so many false prophets leading the gullible to their deaths.

Having grown up in a Christian home and attended Methodist services very regularly, I went to work on ocean-going freighters and tankers as a young boy. Being introduced to the real world at age 16, I soon became agnostic, but bear no ill-will, animus nor malice towards anyone who is faithful to the religion of their choice. All I ask is that they respect my choice not to believe in their religion, as I obtain my tranquillity and peace of mind by listening to the melodious and inspiring lyrics of a fellow agnostic from Liverpool. Sometimes jokingly called the Merseyside Messiah, and ironically murdered by a religious Beatles fan, John Lennon wrote and performed wonderfully meaningful words of wisdom in songs like Give Peace A Chance, Imagine and All You Need Is Love.

BERNIE SMITH