I am writing in response to Nicole Coleman's column ("The Holy Rollers," Oct. 10) on her frustrations with the religious (particularly those who like to evangelize on her welcome mat). Of the many people that share their beliefs with you on your doorstep, (environmentalists, political candidates and marketing groups), I think that the religious are the most honorable. Despite their fears and lack of pay, they insist on seeking to help strangers find a meaning to their life. As an atheist myself, I agree that there appears to be a chasm of sensibilities between those religious and not. These people, however, ask for no money, no thanks, only for someone to listen and come to their own judgments.
I also personally find frustration with her comment that people "either run from (religion), avoid it altogether, or feel the need to cram it down each other's throats." Even if one disagrees with those who over-proselytize, one must respect the many quieter believers. Over 90 percent of the world's population and over 85 percent of the United States' population (according to Gallup polls) are religious. If 85 percent of the United States were "cramming" religion down our throats, you would never have time to write hateful articles. To deem all religions intolerant is to show your own demoralizing stereotypes yourself. If Ms. Coleman seeks to quell the "my-way-is-the-only-way" mentality of people, I suggest she starts with herself.
