Sir, - Rory O'Hanlon complains (September 26th) that he has been met with "hostility" and imagines that he is misunderstood. In fact, he has met the problems faced by all of those who fondly imagine a "natural law" which we can somehow access and use. There is no such text. What he sees as the "authoritative teaching" of his church is another set of rules made by men.
Any belief in deities or other higher forces is born of timidity. Looking to a "natural law" to solve our moral crises for us is cowardice. Rory O'Hanlon may be content in the philosopher's cave of craven belief, but he should expect nothing but hostility when he demands that those of us who live outside should forcibly be dragged in. - Yours, etc.
From Ben Walsh
Eustace Street, Dublin 2.