In this country we do not yet have a separation of state and religion, and in her excellent piece, Vicky Allan makes a valid point (Why politicians should give up talking about God for Lent, Comment, March 5).

What are, in this country, too often referred to as ‘‘Christian’’ values are human values, and were part of human culture long before the appearance of Christianity. On the other hand, there are Christian values which many would certainly want to question. Take, for example the family values of Jesus.

The Bible tells us that his mission is to make family members hate one another, so that they shall love him more than their kin (Matthew 10:34-37); he promises salvation to those who abandon their wives and children for him (Matthew 19:29). He pledges that brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death (Mark 13:12).

Children who curse their parents must be killed (Matthew 15:4-7). Peter and Paul add to these family values the despotic rule of husbands over their silenced wives, who must obey their husbands as gods (Ephesians 5:22-24; 1 Timothy 2:11-15).

Doug Clark

Currie