AS an atheist pensioner who has always lived in York, I think the Satan's Grotto may be very relevant at this time of the year ("Grott-esque", December 6).

I have not visited York Dungeon for years, but expect it contains many examples of the butchery and brutality perpetrated by the clergy in earlier times against those alleged to be "sinners" or "infidels".

They used their "god" hypothesis to justify and cover-up their sadism, consistent with the delusions they were able to inflict as beliefs on a public who had no access to educational truth, which is now widely available from the discoveries of science.

Fortunately, the evolution of law in this country prevents these types, in excess, from having alleged "sinners" or "infidels" stoned to death in the market place, and have to content themselves with this threat of a mythical "after-life" and an eternal hell to terrify even children in schools.

Despite being subject to ten years of such indoctrination earlier in life at Protestant and Catholic schools, I am a happy atheist and have a rational view of the world.

I don't think Satan ever did me harm, but the unwanted infliction of religious myths certainly did. So I am in favour of these displays - let's see what the other fellow has to say - it may make some sense.

D Dawson,

Clifton, York.

Updated: 11:06 Friday, December 10, 2004