I read Darrell Sullens' comment ("Secularists finally noticed," July 21) with interest. He states that it has taken two-thirds of his life to break free of the bondage (of religion) to think freely.

Religion defined is how one views the world (one's world view) and the purpose of it, one's philosophy. The three terms: religion, world view and philosophy are synonymous. Whether defined or not, everyone has a philosophy, world view or religious foundation.

For Mr. Sullens to claim he is a "free thinker" not bound by a "reward promised by a mythological being in an unknown afterlife" isn't free thinking at all but an expression of his world view or religious philosophy.

People generally associate "religion" with Christianity. That is incorrect. There are many religions, including Humanism – one of the basic beliefs of which is "no deity will save us, we must save ourselves" (Humanist Manifesto, 1973).

Humanists do not believe in a Higher Authority (God), nor do they believe in an afterlife. The term "secular" is an oxymoron. No one on the face of this earth is secular.

Lynn M. Stuter
Nine Mile Falls

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