Nativity plays

If I went to live in a Muslim country I would not expect the people to curtail their religious ceremonies for me - as if they would - and why would they? Why should we?

Even a non-believer could not fail to see the beauty of the Christmas story: the kindness of the innkeeper's wife in providing the stable, the unity and equality of both rich and poor, the Magi and the shepherds as they kneel by the crib with love and respect for the miracle of birth.

I taught for many years in schools in Durham and Gateshead, some in very underprivileged areas, and always, the Nativity play was a magical time, bringing a sense of awe, wonder and reverence.

Incidentally, Nativity plays need a great deal of time and organisation on the part of teachers. Do they really hold "politically correct"

views or are they taking the easy way out because they simply can't be bothered? I leave it to their conscience.

Barbara Tinsley, Durham City.

I FEEL really sad for John Severs (HAS, Dec 19). What a joyless soul he must be, especially at this time of year, when so many proud parents see their children in Nativity plays.

If the Virgin Birth, Magi, manger and Star in the East are seen by him to be simply a "set of views", surely the portrayal of a Nativity play by our children has as much right to be shown if not more (given we are supposed to be in a predominantly Christian country) than any other depiction of religious beliefs.

As for his reference to polls showing that 50 per cent of senior pupils are non-believers, thankfully they still have a major part of their lives to discover what all true Christians know, not through "blind faith" although faith is a factor, but by having their lives enhanced by a firm belief in a living God, who cared enough to send His Son into time, as a baby, to grow up and die for us, and who inspired the words in Handel's Messiah - "I know that My Redeemer lives".

I wish Mr Severs happiness, whatever he puts his faith in.

Helen Smith, Evenwood, Co Durham.

NATIVITY plays are naturally popular in primary schools. They are a characteristic of Christianity and how it is introduced to young children. They could be presented in a way that would provide an introduction to Buddhism too.

Whether the individual goes on to be a Christian or a Buddhist depends upon other aspects of belief which are taught as he or she develops.

I have enjoyed Nativity plays, but it has not made me a Christian because, as I understand it, I would have to accept other teachings.

In my case, I have been drawn more to Buddhism. I am not a Buddhist because the reality when we encounter the religion and adherents directly bring into it propositions and practices which I cannot accept.

We have a number of different religious faiths in this country and from what I have seen there is a good deal of tolerance for other faiths by the majority.

Geoffrey Bulmer, Billingham.