Paganism prompts a church warning because of its links with the occult

In its publication 'Doorways to danger' the evangelical alliance highlights the dangers of becoming involved in the occult, including a higher probability of suffering from mental ill health and increased likelihood of drug dependence.

Despite such evidence from a number of eminent doctors (Psychiatrist Dr C Andrews, Senior Consultant Dr David Enoch, Consultant Psychiatrist Dr S Checkley, Consultant Psychiatrists Dr R Moss, Dr M David) outside of the Christian Church the occult is treated as harmless.

This is in itself an argument for not teaching paganism to school children. Just because it is on the syllabus at university does not mean it should be taught at younger levels.

Physics and Chemistry are taught at university giving the students the knowledge to assemble explosive devices. However these levels of these subjects are not taught to younger people.

The mere suggestion that paganism needs to be learnt in a controlled environment indicates that there are some unsavoury aspects that children should not know about. The lure of this for children is the promise of supernatural power, this as most people will realise never comes without some kind of cost. Often the cost is in the health or personal relationships of those involved.

The claims as to there being nearly one million practising Pagans in Britain today are dubious, but such claims will soon be borne out by the recent census that has been completed. No doubt if this number is not met then claims of intimidation by the church will be blamed as to why people felt they could not fill in an anonymous survey honestly.

As to the church knocking the British way of life, I have never heard such nonsense. The church stands for and promotes good healthy family values, which if followed would strengthen individual, families and society at large.

Rev Rob Swallow,

Emmanuel Church,

Blake Avenue,

Droitwich.