I don’t normally take any notice of news items about religion but I just couldn’t resist one headline which stated that the Pope demands respect for Sunday. Actually, Pope Benedict XVI appealed for renewed respect for Sundays as he celebrated Mass at St Stephen’s cathedral in Vienna during a three day visit to Austria. I assume he was talking to Catholics?

In my humble opinion, I cannot see how religion – in its current form – has any place in modern society, the time of the Church ruling the people has passed and that is exactly where it should stay, firmly in the past. While I respect that people have a right to follow the teachings of the church if they so choose, I would ask these people to respect my decision not to. I have my own values based on honesty and integrity. They suit me, they will have to suit them.

When I die I will be cremated, my ashes scattered over the mountains of Spain, just a few words to mark my passing. I believe we are born, we live, we die. No soul, no heaven, no hell.