01:00 AM EST on Thursday, January 6, 2005

Your Dec. 30 editorial "Get a life" stated: "The courts should not be interpreting the clause so broadly that citizens are denied their freedom to mention God in public. They have a right to express their beliefs, as long as they do not establish a state-run religion or take away anyone's freedom to worship as he or she pleases."

I object to having religious writings and objects on public land. However, I would tolerate them if the government allowed another monument of equal size next to each one, stating that Jesus Christ is a mythical figure, and those who believe in imaginary gods and demons are suffering from a form of mental illness.

Since Christians always claim to seek the truth, they should not object to such monuments' being placed on government property next to their monuments.

Unfortunately, I'm sure Christians would indeed complain. For their claim comes not in the seeking of truth, but in the running from it.

STAN STRAIN

Modesto, Calif.