The non-religious as well as the religious fight amongst themselves, Mark Vernon observes. But in questioning, they are all the better for it, provided that plural thoughtfulness can overcome intolerant rationalism.

Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has said that Richard Dawkins and other apostles of anti-religious sentiment are oversimplifying complex issues and often missing the point. His comments came in a lecture at the University of Swansea.

Current media debates about religion are often ill-informed as well as partisan, says Theo Hobson. Atheists as well as believers need challenging on their outlook.