USA TODAY OPINION USA TODAY OPINION Letters to the editor USA TODAY receives about 300 letters each day. Most arrive via e-mail, but we also receive submissions by postal mail and fax. We publish about 35 letters each week. We often select comments that respond directly to USA TODAY articles or opinion pieces. Letters that are concise and make one or two good points have the best chance of being selected, as do letters that reflect the vibrant debate around the nation on a particular subject. We aim to make the letters platform a place where readers, not just writers representing institutions or interest groups, have their say. How to submit letters Commentary writer Oliver Thomas' piece "Why religion?" is spot on in claiming that religion's greatest contribution to society is its ability to render life meaningful (On Religion, The Forum, Aug. 9). But religion must also do more to ensure that man's life is worth living. At the very least, it needs to revamp its Scriptures by expunging those statements extolling or justifying arrogance, intolerance, disrespect, incivility, anger, hatred, violence and war. These "holy" writings serve only to provoke the indecent to engage in bad religion. To promote human existence in a more life-affirming manner, "good religion" has an obligation to eliminate its negative scriptural provocations. Until then, the idea that "religion makes it easier to be decent," and "helps one be a better person" is questionable. Kilian Currey; Brewster, N.Y. Find meaning Oliver Thomas naively states that lives must have "meaning." Does meaning have to come through mythology taught as fact as in the major religions? Life is, and always has been, the adaptation to the changes and mutations of the universe. Religion is, and always has been, a culturally devised defense mechanism. Each life's meaning is individual. It seems that with religion, the meaning involves war and terrorism. This I can do without. R. Sloan Wilson; Rye, N.H. Change focus Oliver Thomas' "Why religion?" so completely misses the boat I was dumfounded. Religion is not about us, as his whole column suggests. It is about honoring and worshiping the man who gave his life so that we might live eternally. Thomas isn't describing religion; he's describing the Rotary Club. Mitch Allerton; Puyallup, Wash. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more