Sir, That Richard Dawkins should tolerate carol singing (Comment, Dec 18) is not, perhaps, quite so improbable if one recalls that “real” carols are not altogether Christian. As with so many Christmas traditions, they have distinctly pagan subtexts (eg, holly and ivy) and were danced as well as sung. They were banned from churches and performed outdoors.

Many of the carols sung in churches today, certainly those most beloved of congregations and sung lustily every year, are hymns. They tend to derive from the 18th and 19th centuries, often with distinctly improving messages, and set out Christian understanding of the Incarnation in memorable form. I hope that Mr Dawkins and others who are inclined to doubt will sing, and singing ponder, that great hymn of Charles Wesley, Hark the Herald Angels Sing. It is pure theology in digestible form, distilling the essence of what Christians believe and inviting non-believers to consider whether this is really what they doubt.

Malcolm Bowden

Hartford, Cheshire

Sir, Richard Dawkins is not the first atheist to enjoy Christian traditions. Marghanita Laski was a champion of the BBC’s Choral Evensong, and said that everyone occasionally needed the communion of saints and the forgiveness of sins. To reverse William Booth’s question: “Why should God have all the best tunes?”

Oliver Staines

Longhorsley, Northumberland

Sir, Libby Purves notes the apparent contradiction faced by atheists such as Richard Dawkins who accept the merits of “cultural” Christianity in the form of carol singing. The reality, however, is that atheists are able to appreciate the beauty of the music and community of the occasion, thinking no more of the meaning behind the carols than they do of Wodin or Thor on a Wednesday or a Thursday.

Rohan Stewart

London W11

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