Having read Dave Salisbury's column "Too much faith being invested in religion; have faith in yourself" (SN 9/28), I feel a response is necessary.

Salisbury begins his article by claiming that he believes there is a God. Yet, he urges those of us "jerks" who express a faith in God to "abandon (our) church" because churches are "corrupt and kill entirely too many people." Where is this information coming from? The yet to be released new Michael Moore film, "Jesus & Me?"

Please, Salisbury, come forward with the names of these mass-murdering churches. We would like to know which churches - excuse me, which church, we should not attend this Sunday.

Next, Salisbury bluntly informs us apparently ignorant believers that "praying is ridiculous." His statements make it appear as though the purpose of prayer is to have earthly desires fulfilled. No.

Prayer is a means of spiritual communication and a way to seek guidance. It is not a way to change your 2.0 to a 4.0. Sorry, everyone.

Finally, he speaks of deciding "as individuals what we believe to be right or wrong." Can you imagine a world in which everyone did as they pleased?

This is exactly why our founding fathers recognized the standards in this country must come from a divine source. God is our moral compass.

Do not forget, "believer" in God, the words engraved into our nation's history are "In God We Trust."

Not ourselves.

Ryan Charron
political science and pre-law junior