Moral tales helping us ‘creep past the dragons’

IN answering Eric Conway’s dilemma over what atheists stand for (June 8), I cite Stephen Roberts when he states “I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.”

In atheism, the standard for deciding the truth-value of claims is not tradition, dogma, or authority, it is reason and logic. However, humanity has always loved its mysteries, folk fables, fantastic adventures and fairy tales and it would be a shame to subject them to similar rational judgment, logic and common sense. These wonderful stories embody moral principles that see good overcome evil, the misguided become wiser, badness suppressed and the hero and heroine find true love and happiness. Over the centuries these tales have played an essential role in helping societies confront the harsh realities of life.

Maybe we should draw more from these enduring moral tales to help us “creep past the dragons,” while hoping they don’t wake up?