B.M P.l.B. schreef op 19 december 2009:
Dear Bart,Herewith we want to wish you a happy and blessed Christmas.In a few days time we are celebrating the beginning of our redemption bij Jesus Christ,born in utter misery for our well-being.It is one of the mysteries with which we have got to live.We do hope, that this festivity will be a second turning point into your life.The first one towards atheism will be leading ultimately into your total ruin, believe it or not.Be a second Paul, who turned from a man full of hatred into a man of love.Take an example from André Grossard, an ardent atheist/communist at first.Afterwards he used his gifts of writing to the well-being of mankind.Let this be our wish for your spiritual well-being, for which we have been prayingthese last few weeks. B.M P.l.B.
Response:
Dear ‘B.M P.l.B.’
I appreciate your concerns about me in the form of prayer, although I, as an atheist, think they’re futile. I hope you too have a happy Christmas. It is the celebration of the winter solstice. It did not originate with the birth of Christ, but is a celebration of hope in the long and cold winter nights. This appeals to many people, religious or not, including me.
With kind regards,
Bart Klink
Jaap van Heerden, filosoof, hoogleraar psychologie aan de Universiteit Maastricht.