I am writing in response to the Dec. 4 letter from Seth Johnson. He makes the odious claim that Christian Science is somehow a responsible alternative to actual medical practices. He is wrong.

Christian Science belongs alongside astrology, creationism, acupuncture and all the other pseudoscience practices, notions and ideologies that have pervaded the minds of the gullible.

Johnson may very well care dearly for his children; I believe his word.

But it is nevertheless frightening that he would place their well-being in superstition and mythology.

Until he realizes that actual medical practitioners are the ones qualified to care for his children -- not prayer or really, really strong belief -- the health of his children remains as at risk as the child who has no health insurance.

Christian Science does not work.

It is a belief that undermines legitimate medicine.

Michael Hawkins

Augusta