Sir – A religion is surely a recognised system of belief in some kind of divine power. John White is clearly right in suggesting that people who do not subscribe to one should not hesitate to tick “No religion” on the census form.

Many people believe vaguely that (for example) if they are honest and good everything will probably turn out for the best, but this does not warrant ticking “Religion, other, believer”, as Dr Robertson seems to suggest (Letters, March 17).

And the question on the census form is about people’s religion, it is not about “a spiritual dimension to their life”, which might include music or other arts, even if the person is an atheist.

Furthermore, while it is true that British society is built on a Judaeo-Christian foundation as Dr Robertson pleads, Christianity and Judaism were themselves built on foundations established by earlier religions, Greek and Mesopotamian; yet we hope to progress forwards, not backwards towards the bronze and stone ages, and this seems altogether irrelevant.

The census is concerned with what people are actually doing now, and are likely to do in the future. If you don’t go to mosque, church, synagogue, or temple, say so. It’s as simple as that.

Roger Moreton, Oxford