21 MAY 1994, Page 27

Faith and science

Sir: In his review of P. Sudolplatov ('McCarthy was right', Books, 14 May), Norman Stone gratuitously links his claim that many Soviet scientists were foolish about communism with the statement that I am among contemporary scientists who despise religion. I have written on the rela- tion between science and religion, following David Hume's argument that religious belief is an act of faith, and have discussed the puzzle as to why so many scientists are religious. It is a complete distortion of my views to say that I despise religion. I am, however, concerned about the increase in unquestioning fundamentalism.

Lewis Wolpert

University College London Medical School, The Windeyer Building, Cleveland Street, London W1