RE some of your recent letters about religion. John Conlon's solution (HAS, Aug 18) is flawed because many groups claim miracles. He's right that only one can be true, by the very nature of religion's claim to exclusivity.

CT Riley (HAS, Aug 20) fails to realise that the moral principles he applauds come from the doctrines he deplores.

The real test of the veracity of any religion is whether it can guarantee to provide salvation.

The aim of all religions is not just moral conduct and social benefit, but ultimately forgiveness for our obvious failings and full acceptance by whatever Ultimate is being represented.

Only biblical Christianity guarantees this, being based not on man's performance to reach God, but God's free favour in Jesus Christ to reach out to man.

"For it is by God's grace that you have been saved, through faith. It is not your own doing, but God's gift.

There is nothing here to boast of, since it is not the result of your own efforts."

Reverend R Ken Evans, Darlington.