The United States is based on having freedom of religion, speech, etc., which means you can believe in God any way you want (Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, etc.), but you must believe.

I don't recall freedom of religion meaning no religion. Our currency even says, ''In God We Trust." So, to all the atheists in America: Get off of our country.

People like Gail Pepin (The Chronicle, Oct. 11) have caused the ruin of this great nation by taking prayer out of our schools and being able to practice what can only be called evil. I don't care if she has never committed a crime, she is the reason crime is rampant.

To The Chronicle, please do not give atheists a voice. You do more harm than good.

Gloria ''Wendy" Ray, Aiken, S.C.

As a Christian and a nurse, it was with great sadness that I read the article regarding Gail Pepin in the Oct. 11 The Augusta Chronicle. She feels left out and unable to find her place because she's an atheist.

Not only am I sad for her but for her patients. What kind of nurse can work in a hospital and not see God's hand? Miracles only he can perform are done every day. How can you see a baby born and not believe?

You can donate all the blood, money and time you have, but until you have your life right with God your destiny will make the World Trade Center attack look like building blocks. Once again, we have had a wake-up call. Once again, so many refuse to wake up.

Binnie Jones, Hephzibah, Ga.

I can't believe Oct. 11 was such a slow news day that The Chronicle had to put the article with a picture of Gail Pepin pondering the atheist role.

I'm sure, especially on the one month anniversary of the terrorist attack, there might have something more news-worthy to publish.

Marjorie A. Bell, McCormick, S.C.