I refer to the letter Sodomy, rape and the Personalistic Norm .

The writer provides a long defence of Christian attitudes towards sexuality in his letter. But shouldn't the focus of the debate on sexual mores be widened beyond assertions of one's own personal religious beliefs, and interpretations of the views of Pope John Paul II, or any religious leader on sex?

The Malaysiakini article ‘ Much Ado About Sexuality ’ pointed out that the simplistic (and risible) views of men as tools of propagation, and women as sex objects, are held by many conservative and fundamentalist Christians.

This does not apply, obviously, to all Christians, as the writer asserts. Indeed, fundamentalists of all the major monotheistic religions have difficulty accepting sexuality as part of human nature.

Yet sexuality is not a terribly important part of ourselves. The conflict we experience as a result of our sexuality does not form J Alfred Prufrock's ‘overwhelming question’.

In fact, it is decidedly underwhelming - our society's obsession with sex, exemplified by the hysteria over the accusations against the leader of Pakatan Rakyat and the deputy prime minister, is a cynical distraction from the real national issues we must confront.

We must work to end abuse of power, the entrenchment of a police state mentality, poverty and inequality, racial hatred, and the sense of hopelessness experienced by many of our disenfranchised and unemployed young.

We should be forceful advocates for the rural and urban poor, including the voiceless, neglected minorities in Sabah and Sarawak.

Many indigenous people in Sabah and Sarawak are fervent believers in a loving church, yet their economic deprivation, made far worse by the abrupt rise in petrol prices, and resulting inflation, does not stimulate as much comment as sexual scandals.

They are caught in a vice of land barons, dispossessing them of their livelihoods while prices spiral upwards.

Sexual morality is difficult to legislate and to judge unless one surrenders all critical thought in favour of doctrine.

We must maintain a critical perspective for the sexual urge is, after all, subordinate to the intellect and the need for food, shelter, and love.