It's surprising how one little column can create so much comment, but Chris Bath managed to stir the pot this week with his opinion piece Time to let leave religion in the past.

It was barely set in print when the replies started coming.

The piece was written on the back of the long weekend attacks, when over 350 people were killed by "religious extremists" in Sri Lankan churches and tourist hotspots.

The perpetrators of this madness claiming revenge for Christchurch as their motivating factor, when they are in fact nothing but murderers - some would say using religion as a smokescreen for their hateful actions.

And you did.

Merle said: "Actually it is not genuine Christianity that causes war and divisiveness. All throughout history, man has been engaged in wars and conflicts in every country and tribe. It is because of man's desire for power, politics and conquests."

Mal said: "Be careful what you ask for. In reply to Chris Bath's "good riddance" to Christianity, because one day that will happen. A day is coming when all Christians will be "caught up" to be with Jesus forever. But until that day comes we, (Christians) will continue to show love and compassion for our fellowman."

On that note, you might want to check out some of Chris' recent work Eyebrows, Zebras and fatherhood (just for a giggle).

As for politics, well here we are just a fortnight out from the Federal election.

We have eight candidates in the running for the seat of New England and tomorrow at a Chamber event in Tamworth we will finally see them ALL in action before an audience.

If you want to get to know the candidates you can check out their profiles here.

Stay tuned for more on their policies, and what they hope to achieve for the seat if they get elected.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Fiona Ferguson

Editor, Northern Daily Leader