After whinging about a lack of balance in the whole atheist v. creationist debate, Kenny the Christian comes along and perfectly illustrates why.
Dawkins warns of human extinction
by Catriona RossReposted from:
Inverness CourierGOD does not exist, people who believe the earth is 6000 years old are “loonies and idiots” and teaching children to fear the fires of hell is plain evil.Just a few of the contentious opinions put forward by outspoken atheist Professor Richard Dawkins to an 850-strong audience in Inverness on Wednesday.
The lecture and discussion, organised by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Millennium Institute, has sparked lively debate.
The world-famous evolutionary biologist and Oxford don spoke on “Science and The God Delusion” at the free talk at Eden Court Theatre.
Beforehand, the UHI was slammed by a leading member of the Free Church, David Robertson, who accused it of bias for giving Professor Dawkins a platform.
However, many members of the public, who packed the theatre, seemed to approve of the Professor Dawkins’ views.
Extracts read from his bestselling book “The God Delusion” drew loud applause and afterwards long queues snaked from the table where signed copies were being sold.
A staged discussion with fellow atheist Paula Kirby covered topics ranging from atomic structure, Darwinism, geology, creationism and the dangers of religious fervour.
Professor Dawkins accused religion of causing many past and current conflicts in the world. “People can believe what they want, but I wish they would leave the rest of us alone,” he said.
“The current threat of jihad is brought about by religious fundamentalism. Do you think there would be suicide bombing without extremism of this kind?”
He also hit out at “Christian bigoted busybodies” who protested against new science such as stem cell research.
During the following debate hosted by BBC Good Morning Scotland’s Gary Robertson, a variety of matters were raised.
In response to questions about population growth, the environment and the future of humanity, Professor Dawkins said the threat of extinction was real and very disturbing.
“Humans may be unique in having the consciousness and ability to look into the future. Ninety nine per cent of species have become extinct. I don’t think there has been a mechanism by which a species took steps to halt a headlong rush to extinction.”
A member of the audience who talked of his salvation by Jesus was dismissed by the Professor as being deluded.
“The human mind is extremely susceptible to hallucination,” he said. “You are no doubt very sincere but I think you’re hallucinating.”
A protester who gave his name only as Kenny the Christian stood outside as people filed into the lecture.
The 62-year-old said he had travelled from Dornoch to tell people about God’s love. “I am here motivated by the love for the people who are attending this meeting,” he said.
“Secular fundamentalism is sweeping this nation and people are being deceived by the devil. The devil works through people.
“Mr Dawkins is the devil’s speaker and he has expressed this boldly. He believes in evolution, that nothing produces everything. But God produces everything.”
A spokeswoman for UHI said they were delighted at the calibre of the event and high standard of debate.
The lecture was the first in a series of three at Eden Court. The Rev Prof Andrew McGowan, principal of Highland Theological College UHI, will give his inaugural lecture on the role of theology in the university on 10th June.
On 27th October Dr John Lennox of Oxford University, author of “God’s undertaker: has science buried God?” will respond to Professor Dawkin’s lecture.
Kenny, Kenny, Kenny… God doesn’t exist — and if God doesn’t exist, guess what. The Devil doesn’t either. Now shush for a bit while I outline my new book, The Devil Delusion.
The two latter points I agree with. We don’t teach our children that they will burn in hell because we don’t believe in hell. We certainly don’t teach our children that the earth is 6 millennia old, it is far older than that. We don’t teach our children that evolution is just a theory either – but we all believe in God.
Mr Dawkins hates religion – that is his prerogative, but I do wish he wouldn’t keep trying to bash us over the head with his thoughts. T’wit
I feel the same about him – but I don’t have the same platform to air my ‘Biased’ views either.
And you could probably feel the same about me. And, yet, all Dawkins, Hitchens, me, et al are really doing is responding to something that, frankly, has been encroaching on our lives for… well, since before we had lives! I’ve always been fairly open about my long-standing atheism — but my decision to be more “vocal” about it, via my blog etc, was purely a reaction, an attempt to balance the scales somewhat.
I’ll be happy for Dawkins to shut up, however. As soon as Dr Rowan Williams, Cardinal Keith O’Brien etc (who have, arguably, a far larger platform from which to air their views) shut up.
*blinks* I don’t know if it’s just the way that these things are reported, but the overwhelming majority of the fundie cretins… Sorry, Creationists, seems to hail from Scotland.
Anyone else noticed that?
Scotland does seem to have more than its fair share. Whether it’s a misrepresentation, I don’t know, but… well, I’d believe anything of a race that eats haggis.
Gary, not wanting to insult you or your blog – because I want your blog to become exceptionally successful, but you nor I have those platforms so we can debate with each other on this level.
I respect that you are atheist – I won’t condemn you to hell because of it, that is your choice and the fact that we don’t believe in hell.
But if I ever get to where I can have a greater platform to voice my opinion louder than yours, I will keep my mouth firmly shut.
I take and agree with your latter point, those who spout religious dogma should be prepared to debate it, and they should accept the criticism.
Quite right, Will. I’m all for healthy debate among friends (and I do consider you a friend.)
Well, you thankfully don’t, mate, but many Christians do, alas. Thankfully, it isn’t actually an issue, though, since I clearly, like you, don’t buy the whole hell thing 😉
I think that if it were a case that you or I getting a prominent platform from which to speak caused an imbalance in our debate, I’d be inclined to go along with that. As far as the larger debate is concerned, however, I’m not sure how I’d proceed. I don’t think I could ever be as vocal as those currently at the forefront of the debate, but if asked I suppose I’d put my two pence worth in 😉
But go easy on the bloke on the street who’s just doing his best to live a decent life? Yes, I can see you’re point, Will. Food for thought. Cheers.
Oh, and thanks for the kind thoughts regarding my blog. It’s appreciated.