Richard Dawkins and Alistair McGrath - Christianity

I don't know if any of you have viewed these in their entiriety - I haven't - but I thought it was worth linking on here. It is a debate between Richard Dawkins and Alistair McGarth (author of "The Dawkins Delusion").

The debate is interesting for a variety of reasons. Firstly Dawkins faces someone who has written a book that completely challenges his stance on Christianity. Secondly it is filmed in a very stange way. The filming is amateurish yet it clearly was set up for a shoot (rather than at a conference or similar) - debates are re-started and the filming begins with Dawkins apparently waiting for his opponent whilst reading a copy his book. Plus it was filmed fairly recently and Dawkins was not at a period in his career where he needed to make a name for himself. Lastly the debate is exactly what sceptics and believers should be having. McGrath is a very reasonable, educated and intelligent man who does not believe in the Creationist argument. I am not a christian, but I think these sort of people are the type who should be representing the christian cause. The result is respect shown on both sides and some truly productive discussions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20Tc6EQ94GE

I somehow missed this and im on dawkins mail list, but I do have a backlog.

The thing is dawkins admits he is no expert on theology and hands over to Hitchens and Harris,

he is a bit of a bulldog but hats off he does know how to have a civilised rational debate, something I wish I could have more of instead of constant hominems and strawmen

Den.

The thing is I have become more and more a fan of Dawkins, but my belief system is probably much closer to Shermer's: "Militant agnostic: I don't know and neither do you" ;-)

On the christian side of things I feel comfortable with those who see the Bible as being largely or completely allegorical. And this McGrath character seems like a decent representative for the spiritual side of things, although I am still on Dawkins side in this debate!

Check out his dvd 'root of all evil' masterpiece, although it has its critics,

Den.

I have been watching parts of it on Youtube, but I would really like to lay my sceptical paws on his boxset - one for Christmas me thinks.

Jamie,

Get The Richard Dawkins Collection

Far better value for money,

Den.

Thanks Den. Will do once I have the denarlies!

I've not seen this Jamie.

But I did see Dawkin's talking to another chap, and they had a very good discussion. The interviewer was plying devils advocate, in a good way. So the discussion was excellent.... and the great thing is that it stayed well clear of any mindless "Oh yeah!!!" creationist arguments - which made for an interesting discussion (as you said earlier).

At least the basic Christian will accept the laws of physics - unlike those plain dumb creationists.

Do not get me started on the 'laws' of physics, had enough of that on he martial edge forum

Regards,

Den.

Quote :

Do not get me started on the 'laws' of physics, had enough of that on he martial edge forum

Ain't that the friggin' truth

"Ain't that the friggin' truth "



Regards,

Den.