Atheism

ITV, not known for its excellent documentaries, had a very interesting programme late on Sunday evening. The programme broached the difficult subject of atheism, humanism and the ignorance of those who continue to believe in the major religions of the world despite a complete lack of evidence.

Amongst other gem statements, was the following (or words to that affect) by Richard Dawkins:
"I am against religion because it teaches us to be satisfied with not understanding the world."

Unfortunately I cannot remember the name of the politician who was on the programme (let me know if you do know) but his words were magical. If you can get hold of a tape of that programme I heartily recommend it. If you would like to engage me in debate on theological issues, please e-mail me and I would be happy to oblige.

People who know me know that I do not know there isn't a God, just that it seems incredibly unlikely (to the point of comedy) and incredibly unnecessary to the existence of the universe and impossible to prove. Without lowering the tone too much, it is difficult to say what would be needed as evidence: Stargate has provided an entire series of excellent Sci-Fi on the basis that 'Gods' of the ancient world were actually advanced aliens. It wouldn't be unreasonable to suggest that someone from the time of Moses being confronted by a spontaneously burning bush containing a radio issuing a voice purporting to be from God would be convinced far more easily than if the same were to happen today. Technology and our understanding and expectance that it will continue to develop, would make most people cynical were someone to approach them and say "I saw God on the mountain over there and he gave me these stone tablets".

I am not shy about stating my atheism and, in a non-confrontational way, I do not believe religion has any place in debates on politics, science or any other part of life. Religion should be down to an individual's conscience and should not be provided by the state, either by publicly funded faith schools (as a libertarian, I have no problem with privately funded faith schools), or through a non-secular government. It seems obviously wrong to me that the head of state is also head of a denomination of Christianity despite the obvious comfort it gives us against the possibility of a future Muslim-majority imposing Sharia law on England.