Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Hawking: Religion will be defeated by science

There were some techies Monday who believed they experienced a sighting of God somewhere in San Francisco.

Those people might care to hark at deeply relevant news. God will be defeated by science. No, not by faltering Wi-Fi systems at a conference. And, no, these are not my words. This is the considered opinion of someone sometimes referred to as the cleverest man in the world, Stephen Hawking.

In an interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer, due to air Monday evening, Hawking expounded upon the largest questions, those that transcend iPhones and androids: Can science and God live happily ever after?

According to ABC News, Hawking first tried to define God in a way that he, as a scientist, might feel comfortable: "What could define God (is thinking of God) as the embodiment of the laws of nature. However, this is not what most people would think of that God," he said.

Indeed, he expressed disappointment at how humans have thought of deity.

Read the Article

Russell Blackford: The Culture Wars

Russell Blackford’s excellent talk at Embiggen Books a couple of weeks ago is now online for your viewing pleasure. Russell’s talk focuses on why it is necessary to critique belief systems if we are to maintain the health of a secular society.

Russell Blackford at Embiggen Books from Embiggen Books on Vimeo.



Read the Article

Debate: Is the Catholic church a force for good in the world?



"It stands up for the oppressed and offers spiritual succour to billions say the Church's supporters. But what about the Church's teachings on condoms, gays and women priests, ask the detractors."

Speaking for the motion, Archbishop John Onaiyekan and Ann Widdencombe MP. Speaking against the motion, Christopher Hitchens and Stephen Fry.

The rest:
Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPlU1EwKxSM
Part 3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUOUMqyimhA
Part 4 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJ8pgdCvNQM
Part 5 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd_vd1FgkVU