Coffeehouse Discussions For Today
On Monday 5th October we were privileged to hear David Robertson speaking and answering questions on the theme of Mad, Bad or Sad? Why does anyone still believe in God today? Almost 100 people enjoyed what he had to say and contributed to a lively question and answer session. Attendees asked questions and joined in with the discussion for more than an hour afterwards. David had written The Dawkins Letters in response to Richard Dawkins book, The God Delusion.
Then on Monday 2nd November Alistair Donald addressed the question, God’s Undertaker – has science buried God?
Just as was hoped, a real mix of views was represented in the questioning and discussion on both occasions. Lots of controversial questions were asked – and considered answers given. Many stayed on each evening after the formal close to chat to one another and to have follow-up discussion with the speaker.
Are all religions essentially fundamentalist?
Since 1979, somewhere in the region of thirty major incidents have been catalogued in which Islamic extremists have targeted western nations and their interests, especially the US. Things began to intensify when 52 Americans were held hostage for 444 days in the US embassy in Tehran in November 1979. Then on 21st December 1988 a Pan Am 747 exploded over Lockerbie with the loss of the 259 people on board and 11 people on the ground. And of course on 11th Sept 2001 suicide crews flew planes into the Twin Towers in New York and the Pentagon in Washington with the loss of ~3000 lives. Some right wing Christian groups have been involved in violent campaigns, such as Pro Life activists.
Increasingly people in the West now take the view that essentially there is no difference between different world religions in that they all have the potential to lead to extremism and violence as described above. Many vocal atheists, such as Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins, argue and campaign for the eradication of all religions.
On Wednesday 25th November, Dan Petersen will discuss this question in his talk entitled, Danger! – are all religions essentially fundamentalist?
He will consider claims such as, “All religions are essentially the same”, “All religions are inherently violent”, “The achievement of a peaceful world requires that all religions should be eradicated.”
Dan will open up this immensely important subject in a short talk, and following this there will be plenty of time for your questions and for discussion.
Come along at 7.15pm on Wednesday 25th November and have your say, or simply enjoy the talk and ensuing discussion – all over a cup of coffee!
Learn more about Quench.
| Up-coming Evenings | |
| Wednesday | "Danger" |
| 25th November 2009 | Are all religions essentially fundamentalist? |
| Dan Petersen | |
Quench will meet in the Orocco Pier Hotel, South Queensferry from 7.15–8.30pm. You are free to come and go as you please during the evening, although we'd recommend getting there by 7.15pm to get your coffee and not to miss the opening statements at 7.30pm.