Atheist vs Muslim Debate - Secularism vs Political Theism (Part 1)

Debate: "Should God be de-radicalised? - Religion and state in the modern world"

Date: 29 September 2009
Venue: Central London
Speakers: Bob Churchill of the British Humanist Society (www.humanism.org.uk ), and Abdullah al Andalusi of the Muslim Debate Initiative (www.thedebateinitiative.com ).

In the modern world, religion is seen as a relic of the past, as being unable to deal with contemporary problems, and at worst, being the cause of today's afflictions and problems.

But is this accurate? Is religion the cause of modern day wars, social breakdown and global warming? Isn't it rather the mass industry of materialistically-focused societies producing, and polluting, in mass quantities without regard to the ethical limits we find common in religion? Is public morality in decay due to the secularisation of society? Are wars about Oil and nationalism, rather than religion?but Lastly, can religion provide answers which are fundamentally lacking in Secularism?

Both sides of the debate, both ideological Secular Atheist and ideological Theist, debate the role religion should play in the 21st century in this intellectually stimulating discussion- Should God be de-radicalised?


Speakers:

Bob Churchill

Bob studied Philosophy at the University of Warwick and Queens University, Canada. He worked in communications and marketing, then systems development, before joining the British Humanist Association in January 2008 as the Membership and Web Manager. He now liaises with local humanist groups, manages membership communications, and has been responsible for the BHAs online presence during the Atheist Bus Campaign. He has represented the BHA on radio and television and has discussed philosophy, religion, values and Humanism in public debates and interfaith forums.

Abdullah al Andalusi

Abdullah is a former Christian who embraced Islam at a young age, and has studied Islam in depth since he was 18. He also has an academic background in Computer Science. Abdullah has had a long experience in working for Islamic revival and the establishment of Islamic shariah in the Muslim world.

His activities involve speaking at community centres, universities, colleges and appearances on various TV programmes. He is experienced in debates with Atheists, Secularists and Christians, and has be involved in public and radio debates with Atheists and Christians.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• secularism
• theism
• god
• politics
• philosophy
• debate
• humanism
• islam
• muslim
• initiative

[JLLY94]

@enjoiningknowledge how do you know there is a god?? And out of so many gods why do you believe the muslim god? What is god without man? If you were to be born in ancient greece would you be believing in allah? And why are muslims allowed to kill in the name of allah? How do you know that muhammad talked directly to allah?

[naegling3]

is this what british people do instead of masturbating?

[EnjoiningKnowlege]

@sowingpantheist More babbling? You need to learn how to formulate coherent responses, and reference what point you are respondin to. Otherwise, no one will understand the point you're trying to make. More baseless assertions here too. Give me an actual argument, and substantiation. I'm not interested in you regurgitating your opinions - I already know they're irrational.

[EnjoiningKnowlege]

@sowingpantheist Keep dodging the argument then. Everyone can see you're just responding for the sake of getting the last word. You're not interested in honest thinking here though, which is why you're running away from the arguments. What question of yours have I ignored thus far? No need to make things up to make yourself look good, my friend.

[EnjoiningKnowlege]

@sowingpantheist What exactly are you ranting on about here? This has nothing to do with my previous three responses to you regarding the flaws of your logical positivism.

[EnjoiningKnowlege]

@sowingpantheist Please formulate a coherent sentence at least once. How do you expect people to understand such babbling?

[EnjoiningKnowlege]

@sowingpantheist I have yet to see a single point of contention backed up by substantiation here. All I see are baseless assertions like: "Baah but not enough!" Is this all you are capable of? Pitiful.

[EnjoiningKnowlege]

@sowingpantheist No need to lie to yourself. Your reasoning here amounts to the same logical positivism AJ Ayers abandoned.

[sowingpantheist]

@EnjoiningKnowlege But i know my muslim opponent... Dont assume, nobody likes that

[sowingpantheist]

@EnjoiningKnowlege You got to be joking! Is this your "deductive logic"? Why not believe, you believe some... come on... Please