The Problem with Religion

Atheist: n; A person to be pitied in that he is unable to believe things for which there is no evidence, and who has thus deprived himself of a convenient means of feeling superior to others. —Chaz Bufe, The American Heretic’s Dictionary

Robert Stovold (email Robert_Stovold@hotmail.com)

PERSONAL SUMMARY

My experience of Creationists began shortly after I had completed my Bachelors Degree in Zoology. The Jehovah’s Witnesses gave me a book entitled “Life - How did it get here?” (reviewed here). I was shocked by book’s factual inaccuracies and by its dishonest use of scientists’ quotations. I soon discovered that these were typical Creationist tactics, and I was appalled to learn that Creationism is being taught in British schools. Some of these schools are part-funded with public money; I joined the National Secular Society, an organisation which opposes such schools, and which lobbies for the rights of the UK’s non-believers. I also joined the Brighton and Hove Humanist Society, an organisation near me for people who live without religious beliefs.

Why do I care? Well, I think that philosopher Patricia Princehouse probably hit the nail on the head in saying, "If you can lie about science and get away with it, you can lie about anything".

Did Christians Steal Christmas?

My 32 page booklet traces the origins of the Christmas story, and is intended for Christians and sceptics alike. It cites Christian and Pagan sources, enabling critical minds of any persuasion to determine “the true meaning of Christmas” for themselves. It contains a Foreword by Terry Sanderson, President of the National Secular Society. You can click here to buy the book securely online from the National Secular Society’s website. Alternatively, you can order your copy by writing to me, Robert Stovold, at: Flat 5, 8 Bath Street, Brighton, BN1 3TB. The pamphlet costs £2.99 + 50p postage; cheques should be made payable to NSS.

Me on Christian radio? Unbelievable!

Unlikely as it may seem, I've made four lengthy contributions to Premier Christian Radio, on a programme called "Unbelievable?". All four programmes can be downloaded from here.

13 October 2007 - Has science buried God? Professor John Lennox, a Fellow in Mathematics and Philosophy and Chaplain at Green College Oxford. Lennox, asserts in his book "God's Undertaker - Has science buried God?" that science and philosophy show evidence of a divine designer. In a friendly yet probing exchange of ideas, I argued that the methodology of science is incompatible with theism, and sought to drive another nail into God's coffin.

22 Dec 2007 - Did Christians steal Christmas? I pointed to the mythical elements in the Nativity story and promoted my booklet Did Christians Steal Christmas?, which argues that key elements of the Nativity are Pagan in origin. He was joined by fellow sceptic Ken Humphreys.

16 Feb 2008 - Noah and the Flood - did it really happen? Astounding that anyone in the 21st century should even ask, but that's Creationism for you. To discover why Creationism is a perversion of science, listen to fellow sceptic Greg Marshall and myself demolish some of its bogus claims.

21 June 2008 – The Big Questions in Science and Religion Keith Ward, former Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford University and priest in the Church of England explains why as a "theistic evolutionist" he believes Evolution and belief in God are compatible. I argued that theistic evolution is not science, and that even from a religious perspective it appears to be something of a cop-out.

Useful links and articles:

EVOLUTION/CREATION

TalkOrigins - Index to Creationist Arguments Part of a comprehensive archive for dealing with the claims of “Creation Science”.

Defender's Guide To Science And Creationism A smaller, but excellent site.

BIBLICAL CRITICISM

Skeptic’s Annotated Bible Highlights the Bible’s absurdities, violence, contradictions and good bits (yes, there are a few).

Biblical Errancy Cuts through the Good Book like a hot knife through butter!

MY OWN ARTICLES

These are in PDF format; click here to download Adobe’s free “Acrobat Reader” software if you don’t already have it.

Religion or Reason? A little leaflet looking at some big questions from an atheist's perspective. Designed originally to be printed and handed out to people on Alpha Courses. Feel free to do likewise!

Evolution – A Nightmare For Theologians Why Evolution and a belief in God don’t mix.

Big Daddy Refuted A Creationist booklet entitled “Big Daddy?” contains many errors, which are countered here.

Robert Ingersoll – Ideas and Ideals For more information on Robert Ingersoll, see below.

FREETHINKERS WHO HAVE INFLUENCED ME

Robert Ingersoll (1833-1899) was a famous American orator and politician. He popularised a humanistic philosophy, scientific rationalism and the higher criticism of the Bible. His complete works can be found here.

Thomas Paine (1737-1809) was an English-American writer and master political propagandist. His influential work The Age of Reason discusses the place of religion in society, and is still well worth reading today. His writings can be accessed here.