Thursday, August 19, 2010

Rich, Richard, Dick


I always thought that I'd agree with the kindly, vaguely Grandad-looking Richard Dawkins. I mean, all the cool kids like him. He practices a unique kind of polite fearlessness in the face of some very nutty people. But last night I paid attention - properly - to one of his shows. 
'Faith School Menace?' depicted believers as people who deserve his smirking condescension and opened my eyes to the extremism associated not only with faith, but with atheism. Absolutists of any ilk scare me, and I had to switch off half way through due to blind fury at the arrogance of Dawkins. 
Sweeping statements, mockery and a complete absence of respect for those who do happen to - gasp! - believe in a higher power have put me off the hitherto respected scientist. 
I am certainly not preaching for creationism, and I avoid religion as much as the next Irish person, but woe betide anyone who is not 100% behind our Richard. 
So much for the cool kids.

2 comments:

  1. I would tend to agree with any extremists. Wish I had seen this show you watched. I too shall pay attention in future! (Irish person avoiding religion? really?XD)

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  2. You might be able to catch it here - http://www.channel4.com/programmes/faith-school-menace/4od
    Hope it works on your side of the world :)

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