CBD:Exploring The God Question

There is a general public perception that science and religion are incompatible; that ‘real’ scientists cannot also be genuine believers; that you need to “leave your brain at the door” when you practice your religion.

Christianity is the largest religion in the world - and growing. Yet in the Western world, it appears to be in decline - a trend fostered by secularism and the frequent attacks on belief in God, often launched by the New Atheists - such as Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris and the late Christopher Hitchens - through various media.

Some of the criticism is aimed at the dangers and damage associated with religion, but of far greater significance is the claim that belief in God has no rational foundation and that ‘faith’ is a way of saying “we have no evidence”.

So what do we believe about the Science/God question - whichever side of the fence we currently inhabit - and what reasons do we have for our beliefs?

A resource has become available to encourage discussion about this topic in an accessible way. It’s called Exploring the God Question - Science, God and the Search for Truth. The material, supported by a DVD and individual study guide booklets, consists of a series of three programmes: The Cosmos, Life and Evolution, Mind and Consciousness. The DVD material includes extracts from interviews with a whole range of (mostly) scientists, both atheists - including those mentioned above - and theists. The material does not promote one particular view. Rather, views from both sides of the argument are presented with the aim of stimulating discussion based upon the latest evidence available.

Watch a trailer here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ThxrHkO-Mk

For more information about Exploring the God Question (ETGQ) click here.

ETGQ is part of an initiative called Grasping the Nettle.

Further Information

In the spring of 2017, an Exploring The God Question series of six sessions, two on each of The Cosmos, Life and Evolution and Mind & Consciousness is planned. See dates below.

Each evening will start with cheese and wine (as well as non-alcoholic options) as people arrive around 7pm. We’ll then watch a 30 minute video, followed by tea/coffee and discussion. Each evening should finish around 9.30pm.

If you are interested in coming along, please send an email by clicking on the link below.