The Broadcaster's Tale

A Christian, a Muslim, and a Jew go on a radio program...

No, it's not the beginning of a joke. It's a broadcast by journalist John Humphrys who, like me, is seeking to understand why people believe things in the hope that he, too, might come to believe them. Unlike me, he is a famous broadcast journalist and as such has access to high-powered, famous religious people and their brains. In this series on BBC Radio 4 John Humphrys interviews a Christian (Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams), a Muslim (Professor Tariq Ramadan), and a Jew (Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks).

Mr. Humphrys is a fellow pilgrim on a journey seeking truth. He approaches each interviewee with the same mindset and question, summarized thus: I used to believe in God. As a child I believed. But then I became disalusioned of the idea upon witnessing a world of suffering in my career as a journalist. I want to believe again; I want to have faith. How can I get it? How can I find God again?

It's worth listening to the extended interviews if you have time. I recommend doing some ironing or other mindless task while you enjoy the broadcast. Cheers!

The Saga Continues

...over at Herebe Monters' place.



Note: the posts of mine he's referencing (that he didn't link) are Big Questions and Faith part II

Castro Blogs

When I first saw the headline on the Guardian online, "Castro Blogs," I thought for a moment that I was still at The Onion. But no, there -- in all its glory -- is a CiF blog by none other than Fidel Castro. I have to admit I kinda like the guy. He's not the worst dictator you could have, anyway. Here's his post, if you're interested. (And I see Tim Footman managed to get his comment in at the top of the list!)

So here's our question for the day: Can you kill an idea, or are they immortal, as Castro suggests?

The other side

Recently while giving a talk at some small college or other in Virginia (or was it North Carolina? anyway...) Prof. Richard Dawkins was asked by a student "What if you're wrong?"

It's actually an interesting question, but one that shouldn't just be directed at scientists. Why not consider what we believe from the perspective of the other side? Why not examine the other possiblities?

So I put it to you: tell us what you believe, and then tell us what happens if you're wrong.

The lighter side

from this guy.

Why is no one ever wrong anymore?

Tonight I was listening to two people I know well, respect, and care about have an in-depth discussion on the economics of ecological sustainability. Both of these men are intelligent and informed, but disagreed vehemently on a particular point. They went in circles for 30 minutes while I cleaned the kitchen around them. Eventually the discussion was ended, but it was never concluded. Neither one could see the other's point of view, and neither one's position had shifted one iota.

This got me thinking: how come no one is ever wrong any more? I can't remember the last time I heard someone say "Gee, that's a good point; I hadn't thought of it that way," or "You know, you're right. I'm going to have to reconsider my position on that." Have we completely lost the ability to change our minds (assuming it's an ability we ever had)? Or do we always approach every topic with out minds made up, no matter how little information we actually have?

So here's today's question: When was the last time someone changed your mind about something by presenting you with information you previously lacked or through the pursuasiveness of their logic?

Short Hiatus

Hi all. I'm heading back to the States for a short time to deliver a paper at a conference. I'll be back on the 16th of May, at which time we'll contiune on, so watch this space. In the meantime, feel free to leave some questions in the comments box that you would like to discuss when I return. Ta!