Newsletter June 2011

Vol. 7 No. 4

Peter Singer Debates John Lennox in Melbourne this July

Is there a god?  Princeton University bioethicist Peter Singer and Oxford University Mathematician and Philosopher of Science John Lennox debate the evidence.  On July 20th two of the world's greatest minds will square off on the most pressing question of our time - is there a God?  Many have suggested that scientific discovery and innovation has made belief in God irrelevant and illogical, but others claim that - far from making God irrelevant - science actually points towards God's existence and importance.  In this provocative discussion, Professor John Lennox will present a Christian perspective, while Princeton Professor Peter Singer will argue an atheistic position.

John Lennox is Professor in Mathematics at the University of Oxford and Fellow in Mathematics and Philosophy of Science at Green Templeton College, University of Oxford.  Possessing doctorates from Oxford, Cambridge, and the University of Whales, he travels widely speaking on the interface between science and religion.  Prof. Lennox has debated atheists ranging from Victor Stenger to Richard Dawkins and is the author of God's Undertaker: Has Science Buried God?

Peter Singer is Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics in the University Center for Human Values at Princeton University and laureate professor at the Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics, University of Melbourne.  He first became well-known internationally after the publication of Animal Liberation.  His extremely controversial views on animal rights and other issues in bioethics have received much attention.  His other books include Rethinking Live and Death, The Reproduction Revolution, How Are We To Live?, and Should the Baby Live?, among others.

Larry A. Taunton, Executive Director of Fixed Point Foundation, will moderate what promises to be an evening of passionate debate and controversy.

Contact Rebekah Page at rpage@fixed-point.org for interviews and with inquiries.

IHEU Calls for the Abolition of Africa's Blasphemy Laws

Reprinted with permission from the IHEU www.IHEU.org

The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) has called on the African Commission on Human and People's Rights (ACHPR) to work for the abolition of blasphemy laws throughout the continent. Speaking on Saturday, April 30th, at the 49th session of the ACHPR in Banjul, The Gambia, IHEU representative Leo Igwe said that blasphemy laws “justify and sanctify tyranny, hatred, intolerance, forced conversion, intimidation and violence.”

Below is an excerpt from the IHEU statement:

"Laws are made to protect and defend the people and to guarantee their full human rights and liberties. But this is not the case with blasphemy laws. These laws violate the right to freedom of religion or belief, the right to freedom of expression, the rights of minorities and ultimately the right to life. Blasphemy laws are weapons of religious oppression, persecution and discrimination. They target religious minorities² including atheists, agnostics and freethinkers, religious apostates and dissenters. Blasphemy laws are used by religious extremists to justify and sanctify tyranny, hatred, intolerance, forced conversion, intimidation and violence. Blasphemy laws protect a religion or some religions from criticism at the expense of human rights and dignity."

Read the full text at http://www.iheu.org/iheu-calls-abolition-africa’s-blasphemy-laws

Leo Igwe will be visiting Melbourne for two engagements, Thursday the 25th and Saturday the 27th of August.  To attend the Thursday evening dinner please contact Ken Greatorex at kengreatorex@msn.com.  To attend the Saturday afternoon public lecture please contact the Humanist Society of Victoria or Vic Skeptics.

Correction

Last month's newsletter mistakenly attributed the Say No To Chaplains Campaign (www.notochaplains.org) to the Syndey Atheists.  This is incorrect, the campaign is actually the work of Dave the Happy Singer.  We apologise for the inaccuracy and of course fully support Dave in this successful and growing campaign.

Upcoming Events

Vic Skeptics Special Event

With Dave the Happy Singer on Tuesday, 21 June 2011, at the Clyde Hotel, 385 Cardigan St., Carlton.  Phone 9347 1874.  Visit http://vicskeptics.wordpress.com/events for a full listing of Vic Skeptic's upcoming events

Liberty Victoria Voltaire Award and Dinner

Saturday, 6 August, 2011.  Stay tuned for further details and the announcement of the 2011 recipient.

The Liberty Victoria Voltaire Award is presented annually to a person or organisation which has made an outstanding contribution to free speech.  The 2010 recipient was the Melbourne International Film Festival.  read more

Atheist Society

Upcoming public lectures.  Second Tuesday of the month at 8 pm.  Unitarian Church Hall, 110 Grey St., East Melbourne.  Free admission, no prior booking necessary.  Talks usually go for 45-60 minutes, with a question to the speaker period following.  For more information please visit www.vic.TheAtheist.net

14 June  Tony Dear (Rothbardian) "Anarcho-Capitalism for the Undamned Individual"

12 July  Ali Sayed (Progressive Atheists Inc)  "Progressive Atheism: What is it?"

09 August  Lyn Allison (former Senator, RSA Committee Member)  "Religion and Education"

Existentialist Society

For those who question whether life has a meaning and a purpose.  Upcoming lectures.  First Tuesday of the month at 8 pm.  Unitarian Church Hall, 110 Grey St., East Melbourne.  A question to the speaker period follows the lecture.  For more information please visit http://home.vicnet.net.au/~exist

5 July  Howard Dossor (Author, "Colin Wilson: The Man and His Mind")  "Existential Love"

2 August  Lev Lafayette (Isocracy Network) "Hannah Arendt's Existentialism"

6 September  Catherine McDonald "Religion, Blood and the Love of War: Investigations into an anthropology of war"

4 October  Ashley Woodward (Melbourne School of Continental Philosophy)  "Albert Camus and Nihilism"

Resource

Cult Information and Family Support (CIFS) www.cifs.org.au, email cifs.vic@gmail.com, or phone 03 9017 7816

"A support and information network.  CIFS was initially formed by parents and family members of loved ones caught up in abusive groups.  The network has grown to include families, friends, former members, and concerned individuals working together toward a common goal, to provide support and develop awareness for those affected by high demand groups or cultic relationships."

Information printed here is correct at the time of going to press, but should be checked with the relevant organisation closer to the date.

The Australian Rationalist Newsletter is published periodically by the Rationalist Society of Australia, PO Box 1312, Hawksburn VIC 3142.  Phone 03 9015 9801.  Email secretary@rationalist.com.au.  Newsletter editor Jessica Tate.  To have your event included in this listing, and for newsletter items only: newsletter@rationalist.com.au.