“Adrian, I am glad you said that comment about Dawkins. I am proud to agree with Dawkins, and its refreshing that you have pointed out that people are questioning, commenting and thinking in a Dawkins style way! We need more critical thinking rational people in the world the more mini Dawkins the better in my honest opinion!”

“Stu - you are most welcome,
it is good to be able to discuss/'argue' without resorting to disrespect.”

“Adrian,

Many Thanks.

From your response I can see that you have your mind open and you are well read and your acceptance of Science alongside your Faith is probably the most clear explanaition of Faith I have received.

(I hope I am not talking out of turn but) my understanding is that you can't really explain why you have "Faith" and therefore (I hope this makes sense) it makes it easier for me to understand. I don't have Faith at present and cannot see it coming but you never know. If you can't explain it then maybe one day something will happen and I will be in a similar boat.

Overall I would just like to say thanks for taking the time”

“Apologies if this is Repeated

Stu ¿ I also studied science at school to "A" level. The two are not mutually exclusive and there are many scientists who are Christian,I would recommend John Lennox. I am also very keenly interested in Physics, Quantum Theory, Astronomy and Mathematics. And, guess what¿Personally, I also believe in evidence. I believe that the unknown is unknown until it is known ¿ often this is described has a ¿mystery¿, until with the application of research, and a gradual awaking of knowledge (science) ¿ I do not believe that God puts up signs saying ¿No Thinking Beyond this Point¿. My faith does not clash with science, I do not retreat to covering each argument with the term ¿mystery¿, and I would not dismiss evidence ¿ however, I do not accept ¿evidence¿ purely on the basis of another persons demand ¿ I seek to do my research, read, listen and many times ¿ like most honest people I simply do not know what to think? But, that does not mean I stop thinking or investigating. Faith is a gift - truth is a must. I do not argue just for the sake of arguing or point scoring, or even worse seeking to undermine others.

I know it may appear to be splitting hairs but I do not ¿have a religion¿. I do believe in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I also believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God. I find myself drawn to the Christian philosopher Kierkegaard who was convinced that Christendom (Churchianity) is nothing but a lifeless outer shell of mediocrity¿ and that true Christianity is first and foremost a demand. Little by little removing the difficulties of faith has weakened Christianity.

¿In the splendid palace chapel a stately court preacher, the cultivated public¿s elite, advances before an elite circle of fashionable and cultivated people (the disengaged) and preaches emotionally on the text¿ ¿God chose the lowly and despised¿ (the trapped) ¿ and nobody laughed!

This is the falsification of which official Christianity is guilty: it does not make known the Christian requirement ¿ perhaps it is afraid people would shudder to see at what a distance from it we are all living¿
The Church institution is desperately in need of a new reformation, one that seeks to remove ¿isms & ologies¿, managerial methodologies, and mankind¿s tendency to lean to its own wisdom. God knows we must try to introduce Christianity into Christendom.

Stu-I really appreciated your comments, and your questions certainly came across as legitimate, it may be ¿good¿ to talk, but it is ¿essential¿ that we stop to listen, now and again. All the best.”

“So Easter had nothing to do with the ancient goddess of spring, Eoster, who's symbols were rabbits and eggs? Riiiiight.”

“"Anyone else notice the sudden increase in the number of amateur Dawkins this spring? "

Maybe it's in direct opposition to all the amature popes?”

“"Finally, the Secular Society claims to welcome cultural celebration and diversity. I never said it didn't. In my opinion it is religious freedoms they are trying to suppress by demanding people think as they do".

I'd be interested to know why the author of the letter believes this. Freethought is fundamental to the Society - just look at the logo http://leicestersecularsociety.org.uk .

This is what it say under "About Us":

"Leicester Secular Society is the leading organisation in Leicestershire advocating and campaigning for an inclusive and plural society free from religious privilege, prejudice and discrimination.

"The Society is committed to:

* creating a civil society that is for everyone equally, that promotes respect for individual human rights and encourages trust and co-operation between those sharing these values;

* opposing policies that emphasise religious identity and allow religious discrimination or indoctrination in education and social services;

* opposing religious privilege and the promotion of any religion by the state."”

“CGLee, near Melton

Thanks for the response and it is nice to hear a reasoned response.

I appreciate your beliefs but why must there be a plan? Does evolution not explain that at each point there is diversity towards a niche, (i.e. in water, coming out of water, flight, eyes on the side, eyes on the front) which has meant that everything finds a place of it own accord to survive.

I am far from well educated in each idea and used to enjoy conversations with my Pops about it so please excuse if I am asking silly questions”

“Stu, I am a Christian, and I studied science at school to "A" level. The two are not mutually exclusive and there are many scientists who are Christian.

Although a Christian, I do not consider the early chapters of the Bible to be literal in their content. For instance, I do not believe that God literally made the earth in six days. What was a day at the time of creation? Who knows?

It is perfectly possible to believe in God and to accept the concept of evolution. In fact , it is totally logical. To my mind, though, it is not logical to imagine that this wonderful world of ours happened by accident. Just think about all of the wonders of nature and how they all fit together like a marvellous jigsaw and ask yourself, "How could this possibly have happened without a master plan?"

God and science both exist together in a fantastic partnership.”

“Adrian,

You seem to know your religion which I appreciate.

At the risk of inviting further comments which you may not appreciate could I ask you how you weigh up your beliefs against the Evolution debate.

Personally I believe in Evidence but would like to ask, as we are actually no more that animals which our past can be traced back millions of years, firstly what are your thoughts and secondly how do you dismiss this evidence for your own beliefs.

This is, and I hope it comes across as, a legitimate question (s) and in no way a slight at your beliefs but I am interested in your arguements”