Thanks to Rev. El Mundo, I learned that on Up with Chris Hayes on the day after the Reason Rally, the host talked about the impact of atheism on public life with a variety of people, some of whom had been speakers at the rally. Hayes also casually let it be known that he was an atheist too. I hope that this may encourage other prominent figures to also casually mention it.
It is one of the most exhaustive discussions of religion and its role in public life that one is likely to hear on the usually vapid and atheist-averse American commercial TV.
In the first segment, Hayes talks with Harvard University Professor Steven Pinker, Washington Post blogger Jamila Bey, author Susan Jacoby, and podcast co-host Jamie Kilstein,
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In the next segment he added The Atlantic‘s senior editor Robert Wright to the group.
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Then he brought in Richard Dawkins.
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In the next segment he talks about god and global warming with the panel.
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I hope this shames the apologists. Coverage like this chips away at the straw man arguments against us that our position is extreme and fringe
Shalom Mano,
When I listen to discussions like this I find myself wishing that more scientists had a bit of of the poet in them and were passionate about sharing their wonder and amazement at how the Universe works from the the tiniest sub-atomic mechanics to the grand formation of suns, solar systems and galaxies.
Yes, they have been, and continue to be, out there, but we need more of such expressions to combat the general view that science is cold and unfeeling. My favorite such example came from Carl Sagan who once said:
I look forward to when you’re once again free to join us at Socrates Café.
B’shalom,
Jeff