Anyone up for some knitting?

[EvolveOrConvolve]

Dawkins and Myers are both biologists, and both share the same strong ideas on evolution (fact) and religion (fiction). Myers believes it's OK to practise religion, but that it should never be taken seriously. "I compared religion to knitting - a hobby," he said. Both claim they would remain skeptical about the existence of God even if a 15ft Jesus stood in front of them and boomed "I exist!"

The discussion sparked some interesting questions: "Can we already predict what is outside of life?" and "What is the supernatural?" Of the former, Myers said that "carbon seems to be the tool" and Dawkins added "to believe the supernatural would be to give up".

http://www.newstatesman.com/2011/06/dawkins-myers-religion-faith

Is what Dawkins said offensive to believers? Should it be?

[Warpy]

1. Naw, Myers is off base about both religion and knitting.

He must've been having a particularly off day.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

2. I agree

It was a particularly bad analogy, but was it offensive to believers? I didn't see it as offensive when I first read it, but wasn't sure how believers would feel.

[Lordquinton]

3. I felt it was offencive to knitters

Knitting is something to be taken very seriously. I mean, a good knitter can churn out a nice cozy, warm, fluffy pair of socks in an afternoon, or a blanket.

[Warpy]

4. I think it's offensive to knitters

Face it, knitters produce useful things to wear and use around the home.

Religious zealots, not so much.

[Htom Sirveaux]

5. Doesn't bother me.

He's entitled to his opinion, and that particular one affects me not at all.

[rug]

6. They're both out of touch with reality.

You might expect a discussion between two such strident atheists to attract the ire of religious groups, but in fact it was another group which took exception to the event - students. Protesters angered by Richard Dawkins' involvement with AC Grayling's private university, the New College of the Humanities, disrupted the evening by popping up periodically to shout at the speakers. The audience didn't seem to have much sympathy for the students, though, so perhaps they had picked the wrong crowd.

Towards the end of the question time, one protester asked why Dawkins felt that the university was acceptable at a time when students were fighting hard for their right to education.

Dawkins made it clear from the beginning of his response that his answer was, basically, that life is not fair: "like it or not we do live in a political system where some people are richer than others". He added: "If you want to picket Anthony Grayling, you might as well picket anybody who owns a car that is above average price."

[okasha]

7. The lower classes

must be taught not to question their betters.

White--check.

Affluent--check.

Heterosexual--check.

Male --check.

[mr blur]

12. Oh, do grow up.

[okasha]

13. Are you denying that PZ and Dawkins are highly privileged?

Step out into the real world now and then.

[beam me up scottie]

14. Now you know PZ and Dawkins are highly privileged and Pope Frankie isn't.

[rug]

15. Tut, do not concern yourself with trifles.

The important thing is listening to elderly white men spend their dwindling days ranting about something they do not believe.

[rexcat]

19. Some people require evidence...

some don't. My bet is on the one's that require evidence for their belief systems and not just because it says something is some silly book. For those who don't require hard evidence they can be dismissed straight away.

Of course the atheist community is a homogeneous group but to believe that one has to be a bigot.

[rug]

20. Some people consider some things far more important than other things.

[rexcat]

21. There is truth to your comment...

but it is complicated. Everyone's life experiences are different and opinions can be varied on any given topic.

[rug]

22. Indeed.

[intaglio]

10. Dawkins also made it clear that he would like the Government to pay for education

Oh, and life is unfair that's why it is up to humans to level the playing field by legislation, medicine and empathy. Religion just adds another layer to the privilege.

[rug]

16. Yes, he's quite well known for his labours in creating an equitable educational system.

[intaglio]

17. No he isn't. He is know for his research, writings and opinions

He is infamous for some of his English Public School ideas about abuse, bullying and womens rights. For someone from the privileged classes, he is also fairly left wing.

Sarcasm is not your strong suit, rug.

[rug]

18. Me, sarcastic?

That hurts.

[beam me up scottie]

8. "Dawkins told the audience that he would like it if "the government... paid for free education"

Dawkins told the audience that he would like it if "the government, through taxation, paid for free education for everyone" and his supporters appeared satisfied.

[cbayer]

9. Which statement of Dawkins are you referring to? The knitting comment was made by Myers.

If it is the knitting comment, do you think it is offensive or should be offensive to believers?