Secular Sunday #23 – Conventional Wisdom
It’s time for Secular Sunday!
In this issue:
- Convention Round-up
- Upcoming Events
- Blogorama
Convention Round-up
As you no doubt already know, the European Atheist Convention took place in Cologne last weekend. If you weren’t able to make it, here are some videos you can watch and pretend you were really there:
- Michael Nugent on “Why we must combat blasphemy laws”
- PZ Myers on “Why are we talking about science at atheist conferences?” Part 1, Part 2
- Rebecca Watson on “The Religious Right’s War on Women”
- Thunderf00t, PZ Myers and others in a spontaneous discussion in a beer garden
There are also reports from speakers PZ Myers, Tanya Smith, Rebecca Watson, and attendees Nozzferrahhtoo and Gurdur; and photos from Richard Honess. If we’ve missed any, let us know. Undoubtedly, there will be more videos and reports online soon and we’ll link to them as they become available.
Upcoming Events
- Monday 4 June, 8:30 pm, McSwiggans Bar and Restaurant, Woodquay, Galway (map)
“Galway Skeptics in the Pub #33 – The Greatest Story We Can Tell.” A discussion about science, skepticism and the Bible. Facebook event page - Tuesday 5 June, 8:00 pm, National Concert Hall, Dublin 2 (map)
Dublin Writers Festival presents: Richard Dawkins in Conversation. This event is completely sold out. We’ve had some luck getting tickets for people but at the moment several people are looking and nobody seems to have any to spare. If you have tickets but can’t make it to the event, let us know and someone will likely snap them up. If you’re still looking for tickets your best chance is to check the box office for returns. They can be contacted on 01-6877977. - Wednesday 6 June, 8:00 pm, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 (map)
Also from the Dublin Writers Festival: Alain de Botton will be discussing his controversial book Religion for Atheists. Tickets are €12/€10. Read more - Sunday 10 June, 12:00 noon, Outside the RDS, Anglesea Road, Dublin 2 (map)
“Stop the Hate – Separate Church and State”. Equality activists LGBT Noise will be outside the opening of the Eucharistic Congress protesting against the unwarranted interference by the Catholic Church in the civil rights of LGBT people. Facebook event page - Thursday 14 June, 6:00 pm, Science Gallery, Dublin 2 (map)
“Charles Darwin and the Question of Design in Nature”. Professor John Hedley Brooke will be talking about the collision of art, science, religion and nature. The event is free but booking is essential. More details - Friday 15 June, Cork
Cork Skeptics will be hosting Dr. Muireann Quigley who will be speaking about bioethics. We’ll have more details soon. - Wednesday 20 June, 8:00 pm, Absolute Hotel, Sir Harry’s Mall, Limerick (map)
The Mid West Humanists will be meeting. All are welcome.
Blogorama
A few choice pieces from some of our friends who blog:
- “Stomachs don’t grow back by themselves, and if he has robust evidence to support his medical claims, and witnesses stating the events happened during a prayer meeting for his health, I’d find myself rather convinced.” – Geoff’s Shorts challenges evangelist Craig Marsh to provide evidence for his miraculous claims.
- “I wondered whether, at a time like this, someone with no faith might feel hopeless or lonely, but that hasn’t been the case.” – zenbuffy on how a deep personal loss has not affected her skepticism.
- “I even got to meet the infamous David Quinn, who apparently had requested that I not be invited onto the show because I might be flippant. Me ? Flippant ? Never.” – David Robert Grimes on his recent opinion piece in the Irish Times, his radio debate with a bishop and the responses he received.
That’s it for another week.
Till next time,
Derek Walsh
Editor, Secular Sunday
Atheist Ireland
secularsunday@atheist.ie