The 2012 Global Atheist Convention is back in Melbourne this year (April 13-15th). Some Christians become concerned and worked up about events such as this. Personally, I don't believe that people of faith have anything to fear about doubt or skepticism. No need to picket or boycott events. In fact, dialogue and discussion can be helpful in all areas of belief. Events such as this give us a terrific opportunity to talk about God and faith with those around about us. Let's pray and show the love of Christ.
One of the main speakers is Richard Dawkins, one of the world's most influential atheists. I have read his book The God Delusion and it only strengthened my faith. It is written in very emotional language and he makes sweeping generalisations about religion and faith that can't be validated. In no way did it shake my faith or give reasonable objections to the classic reasons for believing that there is a God (see my previous posts on this topic here).
For those interested in strengthening their own faith at a time such as this, here are some excellent books to consider reading:
There is a God: How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind by Antony Flew
The Real Face fo Atheism by Ravi Zacharias
The Twilight of Atheism by Alistair McGrath
Atheism Remix by Albert Mohler
The New Atheism by John Dickson and John Lennox
The New Atheism: 10 Arguments that Don't Hold Water by Michael Poole
Against All Gods by Phillip E. Johnson
A Sceptics Guide to Atheism by Peter S. Williams
I agree the conference will not shake many peoples faith, but the story telling of purposeful increases of information caused by mendelian variation, polypoidy, hybridization and mutation done daily by biology professors/teachers/media (even in some Christian schools) and the teaching of parts of the bible being mythology in a large denomination of Christianity cause a lot of students to become atheists (from what i have experienced in Christian and non-christian secondary schools during my teaching time)
Posted by: peter | February 23, 2012 at 10:45 PM
I love the title of their conference...without realising it they are celebrating God, the author and source of our ability to reason!
Posted by: Chris H | February 24, 2012 at 09:35 AM
True Peter ... influential people like this do have an impact, especially on the next generation. The challenge for us is to engage in the conversation and not be afraid to discuss the tough questions.
Posted by: Mark Conner | February 25, 2012 at 08:12 AM