The Exponent - campus


03-22-2004	Previous edition: 03-12-2004

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Religious debate could attract thousands to discuss atheism

By Kristen Sutherland
Staff Writer

The existence of God will be debated from 7 to 9 tonight in the Elliott Hall of Music.

Dr. Austin Dacey, director of the Center for Inquiry in New York City and co-author of the book on Secular Humanism, "A Case for Humanism: An Introduction," will be representing the atheist point of view.

"Basically, my theory is that in light of evidence, atheism is more reasonable than theism," said Dacey. "I look forward to debating not only whether we ought to believe in God, but also whether we could have a loving relationship with Him. Given the amount of pointless suffering in the world, and God's silence in the face of it, I don't see how we can."

Formerly a religious believer, Dacey says he is now a "professional skeptic working as a philosopher with a think-tank that specializes in critical thinking and the scientific outlook."

Dr. William Lane Craig, a top philosopher of religion who often speaks on and debates topics related to philosophy and religion, will be representing the Christian point of view.

"I plan on arguing that there are good reasons for Christianity to exist and that there are not comparable reasons for the existence of atheism," said Craig. "I feel that a wide range of topics — science, philosophy, history and ethics — contribute to the strength of Christianity's believability."

John Engberg of the Christian Faculty/Staff Network at Purdue, the group sponsoring this debate, says he's hoping at least 3,000 people attend this free event.

"This is a unique event," said Engberg. "Here at the Christian Faculty/Staff

Network, we have come to understand that the most important question in life is the question of God's existence. We want to encourage public discussion about this topic. Many people are skeptical and think religion is a topic you don't give reasons for, you just believe it. We hope this event will demonstrate that there are reasonable explanations for God's existence."

The debate will be very formal with each speaker presenting their case for 20, 12, eight and five minutes each, followed by 20 to 30 minutes of questions and answers with the audience.

Both Dacey and Craig said they are looking forward to being a part of this event.

"I always enjoy returning to the Midwest," said Dacey. "I anticipate a lively discussion with Purdue's students."

Craig said, "My last visit to Purdue was really great. I had a great dialogue with the students and there were good interactions. I'm really looking forward to being there."

Engberg said, "We expect this event to be intellectually stimulating, challenging, fun, entertaining, and for those with an open heart and mind, life-changing.

"For the students who are interested in getting answers to the most important question in life in a very lively, intellectually engaging setting, this is an event they will not want to miss."

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