Controversial Issues

In the Controversial Issues Discussion Series a member of Conway Hall Ethical Society presents a topic or viewpoint that has caused or is likely to cause disagreement in the public. This is followed by a brief Q&A leading to open discussion.; The views expressed will not necessarily be those of the Society.; Meetings will be held (sporadically) throughout the year on Sundays from 2:30 pm.; Tea and coffee are provided admission is free for all.; In this the second offering Graham Bell will present ‘Coming To Terms With Atheism’.; Atheism is a contested term for atheists and non-atheists alike. The talk will explores how vagueness in use of ‘atheism’ and associated terms allows hostile religionists to misrepresent atheism in a self-serving manner. How might atheists defend themselves from such attacks?; Following a brief Q&A a general discussion might take further some of the issues raised and then possibly address the question of whether atheists should contest religious practice privilege and institutions and if so how? For example does Richard Dawkins’ alleged ‘strident front-on fundamentalist atheist approach’ do more harm for atheism than good?