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March 09, 2010
Global Atheist Convention
I've just listened to another radio debate between atheists and believers, and as usually, it was profoundly and predictably dull. The perennial Science vs Religion contradiction seems to be as entrenched on both sides of the debate as ever. Very boring.
Albert Einstein, arguably the greatest scientist who ever lived, said that science without religion is lame and religion without science is blind. Yet both sides of the argument used to and still do claim him as one of their own.
Einstein's views were more interesting than that and transcended the silly religious/scientific divide.
He called himself religious, agnostic, pantheist, even atheist at different times, but his position was consistent. It was an attitude of cosmic awe and wonder and a humility before the ineffable, higher intelligence behind the laws of universe, rather than belief in a personal God who takes interest in the lives of individuals.
In his own words:
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science. He who does not know it and can no longer wonder, no longer feel amazement, is as good as dead, a snuffed-out candle."
The 2010 Global Atheist Convention is taking place in Australia this weekend. Apparently, the tickets were sold out months in advance. One of the speakers is Richard Dawkins (of the God Delusion fame)and that might explain the pull.
Einstein's words from 1940 could easily apply to 2010 Melbourne convention's participants, the self-styled 'Brights':
"Then there are the fanatical atheists whose intolerance is the same as that of the religious fanatics, and it springs from the same source... They are creatures who can't hear the music of the spheres."
Not just a genius then, but a wise man to boot!
Posted by Marzena at March 9, 2010 10:10 PM