Patrick Madrid’s Australian tour couldn’t have come at a better time, in light of what he calls “the New Atheism”, reports The Catholic Weekly.
Patrick is a renowned US apologist, teaching a field in Christian theology that aims to ‘defend the faith’ in a rational and logical way. He is also the author of 16 books, and a well-known speaker and TV and radio broadcaster.
“I try to see every atheist as someone whom I would like to have a good conversation over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine,” Patrick says.
“To talk to them, listen to their views and be able to share my own beliefs.”
New Atheism is a term coined by journalist Gary Wolf who wrote in an article for Wired Magazine: “They [the ‘New Atheists’] condemn not just belief in God but respect for belief in God. Religion is not only wrong; it’s evil.”
And he claims that three writers – Professor Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and Daniel Dennett – have contributed to the popularity of this opinion.
Of the recent debate between Professor Dawkins and the Archbishop of Sydney, George Cardinal Pell, on ABC’s Q&A, Patrick says that both are “exceedingly articulate and intelligent”.
“After having viewed many of his videos and having read a few of his books, I can confidently say that I think Dr Dawkins is a fine scientist, but a lousy philosopher.”
He says that the “fanciful notion” that science can disprove God’s existence is like “hitting the bull’s-eye on the wrong target”.
This is because “the question of God’s existence is one of philosophy, not science”.
“A scientist can no more prove or disprove the existence or non-existence of God on the basis of science than a philosopher or a musician or a Spanish teacher prove or disprove the existence of organic life on Mars on the basis of philosophy, music theory or the rules of Spanish grammar.”
FULL STORY Why we should be well armed to defend our faith (Catholic Weekly)