How to get up Richard Dawkins’ nose

Disagree with him:

Poll reveals public doubts over Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Belief in creationism is widespread in Britain, according to a new survey.

Prof Dawkins expressed dismay at the findings of the ComRes survey, of 2,060 adults, which he claimed were confirmation that much of the population is “pig-ignorant” about science.

“Obviously life, which was Darwin’s own subject, is not the result of chance,” he said.

“Any fool can see that. Natural selection is the very antithesis of chance.

“The error is to think that God is the only alternative to chance, and Darwin surely didn’t think that because he himself discovered the most important non-theistic alternative to chance, namely natural selection.”

It seems that Richard Dawkins thinks that the great unwashed  in the UK are pig-ignorant about science in much the same way as Dawkins is pig-ignorant about theology. Except that Dawkins displays his ignorance with more fanfare and gets paid for it.

As for “Natural selection is the very antithesis of chance”, the antithesis of chance is a plan; which means  Dawkins is claiming that natural selection is somehow planned. He goes to great lengths to ridicule the idea that life was designed and yet can’t bring himself to admit that it occurred through chance; which means it must have been planned and, therefore, designed. And he calls Christians illogical.

He has anthropomorphised natural selection, imbued it with purpose and intent and turned it into a god. A god that he worships.

Very scientific.

Weasel Words from Colin Johnson, Bishop of Toronto

From here

The bishops of the Diocese of Toronto are proposing to respond pastorally in the matter of committed same-sex relationships.

In making their proposal, the bishops made it clear they are attempting to work within the national House of Bishops’ 2007 statement on sexuality. In that document, the Canadian bishops said they are committed to “develop the most generous pastoral response possible within the current teaching of the church.”

At its monthly meeting of the Diocesan Council, held on January 29, 2009, the bishops outlined their proposal. The bishops plan to engage in a consultation process in order for the pastoral care of all Anglicans to be strengthened. They will implement their response when the bishops discern that it is appropriate.

The bishops’ proposal in offering a pastoral response is as follows:

• Episcopal permission be given to a limited number of parishes, based on Episcopal discernment, to offer prayers and blessing (but not the nuptial blessing) to same-sex couples in stable, long-term, committed relationships, as an extension of the current pastoral norms.
• Episcopal guidelines on the nature of the prayers/blessing will be established. A particular rite will not be authorized.
• Episcopal permission for blessings will be required.
• Evaluation of this pastoral response will be undertaken after one year.
• No parish or clergy will be required to participate.
• A Bishop’s Commission will be formed to create the guidelines, monitor activity and review.

Colin Johnson has realised that he is trailing in the contest for the title of the most heretical bishop in Canada. The lead was taken some time ago by Michael Ingham, followed closely by the bishops of Niagara, Ottawa and Montreal.

Not wishing to be left completely in the dust, but not having the guts to take the lead over arch-apostate Ingham, he has unequivocally – well, provisionally decided – ambivalently – on:

Blessing same-sex couples – well, long term same-sex couples.

Allowing parishes to bless same sex-couples – well, some parishes.

Praying for same-sex couples – well, not using an authorised rite.

Blessing same-sex relationships – well, not nuptial ones.

Agreeing with same-sex blessings – well, contingent on Episcopal discernment.

Getting on with same sex-blessings – well, make sure you ask him first.

Committing to following recommendations of General Synod and Lambeth – well, except the ones he disagrees with.

This message is brought to you with heartfelt conviction from Colin – the spineless wimp who is afraid to take a stand on anything, but wants to run with the pack – Johnson.