October 27, 2011

A Theist Review

I came across an interesting review of The Australian Book of Atheism recently, from a Catholic perspective by Frank Mobbs. The review is thoughtful (he actually read the book!) but naturally critical. My fellow contributors can answer for themselves, but the comments on my chapter “Good Without God” raise some issues […]
March 28, 2011

Creationist Nation

The April 2011 edition of Australasian Sciencereports on a survey showing that the majority of Australian adults reject evolution in favour of some form of creationism, either outright special creation or evolution guided by God. I don’t think it is quite as bad as it seems, as the survey was […]
November 26, 2010

The Ladies, The Atheist, and the Book

A day at home. The sun is shining. < Knock, knock> Two ladies with umbrellas appear at my door. Robin (innocently, looking them up and down): Hello. Are you selling umbrellas? Ladies: No, they’re just for protection. Robin (stalling): I don’t blame you, it is very hot today. Ladies (still […]
November 26, 2010

A Family Tree

At a scientific conference dinner the other night, a young woman named Eliza across the table was describing her family and how on the male side they first came to Australia in the 1700s – her great-etc-grandfather having been transported as convict for stealing a few yards of hessian. She […]