Dr David Newheiser speaks with Rachel Kohn on The Spirit of Things
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IRCI’s Dr David Newheiser spoke this week with Rachel Kohn from ABC Radio National’s The Spirit of Things – in a program exploring the complicated relationship between Atheism and Christianity.
Titled “Should Christians and Atheists Get Along?” the program sought to look more closely at the common idea that Christians and atheists are polar opposites, and to suggest a context for an alternative conversation – beyond one in which the tendency is to shout each other down in the public sphere.
David contributed to the discussion as the leader of ACU’s international research project called Atheism and Christianity: Moving Past Polemic. This project aims to move beyond the caricatures both parties frequently respond to in the contemporary debate, so as to clarify what atheism and Christianity might learn from each other. With collaboration from international interdisciplinary scholars, the Atheism and Christianity project is engaged with developing new ways of thinking about the place of religion in contemporary society.
“What often gets missed in the polarised conversation that dominates the public discussion of religion is that there are complicated relationships – histories intertwine… Appreciating the surprising affinities [Atheism and Christianity] can have with each other, allows for much more open conversation – allowing each side to learn from each other in important ways.”
You can listen to the podcast here. David’s contribution to the discussion starts at 29:39.
ABC Radio’s The Spirit of Things has for 20 years been a national forum for exploring contemporary values and beliefs as expressed through ritual, art, music and sacred texts, and focusing on the nature of spiritual meaning in our lives.