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Richard Dawkins plans de-evangelistic roadshow |
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1 April 2011
Celebrity atheist Richard Dawkins and TV presenter Francesca Stavrakopoulou plan to join forces to "de-evangelise Britain" according to reports.
Their planned roadshow, Shaking the Foundations, will visit 30 UK towns and cities in a convoy of London Transport buses in November.
It follows hard on the heels of the controversial BBC TV series The Bible's Buried Secrets in which University of Exeter academic Dr Stavrakopoulou contends that God had a wife, Israel was polytheistic and that the influence of King David was exaggerated for political and religious purposes.
Each stop in the tour will feature rock music, standup comedy and dance although organisers deny it will be deliberately erotic. Each evening will end with an "altar call" when Richard Dawkins will call on the audience to "renounce faith, let go of God, stop worrying and enjoy your life."
Spanish secularist Lola Froip, speaking on behalf of the Richard Dawkins Foundation, said: "We fundamentally disagree with what is preached by evangelists like Dr Billy Graham. What we cannot deny, however, is the power of good oratory and the radical call to commitment. Our message is just as inspiring but, until now, has lacked drama.
"We are delighted Dr Stavrakopoulou is joining us. She is a serious historian and biblical scholar with a very great deal to offer. Many people appreciated our There's Probably No God campaign on London buses. Shaking the Foundations is the next logical step. We are battling for hearts and minds."
Conservative figures in the Church are said to be blasé at news of the roadshow. Respected theologian Rudolf Bultperson comments, "Dawkins and Co have a perfect right to be ignored like every other street evangelist. What I am particularly interested to know is which colour smock red or green Dr Stavrakopoulou will sport at the rallies. In fact, I believe bookmakers have already opened a book on it." |
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