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Steve Jones webchat 15 May 1-2pm

(120 Posts)
GeraldineGransnet (GNHQ) Thu 02-May-13 13:29:27

The Bible was the first science textbook, argues Steve Jones, who has rewritten it in the light of modern scientific understanding in his new book, The Serpent's Promise.

What does the Bible tell us about the big questions? Are we all descended from a single couple? Is the flood story really about the ending of the Ice Age? What are we to make of the virgin birth?

Steve is professor of genetics at University College London and we're delighted he's joining us for a live webchat at 1pm on Wednesday 15 May.

j08 Wed 15-May-13 17:46:49

I think he must be very closely related to our Bags. Except for the fact that she doesn't' write any old crap just make money.

j08 Wed 15-May-13 17:50:13

And most of our schools are non religious these days. They're not allowed to sing a hymn or have a prayer in assembly. Church schools are a minority.

bluebell Wed 15-May-13 18:03:58

Steve Jones is a well respected academic - writing books- not any old crap- is part of what academics do and goodness me , they get paid for it. How disgraceful!

A third of all state schools are faith schools - a minority but a sizeable one. And why should non faith schools say prayers or sing hymns - we have churches, mosques etc for that.

Elegran Wed 15-May-13 18:35:57

The book is pretty good for any old crap.

That is, unless you have made up your mind that it is going to be crap and have no intention of reading it to find out.

I was trying a define the work of a recent Scottish artist (named William Johnstone, whose widow was a neighbour) to an American friend, a few years ago. At one point I said that he had studied art in Paris at the same time time as Picasso, in the same studios.

Her reply? "Picasso was a communist, wasn't he?"

That was enough for her. He couldn't possibly be any good as an artist.

GeraldineGransnet (GNHQ) Wed 15-May-13 20:23:34

I did ask him, grannyactivist, but he said he'd answered your question. Which of course he hadn't.

Personally, and having read the book, I don't think he does dismiss metaphor - not in the way Dawkins does - but it may be that he is not that interested in it either.

j08 Wed 15-May-13 20:56:07

Someone needs to tell him that two shirt buttons undone does not make you sexy. #scruffy'erbert #GNonfacebook

Lilygran Fri 17-May-13 08:35:59

Still don't see how being a geneticist makes you an expert on theology. Perhaps his theories are based on 'ignorance, pure ignorance'? And where did all those posters come from - so many new names! hmm

MiceElf Fri 17-May-13 09:18:06

Oh, Lilygrann, didn't you know that all scientists are also deeply learned and thoughtful theologians? Goes with the territory. grin

feetlebaum Fri 17-May-13 10:42:15

Ah theology... is it really a subject? Mostly it seems to have been old guys making up things, with no factual basis at all.

j08 Fri 17-May-13 11:26:52

Oh Feetlebaum. Join the other narrow minded old gits on this forum.

Lilygran Fri 17-May-13 12:40:22

Perhaps I'll start writing books about genetics, after all, I don't know anything about science. Mice grin

MiceElf Fri 17-May-13 13:26:27

Perhaps those who purport to know all about theology could share their own academic expertise and stratospheric achievements so that they can by rubbished by those who know nothing whatsoever about that particular discipline.

bluebell Fri 17-May-13 14:04:09

Actually - we could start by establishing what we even mean by 'theology'

j08 Fri 17-May-13 14:57:23

Will just Google stratospheric achievements.

Actually I won't bother. smile

feetlebaum Tue 28-May-13 07:45:30

Would any of us be any worse off if there were no theologians?

feetlebaum Mon 10-Jun-13 11:38:48

Tom Paine once said:

“The study of theology... is the study of nothing; it is founded on
nothing; it rests on no principles; it proceeds by no authority; it has no data; it can demonstrate nothing; and it admits of no conclusion.”

gillybob Mon 10-Jun-13 11:56:28

Or indeed "pointless talk about a non-existent being". hmm

Lilygran Mon 10-Jun-13 13:43:41

You could say the same about philosophy.

Lilygran Mon 10-Jun-13 13:43:57

But only if you have a closed mind