And Just in Time for Easter–An Atheist/Christian Roundtable
Tonight I have the opportunity to sit down with two of my colleagues here in Austin and three well-known Atheist leaders in front of a live audience. The Atheists are celebrating their 50th anniversary this week in the city where they began–Austin. A colleague of mine reached out to them and they agreed to the discussion.
So what do I/we hope to gain? Do we think we are going to convert them or sway them in some way? Obviously not. But I do have several things I hope to accomplish:
1. I want to listen. These guys are anti-God and anti-religion for a reason. I want to try to listen past the talking points and see the real reasons they’re so opposed to the concept of a God.
2. I want to sharpen my own skills. These guys are the leading antagonists in the world to the Christian faith. Of course I want to sit down with them and go a few rounds with them. It’ll make me a better Christian.
3. I want to love them. These guys are people for whom Jesus died. That’s the bottom line. I want to do my best to be Jesus to them, regardless of their theology or lack thereof.
Here are the two press releases about the event. When the video is available, I’ll post it here.
PRESS RELEASE
For Release: Tuesday March 26, 2013
Atheist Leaders and Texas Pastors Will Meet for Roundtable Discussion
Cranford, NJ— American Atheists President David Silverman and Vice President Kathleen Johnson will join with noted British philosopher and atheist A.C. Grayling to meet with Austin-area pastors for a non-confrontational exchange of ideas.
The three atheist leaders are in Austin for the American Atheists 50th Anniversary National Convention this weekend. David Silverman says “We will all have the opportunity to express our points of view – I am truly looking forward to this dialogue.”.
The roundtable, which will be held on Wednesday March 27th at 8:15 PM at the Hyatt Regency in Austin, is open to the press and the public.
Pastors in Austin face difficult challenges familiar to pastors nationwide: the secularizing of Americans. According to an October 2012 Pew Forum report, fully 20% of Americans now self-identify as having no religion. In the past five years alone, this has increased from 15%. For Americans under age 30, a full one-third state do not identify with any religion. The roundtable will provide a much-needed opportunity for pastors to better understand the perspective of nonbelievers.
American Atheists’ 50th Anniversary Celebration and National Convention takes place this weekend at the Hyatt Regency in Austin and includes such speakers as former Congressman Pete Stark, Twisted Sister lead guitarist Jay Jay French, authors A.C. Grayling and Katherine Stewart, popular debater Matt Dillahunty, former pastors-turned-atheists Teresa MacBain and Jerry DeWitt, and American Atheists President David Silverman. The convention also features a costume dinner, free concerts, a comedy show, an art show and silent auction, more than 25 national and local vendors and exhibitors, and childcare options for attending families.
Christian and Atheist Leaders Exchange Views in
Local Roundtable Discussion
Hyatt Regency Downtown Austin, Wednesday, March 27 at 8:15PM
Austin, Texas – March 21, 2013 – Local pastors and national Atheist leaders are engaging in a public roundtable discussion during Easter Week, as atheists from all over the country gather in Austin for the American Atheists National Convention. The organization of atheists began in Austin 50 years ago under leadership of Madalyn Murray O’Hair.
The selection of Austin and the timing of the convention prompted a local Christian pastor to invite American Atheist President David Silverman to consider coming together to talk about respective perceptions. Silverman quickly replied, resulting in the upcoming roundtable discussion.
The thought and cultural leaders will conduct their public dialogue on Wednesday, March 27 at the Hyatt Regency Austin at 8:15PM. Admission is free.
Area pastors who will participate in the discussion include Gaylon Clark, Greater Mount Zion; Will Davis, Jr., Austin Christian Fellowship; Tim Hawks, Hill Country Bible Church; Rob Harrell, First Evangelical Free Church; and Randy Phillips, LifeAustin. Participating on behalf of American Atheists are Silverman, noted British author and professor A.C. Grayling, and others.
“David and I agreed that this would not be structured as a debate so much as an opportunity for each party to better understand the other’s point of view,” said Ryan Rush, senior pastor, Bannockburn Baptist Church, and moderator of the discussion. “The victory for both is gaining greater perspective of the other,” he said.
