November 7, 2010

DARWIN & THE NEW ATHEISM. In this fascinating hour, Carole Hallundbaek interviews theologian John F. Haught, Distinguished Research Professor and Senior Fellow of Science and Religion at Woodstock Theological Center, Georgetown University, in Washington DC. Haught is the author of the new book ‘Making Sense of Evolution: Darwin, God and the Drama of Life.’ He is also the author of ‘God and the New Atheism: A Critical Response to Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens,’ and ‘God After Darwin: A Theology of Evolution,’ and ‘Science and Religion: From Conflict to Conversation.’ He earned his doctorate at Catholic University and testified at the 2005 case of Tammy Kitzmiller, et al. v. Dover Area School District, the first direct challenge brought in the United States federal courts against a public school district requiring the presentation of Intelligent Design as an "explanation of the origin of life." In this hour, topics include: Darwin not having intended to write as an atheist, but how he eventually leaned in that direction as a result of his voyage and personal losses; Haught’s work as a professor at Georgetown and what drew him to address science and religion among his students; his influences, including Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and Alfred North Whitehead; the concept of the universe not as stagnant but as “story” and a “carrier of meaning;” the concept of God as one that also evolves; the New Atheism, including Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens; their perception of God and Haught’s response; and much more.