Professor John Bryant.
Exeter biologist in science and religion debate
A University of Exeter professor has aired his views on science and religion at a high-profile debate at the British Science Festival in Guildford.
Professor John Bryant, of the University of Exeter’s School of Biosciences, joined atheist writer and broadcaster Julian Baggini and Muslim engineer Muhbab Gani for the debate, on 10 September.
Professor John Bryant said: “The debate between three people of potentially polar views led, perhaps surprisingly, to a high level of agreement. Science is certainly not threatened by religion but the debate at the interface is important. Both Bryant and Gani noted that the ideas of well-funded 'fundamentalist' movements needed to be refuted, especially in relation to a scientific understanding of Evolution. It was also agreed that science certainly 'left room' for religious belief but obviously in this area, the speakers differed as whether there was sufficient evidence to support such belief. The whole debate was conducted in a very friendly, open and relaxed manner, aided by good chairmanship from Bob Slade and some excellent questions and comments from the audience.”
The debate was part of the extensive celebration of the 'Year of Darwin'.
Date: 14 September 2009
