Does Religion Breed Violence and Ignorance?
NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On November 15th, New York's premier live debate series, Intelligence Squared U.S. (IQ2US), proposes the controversial resolution: "The World Would Be Better Off Without Religion." From the crusades to modern fundamentalist terrorists, religious doctrines have been used as a means to justify wars and other atrocities. Yet, many people value religion as a source for good, giving followers purpose, while encouraging morality and ethical behavior.
In support of the motion, "The World Would Be Better Off Without Religion," are Matthew Chapman, Co-Found of Science Debate and great-great grandson of Charles Darwin, and A.C. Grayling, renowned atheist and professor of philosophy. Against the motion are Dinesh D'Souza, author of "What's So Great About Christianity?", and Rabbi David Wolpe, named #1 Pulpit Rabbi in America by Newsweek.
"Religion is one of our most requested topics and we are expecting this to be a highly charged debate," says Dana Wolfe, executive producer of Intelligence Squared U.S.
Moderated by ABC News Nightline's John Donvan, Intelligence Squared U.S.'s fall season, presented in partnership with Slate, will air on WNET and more than 220 NPR stations nationwide.
For the motion:
Matthew Chapman, Co-Founder and President of Science Debate, Author & Filmmaker
A.C. Grayling, Renowned Atheist, Professor of Philosophy & Author
Against the motion:
Dinesh D'Souza, President of King's College and Author of "What's So Great About Christianity?"
Rabbi David Wolpe, Named #1 Pulpit Rabbi in America by Newsweek
The Moderator:
John Donvan is a correspondent for ABC News Nightline. He has served as ABC White House Correspondent, along with postings in Moscow, London, Jerusalem and Amman.
WHAT: Intelligence Squared U.S. Debates: "The World Would Be Better Off Without Religion"
WHEN: Tuesday, November 15 / Reception 5:45-6:30 / Debate 6:45-8:30 PM
WHERE: NYU's Skirball Center / 566 Laguardia Place, New York, NY 10012
The debate will take place in front of a live audience at NYU Skirball Center in New York City. Audience members will vote to decide the winning team of this significant debate. Tickets: $40 ($12 for students w/ID) To purchase, visit www.iq2us.org.
ABOUT INTELLIGENCE SQUARED DEBATES (IQ2US)
Rethink your point of view with Intelligence Squared U.S. (IQ2US), Oxford-style debates.
Based on the highly successful debate program based in London, Intelligence Squared, Intelligence Squared U.S. has presented over 50 debates on a wide range of provocative and timely topics. From global warming and the financial crisis, to Afghanistan/Pakistan and the death of mainstream media, Intelligence Squared U.S. brings together the world's leading authorities on the day's most important issues.
Since its inception in 2006, the goals of The Intelligence Squared U.S. Foundation have been to provide a new forum for intelligent discussion, grounded in facts and informed by reasoned analysis; to transcend the toxically emotional and the reflexively ideological; and to encourage recognition that the opposing side has intellectually respectable views.
IQ2US struck a media partnership with the online magazine Slate that launches in this fall. The Rosenkranz Foundation initiated the Intelligence Squared U.S. Debate Series and continues to provide major support.
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