February 22, 2017

My Islam and Violence Talk, Thursday Night

I am giving a talk to the Hampshire Skeptics/Winchester Skeptics in the Pub in Winchester on Thursday (tomorrow) night. It takes place at the Discovery Centre and I have been long awaiting the chance to do a talk there. This is my most controversial talk in that I disagree with fellow liberals about the inherent and problematic violence within the religion of Islam, due to the immutable word of God within the Qu'ran and the role model-ship of Muhammad. Invariably, though, the fellow liberals with whom I argue have not read the Qu'ran.

The description follows:

This century has seen the emergence of Islam as a religion closely connected to violence and terrorism. With regrettable regularity the latest religiously inspired terror attack fills the news broadcasts around the world whether they be the work of ISIS, the Taliban, Al-Qaeda or other such group. However these events are also vociferously condemned by peaceful Islamic groups as being distinctly against the teachings fo the Qu'ran. Islam is a religion of peace and unity for many Muslim across the world.

To investigate whether violence is a part of Islam, and to what extent, Jonathan will examine in turn; the Qu'ran, the history of the prophet of Muhammad, and modern day interpretations given by Muslims. However regardless of his conclusion Jonathan will consider what role political expediency plays in accepting the narrative that fundamentalists are acting outside of the religion. It may be more desirable to accept a more moderate interpretation of Islam, even if it is less accurate.

Jonathan M.S. Pearce is a philosopher and author of several books of philosophy and theology. He is a founding member of both Tippling Philosophers and the Skeptic Ink Network.

So, basically if you are in the area, be there.