Phanto:

You need to accept that not all reality is experienced through our senses. Theology is often described as “faith seeking understanding”. As such it uses logic as a primary tool but, whereas sciences apply logic only to empirical reality, theology applies it also to a different sort of experience. Think of the way we indulge in literary criticism and analysis of the visual and performing arts. In many ways these pursuits are similar to theology. “Proof” in your scientific sense is irrelevant in this sphere.

Sells:

I agree with you that the return of Paul Collins would be a boon, but there are nevertheless occasional very good programmes on the ABC that get into theology in various ways. One I heard recently in Rachel Cohen’s “The Spirit of Things” had a panel of theologians examine Pride from diverse angles; it illuminated a fundamental topic and stimulated further questions well worth pursuing. Nevertheless, I miss “The Religion Report”.

Ah, theology! that peculiar blend of word salad, received opinion, and revelatory hallucinations that passes for a 'discipline' among the ill-informed. For those who have missed out on the delights of modern theology, here is a typical sample from Hans Kung:

"This means that atheism is nourished, if not by a nihilistic fundamental distrust, then at any rate by an ultimately unjustified fundamental trust. By denying God, man decides against a primary ground, deepest support, and ultimate goal of reality. In atheism the assent to reality turns out to be ultimately unjustified: a freewheeling, nowhere-anchored and therefore paradoxical fundamental trust. In nihilism, on account of radical fundamental mistrust, an assent to reality is completely impossible. Atheism cannot any condition for the possibility of uncertain reality. For this reason it lacks not perhaps all rationality but certainly a radical rationality, which lack, of course, is often disguised by a rationalistic but essentially irrational trust in human reason."

Gripping stuff indeed! Obviously the ABC should assign its best and brightest to cover this momentous material...

LOL Jon J

Is that a genuine quote or did you make it up?

On second thoughts it must be genuine. I don't think even Monty Python could make that sort of thing up.

Paul Collins <"And when will we get an analysis by the mainstream ABC of Barack Obama, Gordon Brown and Kevin Rudd's very public church going?"
Why do we need to know politicians religious activities outside parliament? Boring!

Paul Collins is obviously upset that the ABC did not run this religious program. Was he hoping to achieve some converts to Christianity by programs such as these?

The ABC ran a very comprehensive set of religious reports through their program 'Compass' recently.
These programs were very enlightening about many of the differing Gods and religions in our world.

What I learnt from watching these was that no one religion was any better than another, and that they all basically strove to teach the followers how to be good people.

In a multicultural country like Australia, the ABC should not be seen to be showing favouritism to any one religion.

It would be awful if we went down the slippery, money-grabbing road of the TV evangelists in the US.

Suzeonline,

You are just a typical predictable cynic of Christianity – one of the herd. Sorry I am not as fashionable as you, but I am modern. The point is, is that we are now living in an atmosphere where Tony Blair delayed his conversion to Catholicism while acting as Prime Minister as he was afraid of being deemed a nutter. A pretty poor display on his part, I must say, as a lot of his motives seemed to be just in wanting to please people. Your simple summation of Paul Collins seeking converts? Have you ever read or heard him speak? You are missing something otherwise. How about some understanding or do you wish to remain smug ignorant. Take note of Jon J’s comment and what Hans Kung had to say, as it is so true.

Constance, no I haven't read anything else by this author.

I thought we were only commenting on this article?
Was there some prerequisite reading I missed?

No, I am not cynical of Christianity, just of those who call themselves Christians and then behave totally unchristian towards others who do not share their beliefs.

Excuse my 'smug ignorance', and I will excuse yours.