Outgrowing religion

Religion is being described these days as not just an opiate for the masses, but a poison for society. Atheist writers such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens urge us to grow up and leave religion behind. But what would be lost if Australia abandoned the Christian ideas that have shaped many of its institutions and some of its values?

Greg Clarke will explore ways in which Christian ideas – particularly ideas about human nature – contribute to Australian life, and weigh up whether they do more harm than good. Does Australia need to move beyond Christian thinking to be a mature society, or is Christianity in fact essential to our future?

Dr Greg Clarke (PhD, Sydney) is a Founding Director of the newly established Centre for Public Christianity in Sydney and Director of Macquarie Christian Studies Institute at Macquarie University. His academic research examines the connections between theology and culture, with a particular interest in literature. He is regular speaker in board rooms, universities and clubs on issues of religion and contemporary life.