Christian sports workers degree ridiculed
By TELEGRAPH.CO.UK
Added: Thu, 24 May 2007 23:00:00 UTC
Richard Dawkins, the best-selling author, yesterday ridiculed a new postgraduate course for Christian sports workers by comparing it to a Monty Python sketch.

The evolutionary biologist and renowned atheist thought it was a joke when he heard about a master's degree in sport and Christian outreach at Gloucestershire University.
The £3,000-a-year course, which is the first of its kind in Britain, has the backing of the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey. It is designed to help Christians build community relations through sport.
But Mr Dawkins, author of The God Delusion, could barely conceal his shock after being told of such a course. "What's a Christian sports worker when it's at home?" he asked.
"I'm in favour of universities running real subjects for degrees and I cannot believe that the University of Gloucestershire is actually running this course for Christian sports workers. I can only imagine it is some kind of Monty Python sketch," he said.
Dr Andy Pitchford, a lecturer in sports development at the university, said: "I think Richard has some interesting things to say, but he doesn't understand the history between sport and churches in this country.
advertisement
"For many centuries churches have played a central role in community life and have an intimate relationship with sporting institutions.
"A third of the Premiership clubs were founded by churches. I understand Richard's surprise, but he shouldn't dismiss it out of hand."
The course, which begins in September, will offer a post-graduate certificate for those working as volunteers, and a diploma and MA for professional outreach and youth workers.
Up to 15 students are expected to enrol.
Tweet
RELATED CONTENT
Science, Religion and Society: The...
Jerry Coyne - Evolution 0 Comments
Jerry Coyne's paper on the relationship between acceptance of evolution, religion, and societal health, available for free download.
UPDATED: Why I want all our children to...
Richard Dawkins - The Observer 179 Comments
Whatever else the Bible might be – and it really is a great work of literature – it is not a moral book and young people need to learn that important fact because they are very frequently told the opposite.
Katherine Stewart - The Guardian 38 Comments
Christian-nationalist zealots are trying to rewrite US history, airbrush slavery and enshrine creationism in Texas schools
Just Say Yes…To Sexist Stereotyping?
Katherine Stewart - Ms. blog 36 Comments
Just Say Yes…To Sexist Stereotyping?
Study: US College Students Advance...
Ted Landphair - Voice of America 28 Comments
Study: US College Students Advance Little Intellectually
Australia's blurred separation between...
Katherine Stewart - The Guardian 30 Comments
Australia's blurred separation between church and state
Constitutional ambiguity has allowed religion an excessive influence in schools, and Australia is not alone in this respect



















Comments
Comment RSS Feed
Please sign in or register to comment
View Comments Page