Church of England to Battle Atheism | 305 | Report 18

Clergy have been urged to be more vocal in countering the arguments put forward by the more hard-line group of atheists led by Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, who have campaigned for a less tolerant attitude towards religion.
A report endorsed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, warns that the Church faces a battle to prevent faith being seen as “a social problem” and says the next five years are set to be a period of “exceptional challenge”. It expresses concern that Christians are facing hostility at work and says the Church could lose its place at the centre of public life unless it challenges attempts to marginalize religious belief.

Source: The Daily Telegraph

BIBLE STUDY: Isaiah 58:1

PRAY: That this may be a time when Christians will stand together to proclaim the Faith of the Gospel.

PC Brigade Can’t Stop Appointment | 302 | Report 23

A distinguished professor is facing a backlash from students at St Andrews University for his stance on homosexuality. Professor Roger Scruton (famous for his debate against the motion of Richard Dawkins, “Are We Better Off Without Religion?”), was recently appointed quarter-time professorial fellow in moral philosophy at St Andrews. But the university’s students association hit out at comments Prof. Scruton made in 2007, where he defended the rights of children in an article about same-sex adoption, and stated that homosexuality was “not normal”. The group claimed Prof. Scruton’s appointment could create an “uncomfortable” atmosphere for gay students.
But the university would not be swayed stating: “Universities, particularly where philosophical argument is concerned, must be the one place where differing and difficult views can be freely
held, expressed and challenged without fear of discrimination.”
Owen Wilton, the president of the students’ association, said officials listened to their arguments but “defended every academic’s right to freedom of speech.” The university statement defended the appointment but added: “Like all members of staff, Professor Scruton will be expected to abide by our equal opportunities and anti-discrimination policies.”

Source:The Christian Institute; Revival Media

BIBLE STUDY: Daniel 6:16-23

PRAISE: God that the University have determined to support free speech and not been swayed by the PC agenda, choosing a man who upholds belief in God.

Christians Counter ‘No God’ Adverts | 11

Christian students are taking part in a massive Gospel giveaway in response to the ‘no God’ adverts placed on buses across the country. The British Humanist Association’s advert proclaims, “There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” It’s endorsed by atheist Professor Richard Dawkins.
Christian Unions in universities across the UK are giving away 400,000 copies of a special student edition of St Mark’s Gospel. UCCF, the umbrella organisation for Christian Unions, said the high turnout at its carol services last Christmas was an indication that university students do not share the scepticism of Dawkins and other atheists. Pod Bhogal, Communications Manager at UCCF said “Richard Dawkins is to be thanked for once again, raising the profi le of God. We are grateful to him for keeping God on the nation’s agenda.”
Christian students will be giving away copies of St Mark’s Gospel over the next two months. CUs are also planning outreach events throughout the year ranging from debates to lectures, café meetings, Alpha courses and lunch-time question and answer sessions.
UCCF has put together resources to help students make the most of the Gospel giveaway. Go to www.uccf.org.uk

Source: Christian Today; Prayer Alert

Bible Study: 1 Chronicles 29:10-20

PRAISE: God that he uses the devil’s schemes to further His Name. Pray for Christian students and for an abundant harvest from this Gospel giveaway.