Peter Atkins gives his argument against Islam being a peaceful religion.
SUBSCRIBE for more speakers ► http://is.gd/OxfordUnion
Facebook @ http://fb.me/theoxfordunion
Twitter @ / oxfordunion
Oxford Union Website @ http://www.oxford-union.org/
Peter Atkins, former Professor of Chemistry at Oxford, concludes the debate by describing Islam along with all other religions as a "supermarket of ideas and instructions" from which good and bad men can select what they want "according to their taste."
However, he claims that Islam "does in practice inspire more violence than the other Abrahamic religions".
Taking on Adam Deen's metaphor of a 'golden thread', he argues that "the opposite of peace is woven into the fabric of the Qur'an."
Atkins declares that "all the seas incarnadine cannot wash the blood from a religion's hands", because "when evils destroy a human life, as they did yesterday, that life cannot be restored". He calls on the audience to oppose the motion "for the sake of humanity."
MOTION: THIS HOUSE BELIEVES ISLAM IS A RELIGION OF PEACE.
Yes's: 286
No's: 168
Filmed on 28/02/2013
ABOUT PETER ATKINS:
PETER ATKINS is former Professor of Chemistry at the University of Oxford and now a fellow of Lincoln College. A fervent critic of all religions, he is an Honorary Associate of the National Secular Society. He claims "science is almost totally incompatible with religion."
ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY:
The Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. It has been established for 189 years, aiming to promote debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.
Rights managed by Oxford Media Associates http://www.oxfordmediaassociates.com/
Filmed by Oxford Media Solutions http://www.oxfordmediasolutions.co.uk
