Fry Branded

There have been a lot of very interesting and thoughtful pieces written in response to Stephen Fry's expression of protest atheism. For a good example check out Pete Greig's Amen to Stephen Fry's Atheism. Pete writes as someone who has committed his life to prayer and encouraging others to pray. You may be tempted to think that Pete's response is written from the perspective of someone who has never had to face what Stephen Fry is talking about. Shortly after the birth of their second child, Pete's wife Samie was diagnosed with a massive brain tumour and though the tumour was successfully removed by surgery she continues to suffer from terrible epilepsy. God on Mute is Pete's wrestling with the issue of unanswered prayer.

Perhaps the most surprising response has come from Russell Brand who takes on some of Stephen Fry's arguments. I don't agree with all that Brand says but he raises some important issues and opens the way to further interesting dialogue. See what you think. 

And by the way, in his interview Fry claims this:

The moment you banish him (God), your life becomes simpler, purer, cleaner, and more worth living in my opinion.

Really? REALLY? You mean bone cancer suddenly becomes easier to live with and children with that horrible eye worm you talk about find life better? That statement seems to be a glib denial of the very suffering Fry commandeers to support his argument.