23 June 2005
Public Debate ‘Intelligent Design is Bad Science?’
The Society for the Promotion of Community Standards challenges Dr Bob Brockie, science columnist for the Dominion Post,
to a public debate with a leading creation scientist, Dr Jonathan Sarfati.
In a recent feature article in the Dominion Post Dr Brockie labeled ‘Intelligent Design’ as bad science and its
proponents as religious zealots.
We call on Dr Brockie to front up publicly and debate the scientific evidence rather than just indulging in name-calling
through the media. A time and venue for a debate has been arranged: 7:00 p.m. on Thursday 30th June, level 2, NZISE
Building, 210 Main Road, Tawa. Dr Sarfati has agreed to debate Dr Brockie. The debate will be preceded by the Film
“Unlocking the Mystery of Life”, a primer on ‘Intelligent Design’ for those people who aren’t familiar with this
exciting new scientific theory.
Dr Sarfati holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from Wellington’s Victoria University and is a former NZ chess champion,
representing NZ at three Chess Olympiads. One of the world’s most formidable minds, his crisp, devastatingly clear
writing is world-renowned, with >400,000 books in print.
When late last year Dr Brockie attacked creationists through his column, Dr Sarfati responded with an article published
in the Dominion Post. This time, as Dr Brockie’s attack is so all encompassing, the society thinks that a public debate
is called for.
Dr Brockie acknowledged earlier today that he does speak publicly at groups like the Skeptics and Humanist Societies,
but declined the opportunity to debate Dr Sarfati. On being asked if he knew if anyone else from Victoria University who
would be prepared to debate Dr Sarfati, he replied none would. He said no one wants to expose themselves to a hall full
of Christians or five hundred anti-evolutionists. He said “it would be like a Christian being thrown to the lions.”
The challenge and invitation to debate is being left open in the hope that Dr Brockie will change his mind. That rather
than just make his baseless charges from the safety and comfort of his Dominion Post column, or in meetings of his
fellow skeptics and humanists, that he will take up this opportunity to defend his evolutionary beliefs and his attacks
on his opponents face to face with them in public.
ENDS