Mark Russell welcomes bus ads funded by Richard Dawkins

21 October 2008

Church Army's Chief Executive Mark Russell who recently fronted up a video called 'Making Jesus famous' has welcomed news that Professor Richard Dawkins is helping to fund an advertising campaign on London buses despite its slogan 'There is probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life'.

Mark comments, "This year the hugely successful Alpha campaign asks is there more to life than this? Richard Dawkins has said probably not and that's always been his view. I hope people will take time out from the busyness of their everyday lives and think openly about the issues, and that they will find some of the answers to their questions by joining an Alpha course or contacting their local church."

Responding to Dawkins' comment that 'thinking is anathema to religion', Mark, a former Methodist youth worker supports what has been said by Revd Jenny Ellis of the Methodist Church who said today; 'As Christians, we respond to Jesus' call to love God with our minds as well as our hearts, souls and strength. Christianity is for people who aren't afraid to think about life and meaning. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, believed that no one should be saved from the trouble of thinking because that is the path to understanding God.'