David Baddiel, a comedian and author known for his sharp wit and thoughtful documentaries, joins Ben Quash, a Professor of Christianity in the Arts. They dive into the allure of belief and the deep human desire for God. Baddiel shares his thoughts on how wishing for a divine figure, such as a protective 'Superhero Dad,' highlights the void of belief. The conversation navigates Jewish identity, atheism, and the existential questions surrounding mortality, probing the complex interplay between our desires and the search for meaning.
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Baddiel's Book and Podcast Discussion
David Baddiel, a comedian and author, explores his atheism in his new book, "The God Desire".
He discusses this topic with Richard Ayoade and Ben Quash on the Intelligence Squared podcast.
insights INSIGHT
Desire as Evidence of Non-Existence
David Baddiel's atheism stems from his strong desire for God, which he sees as evidence of God's non-existence.
He argues this point in his book, "The God Desire," using both philosophical and psychological reasoning.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Death and Sleep Analogy
Baddiel recounts his mother telling him death is like a long sleep, which triggered his insomnia and fear of death.
He emphasizes that his book explores the collective human desire to overcome death, not just individual fears.
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The God Desire
On Being a Reluctant Atheist
David Baddiel
In 'The God Desire: On Being a Reluctant Atheist', David Baddiel presents a unique argument for atheism, focusing on the psychological aspect of human desire for God. He posits that the intense desire for God to exist, rooted in our fear of death and the need for meaning, is actually evidence that God does not exist. Baddiel summarizes his argument with the equation 'desire + invisibility = God', highlighting that unlike other desires, there is no concrete evidence for God's existence. The book delves into how God provides a narrative and meaning to our lives but concludes that this is a form of wish fulfillment rather than reality.
Jews Don't Count
David Baddiel
In this book, David Baddiel argues that antisemitism is often overlooked or downplayed by progressives who otherwise champion social justice. He discusses the 'hierarchy of racisms' that places antisemitism at a lower level of importance and highlights double standards in how antisemitism is addressed compared to other forms of racism. Baddiel explores various topics including under-representation of Jews in media, the relationship between Jews and white privilege, and the distinction between anti-Zionism and antisemitism. He also reflects on his personal experiences and engages with contemporary debates in politics, sports, and culture to make a compelling case for why Jews should be recognized as a legitimate minority group facing unique forms of discrimination.
David Baddiel would love there to be a God. The comedian and bestselling author has spent a lot of time fantasising about how much better life would be if there actually were a supreme being – which for him would be some kind of Superhero Dad who chased off Death. Unfortunately for him, there isn’t. Or at least, that’s Baddiel’s view, and it’s the starting point of his new book The God Desire. In April 2023 Baddiel came to our stage at The Tabernacle in Notting Hill, London, to argue that it is the very intensity of his, and everyone else’s, desire for God to exist that proves God’s non-existence. Baddiel was joined on stage by comedian, actor and film-maker Richard Ayoade and theologian and broadcaster Ben Quash for a conversation that tackled this most ancient and fundamental of questions: is our need for there to be something greater than ourselves anything more than just that – a need?
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