Turek-Shermer Debate: Does a Christian Have the Right to Finish a Sentence?

by Tom Gilson

A couple years ago Eric Chabot and I were talking with students and giving away copies of True Reason on the Oval at Ohio State University. Eric is the Ratio Christi chapter director there, and I was with him as a friend and as editor of the book.

Most of our conversations that day were cordial, respectful, and enjoyable. One stands out in contrast, though. A red-headed student came up with metaphorical guns blazing, angry at Christians for standing in the way of gay rights. He shouted me down every time every time I tried to answer. I couldn’t get an answer in anywhere. It was all about gay rights. Finally I raised my own voice just loud enough for him to hear me ask, “Do Christians have the right to finish a sentence?” He shouted back, “NO!”

I couldn’t help thinking of that while I was watching Michael Shermer’s performance in this debate, starting at about 1:29:00, especially after about 1:34:15, and more especially at 1:38:00.

This was supposed to be a question-and-answer time between Shermer and Turek. Turek had had his 15-minute turn asking questions (starting at about 1:23:00), and Shermer had of course had his turn to answer.

Now it was Shermer’s turn to ask. Was it Turek’s turn to answer? Do Christians have the right to finish a sentence? See for yourself. It wasn’t entirely like my experience at Ohio State, but I think you’ll see why it reminded me of that day…

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