Philosopher and theologian Keith Ward discusses the notion that religion functions in a similar way to a virus, elaborating on Richard Dawkins' concept of the meme.

Ward addresses Richard Dawkins’s suggestion, developed by Darrel Ray in 'The God Virus', that religion functions in a similar way to a self-serving 'life form' that replicates & spreads through the population, influencing the behaviour of its hosts in self-serving ways. You'll have plenty of opportunity for discussion. Ward is one of the world’s leading religious thinkers. He’s also a great guy!

Keith Ward is a philosopher and theologian, Regius Professor of Divinity (Emeritus), Oxford, and the author of The God Conclusion. Now at Heythrop College.

This is a free-standing talk. No familiarity with Dawkin’s or Ray’s work is assumed.