Writer and minister David Robertson said Professor Richard Dawkins — who will speak at Eden Court Theatre tomorrow — had been invited not in his capacity as a scientist but as an "atheist evangelist".

Although there is a question and answer session after the lecture, Mr Robertson is concerned there will be no debate or challenge allowed.

"I personally don't think it is about academia at all," he said. "Why should a public university be supporting him in a tour to proclaim propaganda without allowing discussion or contradiction? Would UHI allow a Christian Evangelist to do that? I don't think so. I think there is an element of bias."

In his book, "The God Delusion", Professor Dawkins, a fellow of New College, Oxford, since 1970, argues belief in God is irrational.

Mr Robertson wrote a book, "The Dawkins Letter", in response.

He said he had no problem with Professor Dawkins voicing his views but said the lecture could have been structured better. "He is being interviewed by one of his biggest fans, Paula Kirby," he said.

Mr Robertson, minister of St Peter's Church in Dundee and editor of the Free Church of Scotland magazine said he would not be attending. A sell-out crowd of 850-people will attend the lecture.

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