Dundee minister dismisses comedian Richard Herring's Christ on a Bike show as 'childish and juvenile'
A Dundee minister has condemned a comedy show being staged by a committed atheist directly across the road from his church.
- By Andrew Argo
- Published in the Courier : 05.05.11
- Published online : 05.05.11 @ 10.33am
The Rev David Robertson of St Peter's Free Church said comedian Richard Herring's Christ on a Bike is "childish and juvenile" and he questioned whether it would attract a bigger audience than a Christian music concert at his church on the same evening.
Christ on a Bike is being presented at the Whitehall Theatre on Tuesday and is described as "combining childlike guile with rigorous academic research." Christians have condemned it as blasphemous and vulgar, and have protested outside theatres in England where it has been performed.
One preacher who criticised it said the continual reference in the production to sexual matters made it clear that Richard Herring had not grown put of puberty.
Defending his show in a radio interview, the comedian said most of the Christians who have gone to see the show have enjoyed it.
"There are a couple of moments where you might squirm in your seat if you are a very strict Christian, but ultimately the show is about taking people on a journey," he said.
St Peter's Free Church is on the opposite side of Hawkhill from the Whitehall Theatre, and Mr Robertson said people from his church "would definitely not" be taking the short journey to protest outside the venue on Tuesday evening.
"I think it is really publicity that Richard Herring is looking for and he's not going to get it from us protesting outside the theatre," he said. "He is free to do what he does and the theatre is free to put on the show if it wishes, but Richard Herring is a committed atheist. He makes a mockery out of Christianity and I don't think he has a clue who Jesus is. As far as I can make out, the show is childish and juvenile."
Mr Robertson continued, "On the same evening our church is holding a concert by the Sons of Korah, a Christian music group from Australia. This will be happening just across the road from the Whitehall Theatre and I wonder which one will attract the bigger audience."
Colin Veitch, general manager of the Whitehall Theatre, said, "Richard Herring is an alternative comedian using the Bible as a study for his show, which has to be seen in that context.
"We are a variety theatre and this is a variety show."
- "The show's about creating debate" — see Monday's Courier for a full interview with Richard Herring.
10.53am - 05.05.2011 Man with a Plan - Dundee, UK Report This
30% of the population don't believe in god. 30% and the number is getting bigger. It's time to shed these antiquated ideas, let go off fear based social control and move forward with our fellow man on this living planet. Religion has only caused harm, never peace.
11.34am - 05.05.2011 Neil Castle - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Richard Herring is fantastic. Even a lamb knows that. Everyone should go and see him on Tuesday at the Whitehall Theatre.
11.45am - 05.05.2011 John Dale - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Have I understood this correctly - someone who makes his living from telling people all about his imaginary friend is criticising something else for being childish and juvenile?
11.54am - 05.05.2011 Cameron - Glasgow, UK Report This
Down with this sort of thing.
12.07pm - 05.05.2011 Louise - Ashbourne, UK Report This
The Reverend is making a judgement on a show he admits he has never seen, and advertising negative angry comments about a man he does not know. Conversly this comedian is not being malicious or unfair, and his show is intelligent and thought provoking. Commited atheist 1 angry God botherer 0
12.09pm - 05.05.2011 Tom - Dundee, Scotland Report This
A bit of fake controversy from The Courier. Call up local preacher "What do you think of Christ on a Bike" Answer: "I think it's childish". And then turn it into news headlines with a video from a completely unrelated group. I guess making the show appear controversial may be good for ticket sales.
12.11pm - 05.05.2011 D.Fyans - Dundee, Scotland Report This
I'm guessing that Mr Robertson has had some sort of divine vision allowing him the foresight to comment on a show that I'm pretty sure he hasn't seen. Richard Herring isn't claiming he's Jesus, that's for others to say...
12.13pm - 05.05.2011 Concerned Dundonian - Dundee, United Kingdom Report This
Whether you're a Christian or not, the point is why be offensive to another person's beliefs?As though there are no other topics to make a comedy show about. All in the name of so-called "freedom of speech" this pathetic excuse for a comedian has unnecessarily offended Christians. Shame on Whitehall
01.41pm - 05.05.2011 GotBetterThingsToBeConcernedAbout - DUFFTOWN, United Kingdom Report This
So 'Concerned Dundonian' has seen the show? What's it like again...?
03.05pm - 05.05.2011 Burned at the Stake - Dundee, UK Report This
Concerned D, wants respect for his religion ideas yet gives none to those who have evolved and moved away from the ideas of fantasy gods. Ohh watch out, the sun is going to get me at the next harvest...
Add a comment