A Dundee minister has condemned a comedy show being staged by a committed atheist directly across the road from his church.
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.