Musician Dara O'Brien makes the case for agnosticism.
Dara O’Brien is from the Dublin suburb of Rathgar. He attends High School, a mixed, Church of Ireland secondary school, that includes pupils from other faith backgrounds. Dara O’Brien identifies as an agnostic.
I believe there's something out there but I’m not totally sure what that is.
He does not believe in God but does not rule out the existence of God, therefore he is not an atheist.
Dara O’Brien’s grandfather was raised a Catholic and his grandmother was Jewish. As a result of their interfaith marriage, both parties were disowned by their orthodox families. His grandparents had seven children, none of whom were christened. His grandfather fought in the Spanish Civil War and was a member of the Communist Party of Ireland.
Dara O’Brien is proud his grandparents were principled, free-thinking people who refused to conform to social norm.
I guess I’m a product of that.
Dara O’Brien is not against young people being taught religion,
They should maybe be told about Jesus and whatever, but the choice is theirs.
He feels sorry for people forced to go to church on a Sunday when they do not believe as it turns them off the religion.
For a while, Dara O’Brien chose to attend Quaker meetings on Sundays. He found the meeting relaxing as there was no pre-determined service. Instead, people sat in silent worship with the occasional spoken interruption.
For Dara O’Brien, religion is not the only thing that sets moral standards. His guiding beliefs are non-violence, equality and that people should be good to each other. He celebrates Christmas and Easter because they are nice rather than religious occasions.
This episode of 'Jo-Maxi' was broadcast on 8 February 1985. The presenter is Antoinette Dawson.
'Jo Maxi' was a youth lifestyle programme targeted at 10- to 14-year-olds. The programme contained features on a broad range of topics including animals, fashion, music, books and profiles of young people voicing their views on various subjects. The original presenters on the show were Ray D'Aarcy, Geri Lalor, Clíona Ní Bhuachalla and Antoinette Dawson.
