Derren Brown: Why I use magic to critique religious charlatans in Miracle

FULL DEBATE:

 
Illusionist and mentalist Derren Brown and broadcaster and priest Rev Richard Coles discussed the Search for Happiness in the 3rd episode of The Big Conversation.

In this excerpt Derren explains why he uses magic in stage shows such as Miracle to critique religious beliefs.
 
The Big Conversation is a unique video series from Unbelievable? featuring world-class thinkers across the Christian and atheist community. Exploring science, faith, philosophy and what it means to be human. 
 
 
The Big Conversation series:


The Big Conversation is produced by Premier in partnership with the Templeton Religion Trust
 

[RenneAtha]

Way too many religious charlatans out there - they make much more of a mockery out of religion than Mr. Brown ever could. After all, his intentions are honest. I like the idea of exposing these people (especially fake faith healers), whatever the means! Without meaning this in a judgmental way, I will say that if anyone's faith is shaken by seeing tricksters' fake miracles exposed, there wasn't much faith or understanding of religion in the first place. If I were in that situation, I would rather have my based-on-sand faith destroyed so I could rebuild it on stone, than put my hope in an illusion.

[laurensoverduin]

What is the differance between illusions and sorcery?

[lukazka]

This guy's Netflix special "Miracle" may prove more effective against religion than any good argument, and somehow some people discredit him for being a magician. You don't need to be an expert to see religion for what it is.

[AlrightDave]

I'm not sure how a magician is even given any credibility in this arena... Is like a plumber using his expertise in plumbing to argue against paleontology

[mr.c]

I started a religion using a Twinkie as a triune god. The cake is The son...the “bread of life”. The father is the cream filling...”a land flowing with milk and honey”. The Holy Spirit is the transparent wrapper that “keep the words of the two “ ..fresh.
If your “really” sanctified...there’s chocolate! Who wants to join?
Guess what we take for communion....hint...there’s milk involved.😇