DOZENS of people gathered to hear an evening of debating in Milborne St Andrew.

The event saw Archdeacon of Sherborne Paul Taylor chair the debate at the village church, which also featured scientist David Nunn and mediator Eric Austen, a former banker and teacher.

The topic of the debate was whether or not science and religion were compatible, with questions from the audience.

Mr Austen said: “The big issue that surfaced was the nature of what people will accept as evidence.

“Is truth only to be found in our rational thought and through science and experiment or is experience of what religious people call the spiritual and hence God valid evidence?

“Are we simply accidental creations of mindless forces or is there intention behind the complexity of the universe in which we live?”

While Mr Nunn put forward his views from the scientific point of view, Mr Austen challenge him with his, and many other people’s experiences, of a spiritual side to life.

Both men said they were encouraged by the number of people who turned out on the night to join in the debate and share the discussion and its implications on their beliefs.