Moreover, he is many more things than his working life, he is a husband and father, a grand father, he has founded a church, he was a Presbyterian church elder, he was a locally elected member to a Shire Council, is a ball room dancer and a rock'n'roller.
Gavin and Jan live in Tweed Heads on the New South Wales – Coolangatta Queensland twin-towns border and when he retired, he visited me a number of times discussing his own writing, challenging Professor Richard Dawkins' claims (in his books).
And that's the essence of the barrister's brain of clarity, along with a good dose of common sense (and common language), it's the nature of the precise legal court room where separation of fact from fiction is sought, and where there is no evidence (and moreover, statements made without supporting evidence), the judicial hammer is slammed down for all to view with ever more focused binoculars – the result is one of astonishment.
This is precisely what Gavin Laurie has done to Richard Dawkins' writings in his exposition book, titled "The Evidence of Evolution - Uncovering the Faulty Science of Dawkins' Attack on Creationism".
One wonders at the end of the book, having evidenced, as in a court room, where evidence is the critical and only component, to which to draw any conclusions, that Dawkins' may as well have been writing about the Spanish Armada.
Gavin Lawrie illustrates over and over again, where Professor Dawkins wasn't making any sense that would pass muster in a court of law, where the evidence of his claims was necessary to sway the questions at hand. It's one thing to claim this or that, its quite another to place before the court evidence to demonstrate the fact.
What is more, this book announces that the leaps of faith engaged in Dawkins' claims are so outlandishly viral that a follower of Christ would be mesmerised if she or he needed to blend such a belief system into the assurance and confidence of the Salvation Christ offers.
Probably does – probably doesn't
Gavin Lawrie's approach to Richard Dawkins' writings in his books 'The Greatest Show on Earth' and 'The God Delusion' might be very happily evidenced by this comment on page 69 of Mr Laurie's book:-
"Richard maintains that while atheism does "not necessarily" increase morality, he nevertheless boldly said it "probably does," without offering a scintilla of evidence in support. He can say it probably does, and I can say it probably doesn't, without such a stand-off advancing the issue at all."
This is a very detailed read. You will need to set time aside and carefully consider each and every paragraph as it is only then that you the reader, can follow the evidence or lack of it, and then ponder the consequences as you take up your own position.
Now, having seen how Gavin Lawrie spells out - what was thought to have been foundational rocks only to discover it was quick sand - due to lack of court room evidence, the other side will inevitably attempt to slay this dragon by a plethora of scientific mishmash. Again the science falls over, as science inevitably and necessarily constantly changes.
This book is one in which you can set down, and then later, take it up again and the trajectory of the tome is continued without having to ask, what the previous chapter was about.
In concluding his book, Gavin Lawrie was asked by the publisher, to pose some questions for a media representative to ask.
Gavin says that his first question would be related to the most important event or happening in your life? (Whether you are from a city, a rural town, whether you're rich, poor, whether you live in London or New York, a fisherman or a home maker, or whatever).
His answer: Your death.
To quotes Psalm 116 verse 15: "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."
Food for thought! This book is a good read. Gavin Lawrie is available for interviews and discussion - gavinjan2@gmail.com
Gavin Lawrie: The Evidence of Evolution – Uncovering the Faulty Science of Dawkins' Attack on Creationism".
Publisher: Deep River Books, Oregon USA – www.deepriverbooks.com
Available from Koorong Books in Australia
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at
www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html