Last minute alternative fills in for objectivist lecturer

U students expecting to hear a lecture on religion vs. morality attended a discussion on foreign politics after Dr. Andrew Bernstein's flight was delayed indefinitely. Bernstein, an associate professor at Pace University, was scheduled to share his beliefs on morality and religion with students Wednesday night. Instead, an alternate was flown in from California at the last minute. "I had just sat down to eat lunch when I received a call asking how I felt about speaking in Salt Lake that evening," substitute lecturer Richard Ralston said. Ralston, managing director for Ayn Rand Institute, a center for the advancement of objectivism, spoke to students on the relation between religious beliefs and foreign affairs. Ralston told students he agrees with Bernstein's ideas on religion because religion has raised many issues that have led to problems in the world. "Religion has had devastating effects, as history has shown," he said. Bernstein told The Chronicle via e-mail that he believes religious faith clashes with every principle of a proper moral code. And as such, has led, and can only lead to, hell on earth. U sophomore Ashley Howard said some students who expected to hear from Bernstein were a little disappointed in the change of plans. "The change may have upset a lot of people that were interested in the controversial aspect of Dr. Bernstein's lecture," she said. Howard added that despite the change of speakers, the lecture was just as interesting. "I think it is a very important subject and I am very interested in foreign policy," she said. "It still relates to the effect religion has on the world." Members of the U's Objectivist Club who originally invited Bernstein to speak with students said they hope to schedule another lecture with Bernstein. "After Dr. Bernstein's flight from New York was delayed, we decided to try to reschedule," said Andrew Vidrine, Objectivist Club president. However, Vidrine said Bernstein will probably not be able to speak to U students until next semester. "Dr. Bernstein is very busy, so he will not be available until later on in the school year," he said. "We were glad for replacement Richard Ralston though, he is a great speaker." sliston@chronicle.utah.edu