Walking across the Australian desert to prove that God exists

1985: Six young Christians, carrying only "a Swiss army knife, adhesive bandages, cigarette lighters and three Bibles," set out to walk over one thousand miles across Australia's Nullarbor desert in order to "prove God exists." They were later joined by a 41-year-old man.

They did so "in defiance of police warnings that the walk was dangerous, and complaints of blasphemy from religious leaders."

They made it. So they avoided winning a Darwin Award, though going on a hike in a desert without water would definitely put anyone in the running for one.

Port Huron Times Herald - May 18, 1985

"On the last leg of their trek: Rachel Sukumaran (12), Christine McKay (15), Dane Frick (42), Robin Dunn (19), Roland Gianstefani (22), Gary McKay (16) and Malcolm Wrest (22)."
Sydney Morning Herald - June 30, 1985

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Alex Boese Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction, science-themed books such as Elephants on Acid and Psychedelic Apes. Paul Di Filippo Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over forty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. Contact Us

Posted By: Alex - Wed Aug 03, 2022
Category: Religion | Stupidity | 1980s

Comments

As well as fire with the lighters, I see they have recognized the invention of the wheel. They must not be "carrying" any of that gear.

Posted by Virtual in Carnate on 08/03/22 at 10:25 AM

I'm surprised the parents of the 12-year-old, 15-year-old, and 16-year-old weren't taken in for child neglect.

Posted by ges on 08/03/22 at 05:14 PM

Good to see that if nothing else, they were on trend with those baggy “big letter” tees that were popular at the time…

Posted by Brian on 08/16/22 at 12:27 PM

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