On Jan 19, 2010 Arron Bergeron and I attended a lecture by evolutionary biologist P.Z. Myers entitled “The War Between Science and Religion.” The organizers of the event, the Humanist Association of Manitoba (HAM), invited Myers, presumably, to educate them concerning the evolution-creation controversy and to inspire them to adopt his own rude techniques in promoting atheism. As far as the educational aspect of the lecture went, it was a complete bust. Myer went on a 2-hour diatribe against those who believe in the Bible based not on fact, but his own admitted hatred of things his philosophy calls religious. The vast majority of his arguments against “Christianity” were levelled at a straw-man religion that neither I nor any one I know actually believes in. How ironic that the man who screams the loudest about ignorant creationists misrepresenting the evolution story should be guilty of the same offense toward Christianity – and that in spades!

Instead of critiquing the arguments of the intellectually intimidating creationist apologists, Myers chose largely to aim his guns at the fringe of the creation science movement, focusing on people I’ve never heard of.  Then, for no ostensible reason pertinent to the topic, Myers decided to consume his lecture time with jokes about Jesus being a homosexual. Without a doubt, the lecture’s attempt to educate was a sham. We’ll have to wait and see if Myers’ attempt to motivate the atheist community in Manitoba to discourteous propagation of their worldview is realized.

The purpose of this article is to rationally evaluate the comments made by both HAM and Myers at the lecture, and to bring to the fore the errors and inconsistencies therein. The intent is to set the record straight; to give folks factual information which can be seriously and honestly reflected upon.