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Line 1: − [[File:PzMyers2.jpg|thumbnail|251px|right|During a visit to the [[Creation Museum]], the [[evolution|evolutionist]] and [[atheism|atheist]] PZ Myers had noticeably greater difficulty than others climbing on and off a [[dinosaur]] model due to the fact that he was overweight and out of shape.[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQQl2TMrgbM VIDEO] See also: [[Atheism and obesity]] and [[Evolutionists who have had problems with being overweight and/or obese]]+ − <br /> − <br /> − <small>(photo obtained from [http://www.flickr.com/photos/reuvenim/4426093513/ Flickr], see [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en license agreement])</small> ]] − '''Paul Zachary Myers''', better known as '''PZ Myers''', is a [[liberal]] [[atheism|atheist]] and [[evolution|evolutionist]] activist in the [[creation-evolution controversy]], contributing to [[The Panda's Thumb (blog)|The Panda's Thumb]] and [[Pharyngula (blog)|Pharyngula]] blogs. Myers is also an associate [[professor]] of [[biology]] at the [[University of Minnesota]] Morris (UMM)<ref name="citypages">[http://citypages.com/databank/26/1303/article13908.asp?page=1 ''The Mad Scientist''] City Pages, Volume 26 - Issue 1303, November 23, 2005 Cover story</ref> − PZ Myers commented, while listening to [[Michael Behe]] lecture on [[Intelligent design]], that "In science, we scream a lot."<ref name="citypages"/> Myers' emotionalism may have helped earn him the label of having an "[[eccentric]] voice" by the newspaper'' [[USA Today]]''.<ref>http://content.usatoday.com/communities/Religion/post/2011/06/atheist-national-geographic-pz-myers/1</ref> According to ''Evolution News'', he opposes democratically-elected school boards deciding how evolution should be taught; feeling that it should instead be done by "Scientists with years of training in the subject, and qualified science teachers who understand the fundamentals of the theory." <ref>Egnor, Michael [http://www.evolutionnews.org/2007/12/pz_myers_darwinists_know_whats.html ''P.Z. Myers: Darwinists Know What’s Best for Your Children''] Evolution News December 18, 2007</ref>+ − − == Health issues == − − ''For more information see'': [[PZ Myers' health issues]] and [[New Atheism leadership's problem with excess weight]] − − [[Image:Cerebellum.jpg|right|thumb|170px|[[Medical science]] research indicates that excess weight impairs brain function.<ref>http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/content/41/18/25.1.full</ref><ref>http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2009/08/25/as-waistlines-widen-brains-shrink.html</ref> ]] − − A 2009 picture of a significantly overweight PZ Myers can be found [http://www.flickr.com/photos/cfimi/5244769742/ HERE]. A 2010 picture taken in Australia shows PZ Myers drinking ale/beer and he had excess weight in his abdominal area.<ref>http://www.flickr.com/photos/reuvenim/4426093513/</ref> In 2010, PZ Myers had health problems related to his heart.<ref>http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2010/08/thats_not_a_heart_its_a_flaili.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+scienceblogs%2Fpharyngula+%28Pharyngula%29&utm_content=Google+Reader</ref> In addition, [[medical science]] research indicates that excess weight impairs brain function.<ref>http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/content/41/18/25.1.full</ref><ref>http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2009/08/25/as-waistlines-widen-brains-shrink.html</ref> Given PZ Myers' biological training and the wide dissemination of the [[Physical and mental health related problems associated with obesity|harmful health effects of being overweight]] in terms of cardiovascular health and brain function, it is unfortunate that preventative medicine was not used in greater measure in terms of his health.<ref>http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/content/41/18/25.1.full</ref><ref>http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2009/08/25/as-waistlines-widen-brains-shrink.html</ref><ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21121834</ref> PZ Myers inattention to diligently implementing the recommendations of [[nutritional science]], [[exercise science]] and [[medical science]] is not entirely surprising given his vehement advocacy of [[evolution|evolutionary pseudoscience]]. There have been a [[Evolutionists who have had problems with being overweight and/or obese|number of notable evolutionists who have been overweight]]. In addition, the [[Atheism and obesity|atheist community appears to have problems with obesity.]] On June 1, 2011, Myers posted a picture of himself and others on his blog and Myers appeared to no longer have issues with being overweight.<ref>http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2011/06/the_final_tally_on_the_camp_qu.php</ref> − − === New atheism leadership's problem with being overweight === − − ''For additional information please see:'' [[New Atheism leadership's problem with excess weight]] − − PZ Myers is a leader within the [[New Atheism ]] movement which is a [[Militant atheism|militant form of atheism]]. The New Atheism leadership has had significant issues with being overweight (please see: [[New Atheism leadership's problem with excess weight]]). − [[File:Richard Dawkins pic.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|260px|right|As of May 2011, [[Richard Dawkins]] and [[Sam Harris]] have not publicly commented on the significant problems the [[New Atheism leadership's problem with excess weight|New Atheism leadership]] has experienced in terms of overweight members.]] − The term [[New Atheism]] which first appeared in the November 2006 edition of ''Wired'' magazine, is frequently applied to a series of six best-selling books by five authors that appeared in the period between 2004–2008. These authors include [[Sam Harris]], [[Daniel Dennett]], [[Richard Dawkins]], Victor J. Stenger and [[Christopher Hitchens]].<ref>http://www.colorado.edu/philosophy/vstenger/battle.html</ref> 3 out of 5 of these [[atheism|atheist]] men have had issues with being overweight as can be seen [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3UXl0oMYPLs/SXgxH_-MgFI/AAAAAAAAAF4/EU-wzxEjOmc/s1600-h/atheist-reason.jpg HERE] and [http://www.flickr.com/photos/7230309@N05/3708479160/ HERE] and [http://news.softpedia.com/newsImage/Quantum-Mechanics-Could-Link-Humans-with-the-Universe-2.jpg/ HERE] Also, as noted above PZ Myers has had problems with being overweight. In the late 1990s, Dennet had [[coronary artery bypass surgery]] (coronary artery bypass surgery reroutes blood around clogged [[artery|arteries]] to enhance [[blood]] flow and [[oxygen]] to the [[heart]]).<ref>http://www.edge.org/3rd_culture/dennett06/dennett06_index.html</ref><ref>http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4484</ref> As of May 2011, Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris have not publicly commented on the significant problems the New Atheism leadership has experienced in terms of overweight members. − − [[Hippocrates]] was an early advocate of the health benefits of [[exercise]] and [[nutrition]].<ref>http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/pe/exs190web/exs190history.htm</ref> On the other hand, PZ Myers and a significant amount of other [[New Atheism|New Atheism]] leaders, seem to have demonstrated a lack of a full appreciation of the importance of [[nutritional science]], [[exercise science]] and the latest findings of [[medical science]] (see: [[New Atheism leadership's problem with excess weight]]}. Also, unlike PZ Myers, Hippocrates was [[pro-life]].<ref>http://www.evolutionnews.org/2010/11/pz_myers_on_abortion040971.html</ref> − − For more information please see: [[Theories of New Atheism leadership's problem with excess weight]] − − === Christian apologist Vox Day on the issue of atheism and obesity === − − In 2011, [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] [[Vox Day]] had an individual complain about the notion that the atheist community has a problem with obesity (Please see: [[Atheism and obesity]]). As a result, on May 19, 2011, Vox Day released a blog post entitled ''Mailvox: now, who said atheists are fat?'' where 80% of the people taking a picture with PZ Myers were overweight and PZ Myers was overweight in the picture as well as can be seen [http://voxday.blogspot.com/2011/05/mailvox-now-who-said-atheists-are-fat.html HERE]. The picture was originally posted on PZ Myer's blog [[Pharyngula (blog)|Pharyngula]] by Myers on May 16, 2011 and an online argument quickly ensued concerning the appearance of the photograph's participants.<ref>http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2011/05/at_least_you_can_see_a_hint_of.php</ref> − − == Speech at the 2010 Global Atheist Convention == − − At the 2010 Global atheist Convention, an overweight PZ Myers likened belief in God to a brain infection plus made the blanket statement that religion makes people stupid and/or do stupid stupid things.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfXbnygJirc PZ Myers - Global Atheist Convention 2010]</ref> As noted above, according to [[medical science]], being overweight causes brain impairment.<ref>http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/content/41/18/25.1.full</ref><ref>http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2009/08/25/as-waistlines-widen-brains-shrink.html</ref> A 2009 picture of a significantly overweight PZ Myers can be found [http://www.flickr.com/photos/cfimi/5244769742/ HERE]. − − == PZ Myers' daughter Skatje Myers' comments on bestiality == − − ''See also:'' [[Atheism and bestiality]] and [[Skeptic Skatje Myers' comments on bestiality]] − − Skeptic Skatje Myers, the daughter of [[evolution|evolutionist]] and atheist PZ Myers describes herself as "atheist, [[agnosticism|agnostic]], rationalist, complicated vegetarian (sans dairy and eggs mostly, avec dumpster diving, by-products, and ethical sources), [[Existentialism|existential]] and moral [[nihilism|nihilist]], social democrat”.<ref>[http://www.civitatedei.com/2011/07/skatje-myers-on-the-separation-of-church-and-state/ Skatje Myers on The Separation of Church and State]</ref> − − On January 2, 2008 Christian apologist [[Vox Day]] wrote in an article entitled ''Atheist Dad of the Year'': − {{cquote|If I were ever to have attacked [[atheism]] by arguing that on the rare occasions when atheists manage to successfully reproduce, their children would likely grow up possessing beliefs that are utterly immoral by Western moral norms and abhorrent to the average individual, many people would howl that I was unfairly engaging in baseless conjecture, regardless of the logic presented. − − So, it's more than a little amusing to see PZ Myers angrily defending his daughter's public argument against anti-bestiality laws. Now, it's certainly the girl's right to advocate on behalf of whatever legal cause she feels is important to her, but this particular choice of subject really doesn't provide the most convincing evidence against the oft-repeated charge that atheists are hopelessly immoral. And if there's nothing rationally objectionable about the practice, then from whence comes this defensive paternal outrage? − − The ironic truth is that Miss Myers is absolutely correct; once the basic concept of [[Natural Law]] is abandoned, there is no rational basis for banning anything from necrophilia to cannibalism other than a vague sense of "ickiness" inherited from preceding generations possessed of a more conventional morality.<ref>[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2008/01/atheist-dad-of-year.html Atheist Dad of the Year]</ref>}} − − Skatje Myers, the daughter of atheist PZ Myers, wrote: − {{cquote|Sexual relationships between humans and animals come as such a shock to people, but it doesn’t to me. There can be very deep, meaningful relationships between humans and their pets... − − That said, I remind you that my position isn’t based on my own personal wants. I just don’t see any reason to ban it other than the same reason things like [[homosexuality]] and sodomy were banned: it’s icky. I think it’s bad practice to put social taboos into legislature when no actual logical argument can be made against it.<ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/01/just_when_you_think_slimy_sal.php Skatje Myers, Daughter of atheist PZ Myers - in blog comments section of PZ Myers' blog post]</ref><ref>[http://sd-10807.dedibox.fr/show_items-feed=b8f260ba6c2ca74f75f0ec7dd4fee078?page=2 RSS feed - Lacrimae Rerum,blog of Skatje Myers, blog article - Zoophilia Oct 2, 2007]</ref>}} − − See also: − − *[[Atheism and bestiality]] − − *[[Evolutionary belief and bestiality]] − − *[[Bestiality and Britain|Godless Britain and bestiality]] − − *[[Denmark, Sweden, evolutionary belief and bestiality]] − − *[[Bestiality and Sweden|Atheistic Sweden and bestiality]] − − *[[Netherlands and bestiality|Netherlands, atheism, evolution and bestiality]] − − *[[Wikipedia on bestiality|Pro-evolution website Wikipedia on bestiality]] − − === Skatje Myers on morality === − − On August 18, 2011, Skatje Myers wrote: − {{cquote|I’m a moral nihilist. I have no reason to believe that morality is anything other than preferences. − − I have those preferences, of course — essentially it’s just intuitional leanings. Any need or desire to follow those leanings is purely for my own enjoyment. I decide what is right and wrong based on what I feel is right and wrong, and I follow them only because of a self-created obligation to myself. I demand that others follow the same “rules” I have for myself, because I want them to. It makes the world the way I want it to be. − − The way I see it, every other system of morality is based on unjustifiable claims too, so why follow someone else’s invented ideas of right and wrong?<ref>[http://lacrimae-rerum.org/?p=169 Morality by Skaje Myers]</ref>}} − − == PZ Myers and militant atheism == − − PZ Myers is a [[militant atheism|militant atheist]] who has openly advocated the elimination of religion, likening it to illiteracy.<ref>http://www.atheistrev.com/2008/03/pz-myers-on-eliminating-religion.html</ref> − His language is extremely militant at times, and laced with expletives. In a diatribe in which he described those who believe in the Bible as "lunatics" and "bigots," Myers said: − {{cquote|I say, screw the polite words and careful rhetoric. It's time for scientists to break out the steel-toed boots and brass knuckles, and get out there and hammer on the lunatics and idiots.<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20070420142719/http://pharyngula.org/index/weblog/comments/perspective/</ref>}} − − PZ Myers frequently rants against religion, religious people, and religious institutions (e.g. churches) on his blog. Myers has called evangelical Christianity "a blight upon the earth,"<ref>http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2006/03/left_or_right_religion_and_pol.php/</ref> religious people "ignorant, deluded, wicked, foolish, or oppressed victims of obsolete mythologies,"<ref>http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2007/07/im_surrounded.php</ref> and considers every church to be a "parasitic institution that contributes nothing to the tax base and encourages further ignorance in the population."<ref>http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2007/07/how_do_you_save_small_town_cha.php</ref> Myers has yet to offer scholarly work on the subject of atheism<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/pz-myers-emotively-vociferous-intellectually-mute</ref> (for example, PZ Myers has yet to offer scholarly works on the subjects of [[atheism and mass murder]] and [[atheism and uncharitableness]]). In addition, given Myers' diatribes that religious people are allegedly ignorant and deluded, it is quite ironic that Myers has yet to offer any compelling atheist apologetic material rebutting the studies that indicate the [[Irreligion and superstition|irreligious are generally more superstitious than evangelical Christians]]. − − === Militant atheism and intellectual slothfulness of PZ Myers=== − − ''See also:'' [[Irreligion and superstition]] and [[Militant atheism and intellectual slothfulness of PZ Myers]] − − The [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologetic]] website [[True Free Thinker]] declares concerning the intellectual [[Sloth (sin)|slothfulness]] of PZ Myers: − {{cquote|That PZ Myers is emotively vociferous is evident to anyone who reads, well, virtually anything that he has ever written on any subject at all. − − It is likewise evident that he is intellectually mute. How so? Where are his scholarly works on the truth of atheism? He has produced none. − − He merely presupposes God’s non-existence without evidence, see: − − [http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/its-name-doom-%E2%80%94-pz-myers%E2%80%99-priori-presuppositional-presumption-atheism ITS NAME IS DOOM — PZ Myers’ A Priori Presuppositional Presumption of Atheism] − − [http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/pz-myers-refreshingly-honest-doom-gloom-and-positive-affirmation-god%E2%80%99s-non-existence-boot PZ Myers is Refreshingly Honest: Doom, Gloom and a Positive Affirmation of God’s Non-Existence to Boot!] − − [http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/pz-myers-%E2%80%93-contra-mitch-daniels-and-pro-positive-affirmation-god%E2%80%99s-non-existence-part-1-2 PZ Myers – Contra Mitch Daniels and Pro Positive Affirmation of God’s Non-Existence, part 1 of 2] − − [http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/pz-myers-%E2%80%93-contra-mitch-daniels-and-pro-positive-affirmation-god%E2%80%99s-non-existence-part-1-2 PZ Myers’ Dogmatheism Catechism] − − Etc., etc., etc..... − − Where then are his proofs of atheism and disproof of theism? − None exist but merely emotive besmirchments of straw-men and straw-gods. − − His lack of scholarship and intellectual rigor in these areas, as well as the truth of my statements above, may be demonstrated in the following examples (which are a mere few of many). − − PZ Myers dismisses [[Vox Day]]’s book ''The Irrational Atheist: Dissecting the Unholy Trinity of Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens'' while admitting to only having read a few chapters. − [[Image:Stephen Meyer.jpg|thumb|150px|right|Dr. [[Stephen Meyer]] published an article favoring [[intelligent design]] in a peer reviewed science journal which had traditionally only published material advocating the [[evolution|evolutionary]] position.<ref>http://www.discovery.org/scripts/viewDB/filesDB-download.php?command=download&id=1489</ref>]] − Yet, he refuses to debate Vox Day on the existence of God, or evolution for that matter (Myers being a professor of biology) based on dismissing a book he barely read (yes, it is merely a lame excuse which he peppered with a barrage of emotive ad hominems) — see [http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/speaking-assiduous-absconders%E2%80%A6yet-again-vox-day-challenges-pz-myers-debate Speaking of Assiduous Absconders…Yet Again, Vox Day Challenges PZ Myers to Debate]. − − PZ Myers also dismissed [[Stephen Meyer]]’s book ''Signature in the Cell: DNA and the Evidence for [[Intelligent Design]]'' referring to it as a “stinker,” “drivel” and “[[Discovery Institute]] Bulldung” whilst stating that, “Stephen Meyer lies.” Yet, he stated all of this, and more, whilst stating, “I suppose I’ll have to read that 600 page pile of slop sometime…”....This fact alone shows that he needs to read it, as Intelligent Design proponents are constantly begging their opponents to stop mischaracterizing Intelligent Design theory as holding to something to the likes of it’s so complex, it must have been . . . designed! − − PZ Myers also refused to debate anyone from [[Creation Ministries International]] (CMI) even while he was in Australia for the preaching-to-the-choir-back-patting Global Atheist Convention - The Rise of Atheism – the “biggest ever atheist event in Australia’s history”... − − Clearly, PZ Myers is popular because he scratches where many atheists itch: atheism is an [[Causes of atheism|emotional rejection of God]] very, very thinly veneered in a facade of scientific and intellectual respectability. Thus, PZ Myers plays upon and stokes the fires of emotion yet, he has not, is not and who knows if he ever will engage the intellect.<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/pz-myers-emotively-vociferous-intellectually-mute</ref>}} − − === Refusal to debate at atheist global conference and brief radio debate === − − ''See also:'' [[Richard Dawkins' public refusal to debate creationists]] − − In 2010, the worldwide atheist community was challenged to a debate by [[Creation Ministries International]] as prominent atheists were speaking at a 2010 global atheist convention in [[Australia]].<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown</ref> [[Richard Dawkins]], PZ Myers and other prominent atheists refused to debate Creation Ministries International.<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown</ref> Generally speaking, [[Creation scientists tend to win the creation vs. evolution debates|creation scientists tend to win the creation vs. evolution debates]]. − − The website [[True Free Thinker]] declared concerning the refusal of [[Richard Dawkins]], PZ Myers and other prominent atheists to debate the [[creation science|creation scientists]] and other staff at [[Creation Ministries International]]: − {{cquote|In keeping with his constant attention getting shenanigans and his equally constant absconding from debating apt challengers via a barrage of illogical and excuses, the moniker of cowardly clown fits Richard Dawkins more than ever (see [http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/send-clowns-%E2%80%93-richard-dawkins-obliges Send in the Clowns – Richard Dawkins Obliges]). − [[Image:Jonathansafarti.jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Dr. [[Jonathan Sarfati]] ]] − Enter Jonathan Sarfati (PhD in chemistry),senior scientist at Creation Ministries International, who recently published the book “The Greatest Hoax on Earth? Refuting Dawkins on Evolution.” Interestingly, Jonathan Sarfati sought to publish the book by the time that the 2010 Global Atheist Convention—billed as “The Rise of Atheism”—of March 12-14 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center in Australia. − − The most intelligent, well informed and vociferous atheists in the world, including [http://www.truefreethinker.com/richard-dawkins Richard Dawkins], [http://www.truefreethinker.com/dan-barker Dan Barker], [http://www.truefreethinker.com/pz-myers PZ Myers], et al, were challenged to debate while their worldwide choir was gathered in one place and yet, one by one they each found excuses to cower from debate even whilst proclaiming to their adherents the intellectual superiority of [[atheism]].<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/richard-dawkins-cowardly-clown</ref>}} − − In January 2008, Myers participated in a brief radio debate with [[Discovery Institute]] fellow Geoffrey Simmons on [[Minneapolis]]/[[St. Paul]] radio station KKMS.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rk5Y3VoBeVQ</ref> − − == PZ Myers refusal to debate Vox Day == − − ''See also:'' [[Atheism and cowardice]] and [[Atheism and Debate|Atheism and debate]] − − On September 4, 2011, [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] [[Vox Day]] wrote concerning PZ Myers: − {{cquote|I have heard from numerous atheists who find his intellectual cowardice to be more than a little troubling given his usual tendency to create conflict rather than to avoid it. And he has handed an out to every single individual he ever hopes to challenge in the future. Why should they debate a nobody like him, a clown who isn't even a bigshot in his own field? − − As for the PZ Myers Memorial Debate, we are still in search of an atheist to champion the argument that the logic and evidence for the nonexistence of gods is stronger than the logic and evidence for the existence of gods. It is certainly informative to see how many atheists do not appear to believe they are able to effectively make this case; in light of this, many Christians may find this to be a useful tactical approach when confronted by aggressive atheists in the future. This tends to confirm my previous observations that while atheists like to challenge the beliefs of others, they are very ill-prepared, and in many cases downright unwilling, to defend their own. So, if you want to shut them up, simply go on the attack. They'll run away with alacrity.<ref>[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2011/09/he-still-runs-like-girl.html Running, running by Vox Day]</ref>}} − − On August 28, 2011, Vox Day declared concerning Myers: − {{cquote|What you clearly do not understand is that, [http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2011/05/we_arent_angry_were_effective.php by his own admission], PZ relies heavily upon emotional arguments rather than logical ones when he cannot simply appeal to an established scientific consensus. "I'll also cop to the obvious fact that, knowing that reason will not get through their skills, I'm happy to use emotional arguments as well. Passion is persuasive." His tendency to rely upon emotional rhetoric and passion rather than reason is precisely why he is afraid to debate people who rely primarily upon logic, because his ability to present reason-based arguments is relatively low. His ability to utilize reason is simply not equal to the skill of others who make use of it more effectively. PZ is without question an effective preacher to the godless choir of science fetishists, but he is remarkably unskilled at presenting convincing arguments, let alone conclusive ones, to those who do not already agree with him. Unlike you, he knows he is not an effective evangelist.<ref>[http://voxday.blogspot.com/2011/08/can-one-dodge-dodger.html Can one dodge a dodger?]</ref>}} − − == The claim that PZ Myers' blog audience tends to be quarrelsome and socially challenged men == − − ''See also:'' [[Elevatorgate]] and [[Atheism and the internet]] − − Survey data and website tracking data of prominent atheist websites indicate that in the [[Western World]], [[Atheism appears to be significantly less appealing to women|atheism appears to be significantly less appealing to women]]. − − In 2007, [[Vox Day]] wrote: − [[File:Vox Day.jpg|thumbnail|right|210px|[[Vox Day]] ]] − {{cquote|It's not just a figment of my imagination, it seems atheists truly are socially autistic by their own report. Asperger's Syndrome is a disorder described as "autistic psychopathy" by its discoverer, Dr. Hans Asperger. Those with the disorder tend to be intelligent, socially awkward and difficult to converse with. They are also likely to be male. − − Based on ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]'' magazine's observation that atheists tend to be quarrelsome, socially challenged men, to say nothing of the unpleasant personalities of leading public atheists such as [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Christopher Hitchens]] and Michel Onfray, one could reasonably hypothesize that there is likely to be a strong correlation between Asperger's and atheism. It's by no means a scientific test, but it is interesting to note the coincidence that 59 of the virulent atheists over at Dr. [[Pharyngula (blog)|PZ Myers place]] report an average score on the Asperger's Quotient test of 27.8. And this does not include the two individuals who actually have Asperger's but did not report any test results. − − The test notes that "Scores over 32 are generally taken to indicate Asperger's Syndrome or high-functioning autism". The average male score is 18, the average female score is 15. By way of comparison, I scored 14... − − Obviously, more comprehensive and scientific tests would be advised before any definite conclusion can be reached...<ref>http://voxday.blogspot.com/2007/08/socially-autistic-atheist.html</ref>}} − − In 2010, the [[Christian apologetics]] website [[True Free Thinker]] wrote: − {{cquote|Scienceblogger [http://scienceblogs.com/principles/2008/04/the_cost_of_not_framing.php Chad Orzel described] the commentators on PZ Myers ' Scienceblogs.com site [[Pharyngula (blog)|Pharyngula]], and other Scienceblogs.com commentators, as "screechy monkeys."<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/pz-myers-and-pavlovs-monkeys</ref>}} − − Of course, there is no necessity to assert that atheists are more likely to have Asperger's Syndrome. The historical militancy of the atheist/[[evolution|evolutionist]] community and the ideas their ideologies have often engendered provides more than enough explanatory power to explain the origin of the quarrelsomeness and other social deficiencies of many in the atheists/evolutionist population (see: [[militant atheism]] and [[Social effects of the theory of evolution|social effects of the theory of evolution]] ). In fact, it is arguably the best explanation for the quarrelsomeness and other social deficiencies of many in the atheist/evolutionist community. In addition, ultimately the decision to reject or be reconciled with [[God]] is a matter relating to the [[grace]] of God and [[free will]] and nobody is forced into [[atheism]] due to a physical condition. − − === PZ Myers' commentary concerning atheist meetings === − − PZ Myers recently commented that atheist meetings tend to be significantly more attended by males.<ref>http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2010/06/the_woman_problem.php</ref> Mr. Myers commentary concerning atheist meetings is not surprising given that survey data and website tracking data of prominent atheist websites indicate that in the Western World, [[Atheism appears to be significantly less appealing to women|atheism appears to be significantly less appealing to women]]. − − == PZ Myers' blog posts often lack substance == − − ''See also:'' [[Atheism and the internet]] and [[Irreligion and superstition]] and [[PZ Myers' blog post and quality problems]] − − In 2010, the [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologetic]] website [[True Free Thinker]] declared: − {{cquote|Just a few years ago PZ Myers fellow Sciencebloggers were complaining about his general lack of substance and about his cult of personality amen chorus of adherents whom were dubbed the [http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/pz-myers-and-pavlovs-monkeys screechy monkeys]. PZ Myers should be thankful that Scienceblogs is not about science blogs and does not demand science on its Scienceblogs or else 99.9% of all posts on [http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/pz-myers-pseudoscienceblogscom his pseudo-science blog] would have to be deleted or, would have never been posted in the first place. − − Now it is [http://scienceblogs.com/commonknowledge/2010/07/of_pepsi_and_scienceblogs.php PZ Myers who is complaining] about his fellow Sciencebloggers as he states that Scienceblogs has been facing a steady erosion of talent. The key question is What sort of talent? Talented at doing what? − − If he references the talent to elucidate matters scientific then he is quite lacking himself. − − If he refers to peppering virtually every post with ad hominems, mythunderstandings, promulgating of prejudice and positively affirming Gods non-existence without evidence then he is the pseudo-science blogger par excellence.<ref>http://www.truefreethinker.com/articles/pz-myers-contra-scienceblogs</ref>}} − − == ''Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed'' == − [[File:PZ Myers.jpg|thumbnail|220px|right|PZ Myers, − <br /> − <br /> − <small>(photo obtained from [http://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinzac/4328612187/ Flickr], see [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en license agreement])</small> ]] − ''See also:'' [[Irreligion and superstition]] − − Myers appeared in the film ''[[Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed]]''. In the film, Myers compared religion to knitting and said it should be nothing more than "something fun that people get together and do on the weekend and really doesn't affect their life as much as it has been so far."<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHiZjOH1NmQ</ref> Up to and after the release of the film, PZ Myers viciously attacked the film and its makers many times and engaged in bizarre behavior. Two of the most notable incidents involved his failed attempt to gate-crash a showing of the film at the Mall of America<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/21/science/21expelledw.html</ref> and his crashing and disruption (including plugging himself) of a conference call held by ''Expelled'''s producers after calling in early (likely to eavesdrop) and overhearing and then dishonestly using the phone code that allowed two-way communication.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYAblaZmogA</ref><ref>http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/03/i_always_aim_to_misbehave.php</ref> Most bizarrely, in the latter incident, Myers interruption of the producers' call began with his referring to himself in the third person, probably in an attempt to conceal both his identity and the fact that he used a phone code he was not authorized to use. − − == Creation Museum buffoonery == − − ''See also:'' [[Essay: PZ Myers embarrasses himself at the Creation Museum|PZ Myers embarrasses himself at the Creation Museum]] - [[satire]] − − In August 2009, Myers led a group of over 300 atheist and agnostic students on a tour of the [[Creation Museum]].<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=8280168 "Creation Museum: Is This How World Began?" (ABC News)]</ref> During the visit, Myers had noticeably greater difficulty than others climbing on and off a dinosaur model due to the fact that he was overweight and out of shape.[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQQl2TMrgbM VIDEO] In addition, the purpose of the dinosaur model is clearly for children to sit on for photographs.<ref>http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/aroundtheworld/2009/08/16/children-and-the-creation-museum/</ref><ref>[http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/53237252.html "A firebrand visits Creation Museum" (Minneapolis Star-Tribune)]</ref> Myers donned a borrowed cowboy hat and was egged on by the cheers and laughter of the students.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQQl2TMrgbM</ref> − − == PZ Myers on abortion == − [[Image:115523-004-FA619CA3.jpg|thumb|right|250px| The perverse and cruel [[atheism|atheist]] [[Marquis de Sade]] was an early advocate of [[abortion]] in the [[Western World]].<ref>http://jme.bmj.com/content/6/1/7.abstract</ref>]] − See also: [[PZ Myers and abortion]] and [[Atheism and mass murder]] and [[Atheism and morality]] − − PZ Myers is not only "pro-choice", but he said he is "even willing to say" that he is pro-[[abortion]].<ref>http://www.evolutionnews.org/2010/11/pz_myers_on_abortion040971.html</ref> − − The website Evolution News and Views wrote: − {{cquote|Myers again, on abortion: − − 'what's at stake is a mere embryo, so it's no big loss if it's flushed and incinerated, and I don't have any illusions about whether this is deciding the fate of a human life -- it's not. There's no person...' − − Myers' ugly assertion -- 'it's no big loss if it's flushed and incinerated...[t]here's no person -- demonstrates the [[New Atheism|New Atheist]] moral vacuum. [[Atheism and morality|New Atheists insist that there is no objective moral law]]; morality is nothing more than an evolved adaptation, or what each of us decides, ad nauseam. Yet if there is no objective moral law that transcends the individual will to power, then power, not justice nor mercy nor even love for one's own child, governs human conduct. Atheist morality boils down to this: '... because we can'. That has been the moral code of atheism in power for a century.<ref>http://www.evolutionnews.org/2010/11/pz_myers_on_abortion040971.html</ref>}} − − In 2011, Myers wrote that when he sees dead baby pictures: "I look at them unflinchingly and see meat."<ref>http://www.examiner.com/christian-apologetics-in-albuquerque/pz-myers-best-reason-for-rejecting-atheism-murdered-babies-are-just-meat</ref> − − [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] Mariano Grinbank wrote in response to PZ Myers remarks concerning abortion: − {{cquote|What a tragic figure, what a deprivation of all that is human and humane, what a sad, sick and depraved [[soul]]: what a by product of atheism. − − Beautiful, healthy, innocent and defenseless human babies who were brutally murdered in unimaginably brutal and inhuman, inhumane, and subhuman manners are to be likened to rats, mice, dogs, and misc amputated body parts. In his reductionist eyes it is all merely temporarily animated meat.<ref>http://www.examiner.com/christian-apologetics-in-albuquerque/pz-myers-best-reason-for-rejecting-atheism-murdered-babies-are-just-meat</ref>}} − − PZ Myers's views are not surprising given the [[History of Atheism|history of atheism]] in relation to the abortion issue. The ''Journal of Medical Ethics'' article declared concerning the [[atheism|atheist]] and [[sadism|sadist]] [[Marquis de Sade]]: − {{cquote|In 1795 the Marquis de Sade published his La Philosophic dans le boudoir, in which he proposed the use of induced abortion for social reasons and as a means of [[population control]]. It is from this time that medical and social acceptance of abortion can be dated, although previously the subject had not been discussed in public in modern times. It is suggested that it was largely due to de Sade's writing that induced abortion received the impetus which resulted in its subsequent spread in western society.<ref>http://jme.bmj.com/content/6/1/7.abstract</ref>}} − − [[Population control]] is based on [[pseudoscience]] and ill founded [[economics|economic]] assumptions.<ref>http://www.evolutionnews.org/2010/11/pz_myers_on_abortion040971.html</ref> − − == Communion host == − On July 8, 2008, PZ Myers posted an entry attacking Roman Catholic beliefs regards Communion. He was reacting to a news story, in which a student at the University of Central Florida described a physical confrontation over his failure to consume a communion wafer.<ref>'Body Of Christ' Snatched From Church, Held Hostage By UCF Student, July 5, 2008[http://www.wftv.com/news/16798008/detail.html]</ref><ref>'Body Of Christ" Returned To Church After Student Receives Email Threats, July 7, 2008[http://www.wftv.com/news/16806050/detail.html]</ref> After ridiculing some people as "petty, hateful, and stupid," and asserting that "nothing makes them stupider than religion," Myers requested that his readers steal consecrated Communion wafers for him, so that he could desecrate them on camera. This rant predictably resulted in a strongly negative response from Catholics and those who support freedom of religious expression <ref>http://www.catholicleague.org/release.php?id=1459</ref>; Myers has since complained about the "hate mail" and "death threats" he has received, comparing the defense of Communion to a "witch hunt." To date, the University of Minnesota has not taken official action against Myers for his inflammatory remarks, other than to remove the link to his blog from his faculty page.<ref>http://www.catholicleague.org/release.php?id=1460</ref> PZ Myers followed through with his threat, desecrating a eucharist and tearing out pages of a copy of the [[Koran]] and a copy of [[Richard Dawkins]]' ''The God Delusion''.<ref>http://discoverthefaith.com/2008/07/26/update-on-professor-myers-desecration-of-eucharist/</ref> − − Meanwhile, Myers posted two vitriolic emails he had received and included the email addresses where they supposedly had come from. Predictably, his readers responded with their own threatening and harassing emails even though at the time it was not clear whether or not the email addresses had been spoofed One was allegedly from someone at 1-800-Flowers, though the husband of the user of the address subsequently owned up to sending the e-mail.<ref>http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/071608-woman-fired-over-death-threat.html</ref> The account owner was fired by the company. Myers commented on the firing, saying, "She apparently did something stupid, which I don't have sympathy for. I would just rather not see people getting fired over an e-mail message."<ref>http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/071608-woman-fired-over-death-threat.html?page=2)</ref> Myers attempted to save face, claiming that the unsurprising behavior by his readers was not the intent behind his posting of the email addresses, and called for his readers to stop "dunning these people with email, threatening them back, signing them up for spam, or otherwise being a jerk." These pleas fell on deaf ears, while PZ Myers continued to avoid doing the obvious thing in simply removing the email addresses from his blog.<ref>http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/07/stop_it_now_please.php</ref><ref>http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2008/07/mail_dump.php</ref> − − ==Myers and Conservapedia== − True to liberal values, Myers has banned all direct references and links to Conservapedia on his blog due to what he claims was "serious problems with spamming" involving Conservapedia members.<ref>http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2009/10/conservapdia_has_a_new_project.php</ref> Of course, no spamming (repeatedly posting the same message) actually occurred, making Myers' accusation a lie. Rather, his banning is an attempt to silence legitimate criticism which he is simply incapable of addressing. − == See also == − − *[[Resources for leaving atheism and becoming a Christian]] − *[[Irreligion and superstition]] − *[[Rebecca Watson]] − − Comedy and satire: − − * [[Essay: Professor PZ Myers fails his applied biology course|Professor PZ Myers fails his applied biology course]] - [[satire]] − *[[Essay: PZ Myers embarrasses himself at the Creation Museum|PZ Myers embarrasses himself at the Creation Museum]] - satire − *[[Essay: PZ Myers embarrasses himself at the Global Atheist Convention|PZ Myers embarrasses himself at the Global Atheist Convention]] - satire − *[[Essay: Militant atheism and short man's syndrome|Militant atheism and short man's syndrome]] - humor − *[[Essay: PZ Myers, is your wife an atheist?|PZ Myers, is your wife an atheist?]] - humor − *[[Essay: PZ Myers finally looks more like Ken Ham|PZ Myers finally looks more like Ken Ham!]] - satire − *[[Essay: A reply to atheist and evolutionist PZ Myers|A reply to atheist and evolutionist PZ Myers]] - satire − *[[Essay: PZ Myers vs. C.S. Lewis|PZ Myers vs. C.S. Lewis]] - satire − *[[Essay: Ponies vs. atheism - Ponies win|Ponies vs. PZ Myers - Ponies win!]] - satire − *[[Essay: Western atheists sumo wrestling - survival of the fattest?| Western atheists sumo wrestling - survival of the fattest?]] - satire − *[[Essay: PZ Myers evolved into a pig|PZ Myers evolved into a pig]] - satire − *[[Essay: PZ Myers' greatest fear|PZ Myers' greatest fear]] - satire − *[[Evolutionists who have had problems with being overweight and/or obese]] − *[[Essay: The atheist and evolutionist helpline|Atheist and evolutionist helpline]] - [[satire]] − *[[Comedy and satires concerning atheism and evolution]] ('''large collection''' of comedy/satire concerning [[atheism]] and [[evolution]]) − *[[Essay: Atheists say the darnedest things!|Atheists say the darnedest things!]] - satire − *[[Essay: Atheists' meetings|Atheists' meetings]] - satire − − ==External Links== − *[http://www.truefreethinker.com/pz-myers PZ Myers - Christian rebuttals] by [[True Free Thinker]] − *[http://www.evolutionnews.org/2011/07/pz_myers_replies_with_incendia048251.html PZ Myers Replies with Incendiary Rhetoric Instead of Scientific Arguments] − *[http://freethoughtblogs.com/pharyngula/ Pharyngula] <big>'''Non-family-friendly content warning - New location'''</big> − *[http://www.scienceblogs.com/pharyngula Pharyngula] <big>'''Non-family-friendly content warning'''</big> − {{nb_Atheism}} − − ==References == − {{reflist}} − {{DEFAULTSORT:Myers, Paul Zachary}} − [[Category:PZ Myers]] − [[Category:Atheism]] − [[Category: New Atheism]] − [[Category:Evolution]] − [[Category:Biologists]] − [[Category:Atheists]] − [[Category:Evolutionists]]
Replaced content with "Is someone who User:Conservative is obsessed with. Because he has Atheism Obsession Compulsive Disorder"
Is someone who User:Conservative is obsessed with.
Because he has [[Atheism Obsession Compulsive Disorder]]