Canadian MP James Lunney Defends Christian-based World View, Says 'Militant Atheism More Akin to Militant Islam'

By Isaiah Narciso
Canadian MP James Lunney
Photo: iPolitics.ca

James Lunney, an independent MP in Canada's Parliament, has written an editorial that defends both his Christian faith and his view of the world through that lens.

In an editorial published by the National Post on Monday, Lunney argued that the Christian worldview in law, medicine and academia was under attack in Canada. He contended that many of the attempts to discredit that point of view came from atheists who hid under the banner of science.

"As a multi-racial, multicultural, multi-faith society, Canada has been known to a world in conflict as a standard for respect for diversity and inclusion," Lunney wrote. "However, a religious defense of science seems to be the vehicle for the most vitriolic, pejorative, vulgar campaigns of intolerance and ad hominem attacks in Canada today."

Lunney believed that the "public shaming assaults" did not adhere to "the nature of scientific inquiry or the character of an otherwise extraordinarily tolerant nation." He then made a controversial comparison.

"They are the hallmark of scientism and evolutionism bearing all the hallmarks of religion, but unrestrained by any modicum of respect for anyone who contradicts the tenets of the faith," Lunney wrote. "In this regard, militant atheism is more akin to militant Islam than any of Canada's multi-faith communities."

In his editorial, Lunney made the case that the pursuit of science and the belief in God do not have to be "incompatible" with each other. He cited the examples of Gregor Mendel, who laid "the foundation for modern genetics," and Francis Collins, an evangelical Christian who helped "decode the 3 billion base pair sequence of human DNA."

"Science is agnostic," Lunney wrote. "There is room for people of all faiths or no faith to contribute to science; indeed that is the historic record."

Lunney argued that the atheists' "militant" defense of evolution could drastically change Canada if they ended up being successful.

"It is as repugnant as any other form of bigotry," Lunney wrote. "If this campaign for a godless Canada were successful, the Canada that would emerge is one that few Canadians would recognize and most would not want to live in."

According to Karl Yu of Nanaimo News Bulletin, the Canadian MP resigned from the federal Conservative caucus on March 31 and became an independent to defend his religious views. He also defended an Ontario politician who argued on social media that people should stop treating evolution as a fact.

"There's an attempt to really displace a Christian world view from influence in Canada, from academia, from medicine, from law and I think clearly with these attacks on Christian politicians, there's a deliberate attempt, with three of us being attacked in the past month, to make Christians look unintelligent, unelectable and uninformed," Lunney said.

Yu noted that the MP tried to place the blame on the media for bringing up the controversy.

"I think it's a trial run for what they're attempting to do to others across the country," Lunney said about the media coverage surrounding him.

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo