A new lecture series hope to spark discussion on issues of philosophy, beliefs and religion.
The series is a project of the Fraser Valley Atheists Skeptics Humanists (FVASH), with assistance from the BC Humanists and Centre for Inquiry Vancouver.
Jeff Gruban, an FVASH member, said the series is for people of all beliefs to come together and learn about different ways of thinking.
The group has already held a lecture with Dr. Peter Boghossian, a philosophy professor at Portland State University who specializes in critical thinking and author of the book A Manual for Creating Atheists.
After the event packed the room with about 150 people, members of FVASH felt the lecture series could grow.
The next event has been co-sponsored by the UFV biology department. Gruban said that bringing in the university helps draw attention to the academic merits of the event and increase community partnerships.
The group funds the events themselves in order to keep the events free and accessible to the public.
"We feel the university is the perfect place (for the lectures) as that is where people learn to formulate and exchange ideas," said FVASH member Nancy Gallagher.
The lectures format includes a question and answer period where the audience can engage with the speakers.
Gallagher said they feel religion is a legitimate topic for discussion and the forum allows people to explore other points of views in a respectful environment through civil dialogue. She said the lectures are open to all people of any faith to come and learn more.
The next lecture will feature Dr. Eugenie Scott at UFV on March 28 at 7 p.m. The free lecture will be held in room B101.
Scott, who is from the U.S., is a physical anthropologist and a former university professor who challenges the teaching of young earth creationism and intelligent design in schools.
For more information on FVASH, videos of the lectures, and upcoming lectures and events, visit fvash.com.