Humanists, secularists and rationalists everywhere are becoming increasingly concerned – even alarmed – at the role being played by traditional religions the world over in promoting instability and violence. Not long ago traditional … [Continue reading]
By George Wilson On the 21st November 2012, the day after it had voted against the ordination of female bishops, the then Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams addressed the Synod on the subject. His much-publicized claim that … [Continue reading]
by Josh Kutchinsky In one of his famous lectures for children the musician, polymath and educator, Leonard Bernstein, played an extract from The William Tell overture by Rossini and asked his audience what they thought it was about. They … [Continue reading]
By Lee Turnpenny Those who subscribe to the cult of homeopathy tend to be afflicted with a continually confused attitude to the concept of evidence. On Weds 25 November 2009, the House of Commons Science and Technology Sub-Committee convened … [Continue reading]
By Vaughan Stone The star dust we all knew as (Sir) Patrick Moore sadly gave up its persona on the 9th December 2012. But Patrick is still with us – his books and legacy of years of BBC broadcasting will continue to inspire. We will remember … [Continue reading]
The British Humanist Association leads the national campaign against state-funded ‘faith’ schools, and employs the only dedicated campaigner – Richy Thompson – working on this and related issues such as RE, sex education, creationism and Collective … [Continue reading]
Philosopher Richard Norman on the broad and generous humanism of novelist George Eliot. George Eliot was a great humanist, and a great English novelist – perhaps the greatest. Born in 1819 in Warwickshire, she was in her teens a fervent … [Continue reading]
Star Trek’s wealth of moral and philosophical thought and feeling have led Andrew West and Ellis Collins to name creator Gene Roddenberry a humanist hero. Andrew West on Gene Roddenberry My humanist hero is Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star … [Continue reading]
'Spirituality': Jeremy Rodell argues that it’s an important facet of our humanity. As Marilyn says in her piece, there are fewer differences in our views than you might expect. My main concern is that we should not feel so insecure in our own … [Continue reading]
'Spirituality': Marilyn Mason finds it a word to send Humanists heading for the hills. Marilyn Mason and Jeremy Rodell recently led a debate asking “Can humanists be spiritual?” at a South West London Humanists meeting. Here they present their … [Continue reading]