New Humanist Update

Writer Sam Harris last week told the Atheist Alliance International Conference in Virginia that non-believers ought to reject labels like "atheist" and "humanist". Surprising words from a man billed as one of the "New Atheists", in front of a conference of atheists. It certainly contrasts with Richard Dawkins' "OUT Campaign", which encourages people to admit their unbelief and wear t-shirts emblazoned with a big red "A" for "Atheist".

What do you think? The latest poll on the New Humanist blog is asking whether Harris is right to say there's no need to define yourself by something you don't believe in. Do you agree, or do you think it's necessary to unite under a common label to take on the might of organised religion? Follow the link and cast your vote.

New Humanist editor Caspar Melville wrote about this on the Guardian's Comment is Free site last week. Have a read and take a look at the comments. There's 93 at the time of writing, and if you're feeling argumentative why not weigh in?

We can now announce the results of the last New Humanist poll, where we asked whether Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens are a good thing for humanism. The outcome was a resounding yes, with 78% saying it's time to get serious in our rejection of religion.

The poll received plenty of comments from readers, with some even demanding to know how we could even have the cheek to question Dawkins. If nothing else, the poll certainly shows the fierce support that has gathered around Dawkins, and to a lesser extent Hitchens.

Watch out for Richard Norman's article in the next issue of New Humanist, where he takes stock of the "New Atheist" publishing phenomenon and asks what it means for humanism.

Our designer Nick McKay has been shortlisted for a Press Gazette award for his wonderful redesign of New Humanist. The winners of the Magazine Design and Journalism Awards are announced next Thursday, 18 October and we'll let you know how we get on. Let's just hope God doesn't expect a mention in any acceptance speech. . .

The November/December issue of New Humanist will be packed full of festive cheer. There'll be tips on how to decorate the Christmas tree, recipe ideas for the special day, and general suggestions on how best to celebrate the birthday of everyone's favourite little boy...

OK, maybe not. Instead we'll be leading with philosopher Richard Norman taking stock of the "God book" phenomenon, asking whether Dawkins et al are good for humanism. Sally Feldman wonders if chess is the ultimate humanist game, Winston Fletcher looks at the economics of Christianity, Owen Hatherley writes about the work of the great Russian film director Sergei Eisenstein, and Ted Nield makes the case for the importance of scientific discovery.

That's all coming up at the beginning of November, when we may also offer a few tips on how to tackle Christmas Day.

Enough talk of the next issue, the current Sept/Oct issue of New Humanist is still alive and kicking, and if you haven't already read it then there's plenty to get stuck into. Rationalist Association president Jonathan Miller offers his theory of humour, our cover story asks whether we should be worried about radical Islam in universities, and the Rev'd Dr Giles Fraser reviews Karen Armstrong's biography of the Bible. There's also Sally Feldman on virginity, Christopher Brookmyre on dedicating his new novel to Dawkins, Natalie Haynes on sci-fi TV and much, much more.

If you've never had the pleasure of sitting down with a copy of New Humanist, why not order yourself a FREE trial copy via our website?