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Articles by subject: religion

Bad Faith Awards 2009: Pope Benedict XVI emerges victorious (by Paul Sims, January/February 2010 ): After a tightly fought campaign, and more than 7,000 votes cast, we announce the winner of our coveted 2009 Bad Faith Award
Who needs God? (by Tom Rees, January/February 2010 ): Why is religion on the rise in so many different countries? Tom Rees finds the missing link
In search of the G spot (by Raymond Tallis, January/February 2010 ): Is faith hard-wired in the the brain? Raymond Tallis scans some new claims
Consider me indifferent (by Terry Sanderson, January/February 2010 ): National Secular Society president Terry Sanderson reveals his true feelings about religion
Testament by Jean Meslier (by Colin Brewer, January/February 2010 ): Colin Brewer admires the last testament of an atheist priest
The God Market: How Globalisation is Making India More Hindu by Meera Nanda (by Edna Fernandes, January/February 2010 ): Edna Fernandes isn't quite convinced by an explanation of India's religious nationalism
Editorial: Bishops, belief and barnets (by Caspar Melville, January/February 2010 ): Catholic child abuse scandals highlight the dangers of religious privilege
Beyond belief (by Richard Norman, November/December 2009 ): Some sophisticated arguments for God have been made in response to the New Atheists. Richard Norman puts the ‘New Believers’ to the test. Illustrations by Irene Fuga
Déjà vu, only worse (by Michail Ryklin, November/December 2009 ): Michail Ryklin sits in on a Russian censorship trial
The art of certainty (by Roger Scruton, September/October 2009 ): We need to teach children faith first before they can learn to doubt, says Roger Scruton, in his response to Danny Postel
Terrible beauty (by Roger Davidson, September/October 2009 ): Why is religious art so blood-soaked and morbid asks Roger Davidson
Keeping it holy (by Sally Feldman, September/October 2009 ): Sunday may be the ultimate symbol of Christian dominance. But, argues Sally Feldman, it could have value for humanists too
Atheism in Christianity by Ernst Bloch (by Owen Hatherley, September/October 2009 ): Owen Hatherley sings the praises of Ernst Bloch, the prophet of serious atheism
Tragic hero: Laurie Taylor interviews Terry Eagleton (by Laurie Taylor, July/August 2009 ): Laurie Taylor meets the Marxist critic gunning for the New Atheists
Good books? (by Danny Postel, July/August 2009 ): What can humanist parents use in the battle against religious indoctrination? Danny Postel investigates
What kind of humanist are you? (by Editorial Staff, July/August 2009 ): Are you hardline or happy, hedonist or hounded? Answer the questions below and find out how far your personality suits your philosophy
Rhythm rites (by Crispin Robinson, July/August 2009 ): Crispin Robinson explains why he has become initiated in an Afro-Cuban drumming cult
God’s Philosophers: How the Medieval World Laid the Foundations of Modern Science by James Hannam (by Nina Power, July/August 2009 ): Nina Power on a good Dark Ages argument made for the wrong reasons
Freedom's foghorn (by Roger Davidson, May/June 2009 ): Roger Davidson marks the 200th anniversary of the passing of Tom Paine, an inspirational ego
Free market faith (by Caspar Melville, May/June 2009 ): Globalisation is leading to more belief, not less. Caspar Melville talks to the editor of The Economist about his new book tracing the rise and rise of religion
The Monstrosity of Christ: Paradox or Dialectic? by Slavoj Žižek and John Milbank (by Nina Power, May/June 2009 ): Nina Power tires of Slavoj Žižek and his monstrous essays
The Earth Moves: Galileo and the Roman Inquisition (by Marcus Chown, May/June 2009 ): Marcus Chown learns how the Catholic Church silenced Galileo
On the trail of the red pilgrims (by Caspar Melville, March/April 2009 ): The philosopher Michail Ryklin tells Caspar Melville what really motivated communism's faithful followers
Book Review: Questions of Truth: God, Science and Belief by John Polkinghorne and Nicholas Beale (by AC Grayling, March/April 2009 ): AC Grayling rips into the latest attempt to bridge the God-science gap
God Trumps Part II (by Christina Martin, March/April 2009 ): Still struggling to choose the top religion? Pigeonhole yourself for all eternity with the second part of our cut-out-and-keep metaphysical card game. Devised by Christina Martin, illustrated by Martin Rowson
Hatefest (by Ian Williams, March/April 2009 ): We must prevent the UN being unravelled by bigotry and conflict, argues Ian Williams
Editorial: Puzzling history (by Caspar Melville, March/April 2009 ): Would life be better if we knew all the answers?
True disbelievers (by Theodore Dalrymple, January/February 2009 ): Being faith-less is no excuse for rewriting history, says Theodore Dalrymple
Diary: Trump cards (by Christina Martin, January/February 2009 ): Our religions game seemed to annoy everyone. Result! says Christina Martin
Unsafe havens (by Rahila Gupta, January/February 2009 ): The Government is planning tougher penalties for men who use trafficked prostitutes. But who is helping the women themselves? Rahila Gupta uncovers a distributing trend
Bad Faith Awards 2008 (by Paul Sims, January/February 2009 ): Following a tough campaign and a hard-fought election, we can finally announce last year's most scurrilous enemy of reason
Muslim metal (by Mark LeVine, January/February 2009 ): Across the Islamic world young people are flocking to the sounds of hardcore rock and death metal. Mark LeVine reports from Cairo
Deep trouble (by Kerem Oktem, November/December 2008 ): Will Turkey take the Yugoslavia option? Kerem Oktem on a country caught between Islam and ultra-nationalism
Time for Accord (by Rabbi Jonathan Romain, November/December 2008 ): Rabbi Jonathan Romain introduces a new front in the fight against faith schools
Diary: Hitchen' a ride (by Ariane Sherine, November/December 2008 ): Atheist Bus Campaign creator Ariane Sherine on what was probably the craziest week of her life
God Trumps Part I (by Christina Martin, November/December 2008 ): Struggling to choose the top religion? Can't decide between Bible-thumping evangelism or benign, gentle Buddhism? Make the process fun and easy with God Trumps, our cut-out-and-keep metaphysical card game for all the family. Devised by Christina Martin. Cartoons by Martin Rowson.
The Family by Jeff Sharlet (by James Crabtree, November/December 2008 ): James Crabtree is not quite convinced by Jeff Sharlet's family
Faith healers (by Edna Fernandes, September/October 2008 ): Peace through religious understanding is an admirable goal, argues Edna Fernandes. But who should be paying for it?
Unmasked (by Paul Sims, September/October 2008 ): Paul Sims finds out what’s behind the anarchic anti-cult group Anonymous
The Ten Commandments (by Martin Rowson, September/October 2008 ): In his new book, New Humanist cartoonist Martin Rowson sums up the history, and future, of the world in one word
What lies beneath (by Paul Heelas, September/October 2008 ): Even godless humanism needs a sense of the spiritual, says Paul Heelas
Torch bearers (by Paul Sims, July/August 2008 ): Politics, religion and money may be wrestling to control the Olympics. But, argues Paul Sims, they’ll never be a match for the sheer drama
Inside the global rebellion (by Mark Juergensmeyer, July/August 2008 ): The 21st century has seen the world rocked by a variety of religious challenges to the secular state. Mark Juergensmeyer went in search of common features
Religion is bullshit (by Robin Ince, July/August 2008 ): From philosophy to fart jokes George Carlin always got there first, says Robin Ince
On neutral ground (by Paul Kelly, July/August 2008 ): We have already invented a way for the devout and the godless to get along in public, says Paul Kelly. We just have to believe in it
The Sleeping Giant Has Awoken: The New Politics of Religion in the United States (by Owen Hatherley, July/August 2008 ): Owen Hatherley gets to grips with the Religious Right
The Last Jews of Kerala by Edna Fernandes (by Ben Rich, July/August 2008 ): Ben Rich misses the last Jews of Kerala
Power to the pulpit (by James Crabtree, May/June 2008 ): Religion has always been an election issue in America. But in the current campaign, argues James Crabtree, it’s not just the Republicans who are courting the faith vote
Drambuie in Damascus (by Winston Fletcher, May/June 2008 ): Forget the booze cruise, Winston Fletcher finds that, with a little patience, you can get sozzled in Syria
Russian roulette (by Michael Binyon, March/April 2008 ): After the Russian election it may be all change at the top. But, asks Michael Binyon, who is the real winner?
Tea and empathy (by Martin Rowson, March/April 2008 ): The human imagination, says Martin Rowson, allows us to make the world in the image of ourselves
Editorial: Toxic mix (by Caspar Melville, March/April 2008 ): From Russia to India, France to Iran, come particular examples of a general rule – religion and politics are a toxic mix
Politicised religion requires a militant response (by Elizabeth Wilson, January/February 2008 ): It’s not peace in heaven that religion is after, but political power here on Earth, says Elizabeth Wilson
Editorial: Incredible Mr Darwin (by Caspar Melville, January/February 2008 ): The more science uncovers, the more brilliant the father of evolution is revealed to be
Holy communion (by Richard Norman, November/December 2007 ): New wave atheism is aggressively antagonistic to religion. But, argues Richard Norman, it’s more fruitful to find common ground
Thinkers: William Blake (by Shirley Dent, November/December 2007 ): William Blake was a confused failure but a great humanist, says Shirley Dent
Demob happy (by Stephen Bates, November/December 2007 ): After seven years on the faith front lines, Guardian religious affairs correspondent Stephen Bates is glad to be back on civvy street
God almighty PLC (by Winston Fletcher, November/December 2007 ): Marketing expert Winston Fletcher analyses a world-beating strategy
Diary (by Carrie Quinlan, November/December 2007 ): Forget about the stars, the Wise Men and the Baby Jesus. Christmas is all about family, says Carrie Quinlan
Campus crusades (by Ebenezer Obadare, November/December 2007 ): Ebenezer Obadare reports on the rise of Nigeria’s student zealots
Virtue rewarded (by Sally Feldman, September/October 2007 ): Virgins of the world unite, says Sally Feldman. You have nothing to lose
God slot (by David Hendy, September/October 2007 ): Radio 4's Thought for the Day has for four decades infuriated humanists with its daily dose of religious platitudes. But, argues David Hendy, it could be a force for freedom
Diary (by Lucy Mangan, September/October 2007 ): Lucy Mangan is lacking put-downs for the pious
Thinker: Ludwig Andreas von Feuerbach (by Nina Power, September/October 2007 ): Ludwig Andreas von Feuerbach was the man who brought religion down to earth, says Nina Power
The Bible: A Biography by Karen Armstrong (by Rev'd Dr Giles Fraser, September/October 2007 ): Rev'd Dr Giles Fraser on why you should read the Bible
Editorial: He did God (by Caspar Melville, May/June 2007 ): Tony Blair helped bring the toxic certainties of religious belief back into politics and culture. Let's hope Gordon Brown doesn't do the same, says Caspar Melville
Blind faith (by Laurie Taylor, May/June 2007 ): Does it derive from delusion or derangement, irrationality or something deeper? Laurie Taylor explores the meaning of belief
Secret openings (by Laurie Taylor, March/April 2007 ): You don't have to be religious to experience inexplicable moments of epiphany, argues Laurie Taylor
Gentle rottweiler: Laurie Taylor interviews Richard Dawkins (by Laurie Taylor, January/February 2007 ): Richard Dawkins' attack on religion has been hailed, revered and derided. He talks to Laurie Taylor about the mixed reception of The God Delusion
We're all humanists now (by Andrew Copson, January/February 2007 ): A new opinion poll shows that the majority of British people trust science more than religion and do not base their morality on religious belief. Andrew Copson reports
The Creation: A Meeting of Science and Religion by EO Wilson (by Jonathan Derbyshire, November/December 2006 ): Jonathan Derbyshire wonders if religion and science can get along
The Many Faces of God: Science's 400-Year Quest for Images of the Divine by Jeremy Campbell (by Michael Binyon, November/December 2006 ): Michael Binyon seeks the face of God
Always read the small print (by Padraig Reidy, September/October 2006 ): Padraig Reidy discovers a new route to heaven
Alpha male (by Michael Marsden, July/August 2006 ): Michael Marsden goes in search of the Holy Spirit
Spirited away (by Meera Nanda, May/June 2006 ): Some atheists start believing in anything after they give up believing in God, says Meera Nanda
Because you're worth it (by Sally Feldman, May/June 2006 ): Why do all the major religions have a fetish about women's hair? Sally Feldman celebrates a hidden source of power
Freak show (by Paul Kurtz, May/June 2006 ): Paul Kurtz reviews a new book on American fundamentalism
Under the microscope (by Jonathan Rée, March/April 2006 ): Jonathan Rée on Daniel Dennett's attempt to do away with religion scientifically
Defender of faiths: Laurie Taylor interviews Eileen Barker (by Laurie Taylor, May/June 2005 ): Eileen Barker, the world's leading expert on religious cults, tells Laurie Taylor how it takes an agnostic to truly understand why people choose to believe
Not the Natural History Museum: a trip to the Genesis Expo (by Padraig Reidy, May/June 2005 ): Padraig Reidy misses a few links in Portsmouth Harbour
Is God a hedgehog? (by Martin Rowson, January/February 2005 ): Martin Rowson has some terrible thoughts
Love thine enemy (by David Belden, November/December 2004 ): Not long ago, humanists could feel that theirs was the way of the future. But now, Dave Belden argues, we will need to relearn how to make common cause with religious progressives
The Golden Rule of Compassion: Laurie Taylor interviews Karen Armstrong (by Laurie Taylor, November/December 2004 ): Karen Armstrong tells Laurie Taylor that religion is more about doing than believing
Secular spiritualities (by David Boulton, September/October 2004 ): David Boulton meets a rational primate
Moral Monopoly (by Evan Harris, July/August 2004 ): Evan Harris warns of the dangers of religious lobbying
Don't touch the product (by Padraig Reidy, July/August 2004 ): Pádraig Reidy falls under the spell of a preacher man
The Bridge to Freedom? (by v.c., January/February 2004 ): Sam Washington and Phil Kemp spent months trying to find out more about the mysterious Church of Scientology. Their research won them a BBC File on 4 Investigative Journalism award. Here they reveal their troubling findings
Permanent Uncertainty: Laurie Taylor interviews Stephen Fry (by Laurie Taylor, Summer 2003 ): Stephen Fry tells Laurie Taylor about his search for a soul
The God of Twee Things (by Mark Steel, Winter 2002 ): Mark Steel wants some passion
On Islamophobia-phobia (by Piers Benn, Summer 2002 ): Philosopher Piers Benn argues the case for questioning all religions
Time to stand up (by Richard Dawkins, Winter 2001 ): Stop respecting religion and start submitting it to the same scutiny as any other idea or argument, says Richard Dawkins. And September 11th 2001 makes this scrutiny more urgent than ever.
Islam and Intellectual Terrorism (by Ibn Warraq, Winter 2001 ): Turbans of the mind are disallowing and disavowing proper intellectual engagement with Islam.
Holy Relics (by Marilyn Mason, Summer 2001 ): What is spiritual? asks Marilyn Mason
To tell the truth (by Daniel Dennett, Spring 2001 ): Is mathematics a religion at all? Is science? Daniel Dennett tries out some answers
Religion and the law (by Conrad Russell, Summer 1999 ): Conrad Russell reviews advances in human rights law
Census Questions (by Nicholas Walter, Spring 1999 )
The "New Atheists" are responding to provocation, not mounting an arbitrary attack (by AC Grayling, Web Exclusive, December 2007): On behalf of the New Atheists AC Grayling blasts back at Theodore Dalrymple
Taking it to the streets (by Moses Kamya, Web Exclusive, June 2008): Moses Kamya, headteacher of the Mustard Seed Secular School in Uganda, reports on the rise of the preacher on the streets of the capital
Against the faith (by Steve Fuller, Web Exclusive, September 2008): In a world where Neo-Darwinism is the new dogma, Intelligent Design is right to challenge orthodoxy – sociologist Steve Fuller responds to AC Grayling
Defending The Family (by Jeff Sharlet, Web Exclusive, December 2008): Jeff Sharlet responds to James Crabtree's review of his book The Family
Film review: Knowing (by Fred Rowson, Web Exclusive, April 2009): Sci-fi action and apocalyptic religion just don't mix, says Fred Rowson
Film review: Religulous (by Fred Rowson, Web Exclusive, April 2009): Debunking faith on screen is a confused business, finds Fred Rowson
Film review: Angels & Demons (by Fred Rowson, Web Exclusive, June 2009): Could the latest Dan Brown blockbuster be the best film of the year so far? asks Fred Rowson
Probably? Not! (by Michael Neumann, Web Exclusive, July 2009): Atheists shouldn’t be afraid to be certain, says Michael Neumann
Iran's green future (by Kerem Oktem, Web Exclusive, November 2009): This week's protests are a sign of the uncontainable anger of the people says Kerem Oktem
Champions of free speech? (by Simon Garnett, Web Exclusive, January 2010): Writing in New Humanist, Sherry Jones says Serbs have embraced the Jewel of Medina because they know the value of free expression. But could the reasons be more profane? asks Simon Garnett
I am not a God-spotter (by Bruce Hood, Web Exclusive, January 2010): Bruce Hood denies he is the reductionist Raymond Tallis claims
No brainer (by Sam Harris, Web Exclusive, January 2010): Raymond Tallis's criticism of my research either very stupid or a hoax, says Sam Harris