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Articles by subject: religion

Phony war (by Paul Sims, May/June 2012 ): A motley minority of moralists have launched an assault on British secularism. Bad move, says Paul Sims
Saint for all seasons (by Sally Feldman, May/June 2012 ): The front runners are men, but could a woman born more than half a millennium ago hold the key to the French elections? asks Sally Feldman
No more lies (by Alom Shaha, May/June 2012 ): In his powerful new book, The Young Atheist’s Handbook, Alom Shaha challenges young Muslims to be honest if they don’t believe, and calls on organised atheism to broaden its appeal beyond an intellectual elite. Here he explains why he wrote it
Cult following (by James Gray, May/June 2012 ): Exploitative religious fringe groups are on the rise in the UK. What should we do about it? James Gray reports
The passion of the bishop (by Caspar Melville, May/June 2012 ): After years of struggle with his faith and dispair at the church's in-fighting and repressive attitude to sex, fomer bishop of Edinburgh Richard Holloway left religion behind. Caspar Melville hears his confession
No fire, no brimstone: An interview with Alain de Botton (by Caspar Melville, March/April 2012 ): Alain de Botton thinks atheists should take the best ideas from religion, and leave the bad stuff behind. Caspar Melville goes in search of enlightenment
Atheists can embrace the power of Tarot (by Elizabeth Wilson, March/April 2012 ): Elizabeth Wilson lays her cards on the table
Top Six: Jesus Sightings (by Christina Martin, March/April 2012 ): If the Lord moves in mysterious ways, then his son moves in downright weird ones. Jesus Christ’s inexplicable predilection for appearing in the snack foods of small-town America has become even more legendary than his early work in the Bible. It started small, toast mostly, the occasional taco or flatbread, but to get those column inches – and please the fans – one must up the ante. Christina Martin selects some of his greatest public appearances
Stayin' alive (by Stephen Cave, March/April 2012 ): Humans have invented an endless series of strategies to try and outwit the Grim Reaper. Stephen Cave explores our fascination with immortality
An atheist at Alcoholics Anonymous (by Frank B., March/April 2012 ): Spirituality is central to the Twelve Step programme. But when Frank B reached rock bottom, he discovered that even the godless can be saved
Q&A: Tom Watson (by Editorial Staff, March/April 2012 ): The MP for West Bromwich East and Deputy Chair of the Labour Party Tom Watson has made his name as the relentless pursuer of tabloid hackers as a member of the Culture, Media and Sport select committee, even comparing James Murdoch to a mafia boss. We hacked into his private thoughts to find out what makes him tick
In God They Trust (by Abby Ohlheiser, January/February 2012 ): As the US enters primary season ahead of the 2012 elections, Abby Ohlheiser assesses the chances of the “God and Guns” Republicans hoping to challenge Obama in November
Cartoon cowardice shames our press (by Frederik Stjernfelt, January/February 2012 ): In the aftermath of the firebombing of Charlie Hebdo, reprints of the magazine's Muhammad cover were conspicuous by their absence, notices Frederick Stjernfelt
Heavenly bodies (by Sally Feldman, January/February 2012 ): Are you feeling fat after the excesses of the holiday season? Then watch out, warns Sally Feldman. Dieting can be harmful to your humanism
A time to sow (by Paul Sims, January/February 2012 ): After a year of revolts in the Arab world, is the region reaping the rewards of freedom? Paul Sims talks to veteran Middle East watcher Fuad Nahdi
D'oh my God: faith in The Simpsons (by Andrew Mueller, January/February 2012 ): This year, The Simpsons celebrate their 25th birthday and their 500th episode. Andrew Mueller pays homage to the family we can all believe in
Return of the moral minority (by Francis Beckett, January/February 2012 ): Fire-and-brimstone evangelists are usually associated with the US. But turn to the BBC at the weekend and you’ll see they’re enjoying a revival on these shores, says Francis Beckett
Book review: Evolution and Belief by Robert Asher (by Adam Rutherford, January/February 2012 ): Adam Rutherford tires of zombie arguments about creationism
Q&A: Andy Hamilton (by Editorial Staff, January/February 2012 ): Comedian and writer Andy Hamilton on being a ‘wavering agnostic’ with sympathy for the Devil
Ireland's humanist president (by Padraig Reidy, January/February 2012 ): Padraig Reidy welcomes the election of Michael D Higgins
Editorial: Oh my America (by Caspar Melville, January/February 2012 ): Faith and the American way
Bad Faith Award 2011: it's Dorries by a landslide (by Editorial Staff, January/February 2012 ): New Humanist readers vote overwhelmingly for the Conservative MP Nadine Dorries as 2011's leading enemy of reason
The last Crusade (by Kenan Malik, November/December 2011 ): The claim that Christianity provides the bedrock of Western culture might serve the interests of extremists, but it is a betrayal of a far more complex history, argues Kenan Malik
Bad Faith Awards 2011: place your vote now (by Editorial Staff, November/December 2011 ): Who has been this year's leading enemy of reason?
Heavenly host: Caspar Melville interviews Rev Richard Coles (by Caspar Melville, November/December 2011 ): Former popstar, BBC presenter and parish priest Reverend Richard Coles talks to Caspar Melville about faith, doubt and dachsunds
Last post (by Chris Holden, November/December 2011 ): While serving in Afghanistan, Petty Officer Chris Holden has attended numerous memorials to honour the dead. This is what they look like to an atheist
Censorship on the terraces (by Padraig Reidy, November/December 2011 ): Legislation aimed at football chants will not tackle Scotland's sectarian violence, argues Padraig Reidy
What are they teaching my kids? (by Rob Deering, November/December 2011 ): Rob Deering is unimpressed by his local primary school's reliance on lazy, default Christianity
Dissing God (by Jonathan Rée, November/December 2011 ): Long before the New Atheists, believers – from Job to Heinrich Heine – were picking fights with the Almighty, says Jonathan Rée
Walk the tightrope (by John Burnside, November/December 2011 ): We don’t need religion, but mystical traditions still have a lot to teach us, says John Burnside
Book review: Religion in Human Evolution (by Keith Kahn-Harris, November/December 2011 ): Where did religion come from? Keith Kahn-Harris reviews a monumental study
Vicars, vicars everywhere (by Caspar Melville, November/December 2011 ): An issue that's packed with priests
Briefing: Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People (by Adam Rutherford, September/October 2011 ): Adam Rutherford remembers getting atheists reciting the Lord's Prayer at last year's rationalist jamboree
Egypt's three revolutionary fronts (by Austin Mackell, September/October 2011 ): As Egypt prepares for post-Mubarak elections, could the activists of Tahrir Square be in danger of losing out to more reactionary forces? asks Austin Mackell
Unholy matrimony (by Pamela Haag, September/October 2011 ): Is there a role for marriage in secular society, or should humanists rejoice in its withering along with religion? asks Pamela Haag
Leaving the Jehovah's Witnesses (by Vicky Simister, September/October 2011 ): When Vicky Simister was excommunicated by the religious sect she lost her family, her friends and her faith
A match made in heaven (by Sam Delaney, September/October 2011 ): As the new football season kicks off, West Ham fan Sam Delaney has a crisis of faith
Faith in the Big Society (by James Gray, September/October 2011 ): David Cameron would like religious groups to deliver public services. But can they be trusted? asks James Gray
Apocalypse then (by Aaron Rosen, September/October 2011 ): As John Martin's visions of Armageddon go on show at Tate Britain, Aaron Rosen argues that they are powerful because they're genuinely scary
Is it over for Catholic Ireland? (by Padraig Reidy, September/October 2011 ): The deteriorating relationship between the Vatican and the Irish state is good news for the Republic, says Padraig Reidy
Editorial: Big talk (by Caspar Melville, September/October 2011 ): David Cameron says Britain is broken. But can the Big Society fix it?
God & Devil: Country Songs (by Andrew Mueller, July/August 2011 ): Five tracks about God, and five about the Devil. Selected by Andrew Mueller
Q&A: Marcus Brigstocke (by Editorial Staff, July/August 2011 ): Between the arrogant believers and the smug atheists stands a lone comic, with only a successful career for comfort.
Captive audience (by Richard Smyth, July/August 2011 ): Sympathetic ear or religious recruiter - what’s a prison chaplain for? Richard Smyth finds out
A Fatah-Hamas truce is good for Palestinians (by Sami Zubaida, July/August 2011 ): The Arab Spring is aiding political reconciliation in Gaza, explains Sami Zubaida
Book review: A God of One's Own by Ulrich Beck (by Keith Kahn-Harris, July/August 2011 ): Keith Kahn-Harris discovers religion in modernity
Today's lesson (by Michael Bywater, May/June 2011 ): Reading the Bible did not awaken Michael Bywater's faith. But it did move him. Don’t tell Dawkins
Witch-hunt saboteurs (by Richard Wilson, May/June 2011 ): Across Africa, humanists are on the front line in the battle to protect women and children accused of witchcraft. Richard Wilson reports
Book review: The Godless Boys by Naomi Wood (by Philip Womack, May/June 2011 ): Philip Womack is uninspired by a dystopian debut
The god confusion (by Angela Saini, March/April 2011 ): In trying to make religion sound more logical and scientific, are educated Indians actually having a crisis of faith? asks Angela Saini
Count yourself out (by Winston Fletcher, March/April 2011 ): Winston Fletcher warns that the question asking your religion, included again in this year’s census, is designed to distort
Is it racist to criticise religion? (by Paul Sims, March/April 2011 ): As the Conservative chair Sayeeda Warsi suggests Islamophobia has become acceptable, Paul Sims assesses the boundaries of free speech
Editorial: Creating confusion (by Caspar Melville, March/April 2011 ): Far from being an atheist straw man, Biblical fundamentalism poses a real threat to British schools
Editorial: Big books (by Caspar Melville, March/April 2011 ): Bibles, doubt and morality without God
Inside the mind of Scientology's Messiah (by Michael Bywater, January/February 2011 ): Twenty-five years after his death, Michael Bywater revisits the sacred texts of the pulp science writer turned prophet L Ron Hubbard
Bad Faith Awards 2010 (by Paul Sims, January/February 2011 ): Who gave the silliest sermon or pious pronouncement of the past year? Thousands of you voted and the results are in
Careless talk? (by Paul Sims, January/February 2011 ): Some secularists believe that any communication with believers amounts to collaboration. Paul Sims isn’t so sure
Book review: Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong (by Ophelia Benson, January/February 2011 ): Ophelia Benson finds Karen Armstrong's spiritual manifesto lacking in spirit and laughs
Hot type (by Andrew Mueller, January/February 2011 ): Andrew Mueller revels in the vituperative opinions of HL Mencken
It's the faith, stupid! (by Caspar Melville, January/February 2011 ): Social scientist Olivier Roy has been tracking religion for three decades. Caspar Melville talks to him about his new book Holy Ignorance
Book review: The God Instinct by Jesse Bering (by Jake Wallis Simons, January/February 2011 ): Do we have innate religious tendencies? Jake Wallis Simons turns to a new book to find out
Is it time for atheist schools? (by Francis Beckett, November/December 2010 ): Francis Beckett outlines his proposal for Britain's first avowedly humanist state school
Don't fall into the faith school trap (by Rabbi Jonathan Romain, November/December 2010 ): Responding to Francis Beckett's proposal for a humanist school, Rabbi Jonathan Romain of the Accord Coalition warns of the risks of endorsing religious segregation in education
Against humanism (by Mary Midgley, November/December 2010 ): Of course we should love, honour and cherish our species, says Mary Midgley. But should we have to worship it too?
Who won the Pope wars? (by Paul Sims, November/December 2010 ): Catholics, secularists, protestors, pilgrims and provocateurs all claimed victory after the Pontiff’s recent visit. Paul Sims assesses the final score
Faith in schools? (by Jim Mulligan, November/December 2010 ): Thanks largely to immigration, religious belief is making a comeback in our schools. Should we be concerned? Jim Mulligan visits Ed Miliband’s old school to find out.
Calm down, old boy: Laurie Taylor interviews Simon Heffer (by Laurie Taylor, November/December 2010 ): Telegraph thunderer Simon Heffer reveals to Laurie Taylor what it’s like being right
Q&A: Harry Kroto (by Editorial Staff, November/December 2010 ): Nobel-prize winning chemist Harry Kroto talks Buckyballs and belief
Editorial: oh we of little faith (by Caspar Melville, November/December 2010 ): Are faith and religion necessarily intertwined?
An audience with the Pope (by Editorial Staff, September/October 2010 ): If you were invited to address Benedict XVI during his UK visit, what would you say to him? Richard Dawkins, Philip Pullman, Claire Rayner, Ben Goldacre and many more take part in our Pope quiz. Illustrations by Ralph Steadman
No nonsense: Laurie Taylor interviews Mary Warnock (by Laurie Taylor, September/October 2010 ): Philosopher Mary Warnock tells Laurie Taylor why religion and politics shouldn’t mix
Q&A: Marilynne Robinson (by Editorial Staff, September/October 2010 ): She has won the Pulitzer and Orange prizes for her fiction, and been called the greatest writer of prose in the English language. With her new book she enters the God debate. We talk to Marilynne Robinson, author of Absence of Mind
There will be blood (by Harold Hillman, September/October 2010 ): Butchery is always a messy business, but is religiously inspired ritual slaughter really worse than other methods? Physiologist Harold Hillman dissects the evidence
"To forgive, divine?" (by Eve Garrard, September/October 2010 ): Is forgiveness just for the devout? asks Eve Garrad
Great pretender (by Sally Feldman, September/October 2010 ): Feminist icon, anti-Catholic fabrication – or just a woman battling in a man’s world? Sally Feldman uncovers the mysteries of Pope Joan
Editorial: Rationality rules (by Caspar Melville, September/October 2010 ): We should put our trust in reason, especially when it challenges our preconceptions
Fun-loving Muslims (by Theodore Dalrymple, July/August 2010 ): Islamic dating sites reveal Muslims to be just as shallow as everyone else, says Theodore Dalrymple
Q&A: Daniel Dennett and Linda LaScola (by Editorial Staff, May/June 2010 ): A powerful new piece of research by philosopher Daniel Dennett and qualitative researcher Linda LaScola features interviews with five Christian ministers who have lost their faith but continue to preach. At the top are quotes from two of the priests, and below we speak to the authors
Editorial: Catholic crisis (by Caspar Melville, May/June 2010 ): It is time the for the Catholic Church to be held to account
Work ethics (by Richard Rowson, May/June 2010 ): When religious beliefs conflict with professional duties how do we decide what's fair? We asked Richard Rowson, the man who wrote the rules
Book Review: Is God Still an Englishman? by Cole Moreton (by Francis Beckett, May/June 2010 ): Francis Beckett finds out whether the English have lost their soul
Battle of the Babies (by Caspar Melville, March/April 2010 ): A new book argues that liberal secularism and high birth rates are fuelling a revival of religious fundamentalism. Caspar Melville speaks to its author Eric Kaufmann
My pious past (by Peter Tatchell, March/April 2010 ): Did you know Peter Tatchell used to be a Sunday School teacher?
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
Suffer the little children (by Laurie Taylor, January/February 2010 ): The Catholic Church not only allowed priests to destroy hundreds of young lives, it blamed the victims and covered up the crimes for decades. For Laurie Taylor it’s personal
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 ): Happy Birthday Tom Paine: Jan 29. Here's something we prepared earlier...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 ): As Egyptians bravely protest their government, we thought it a good moment to represent this piece about the Muslim metal scene which has incubated resistance. 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
God's my big homie (by Caspar Melville, July/August 2005 ): Caspar Melville reports on the resurrection of religion in black popular music
Lobbing Horseshit (by Martin Rowson, July/August 2005 ): With everyone talking about the need for 'respect' Martin Rowson reckons it's time to come clean about what they really mean
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
Buggering on a pinhead (by Martin Rowson, May/June 2005 ): Martin Rowson is delighted to report that religion is on it's last legs
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, said Richard Dawkins, just months after 9/11
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 belief in religion and belief in science the same kind of thing, asks philosopher Daniel Dennett
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
Sins of the Father (by Matthew Adams, Web Exclusive, September 2010): Human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson tells Matthew Adams why the Pope must take responsibility for the crisis in his Church
Faith in the market (by Belinda Webb, Web Exclusive, September 2010): Useless tat has long played a part in Catholic life – and now the Church itself is getting in on the act, says Belinda Webb
Film review: The Last Exorcism (by Fred Rowson, Web Exclusive, September 2010): This horror mockumentary is both charming and frightening, says Fred Rowson. But didn't somebody already do an exorcism movie?
Friends like these (by Ophelia Benson, Web Exclusive, October 2010): Attacks on New Atheism, especially from fellow atheists, are ill-advised, counter productive and play into the hands of the religion apologists, argues Ophelia Benson
Why God's Philosophers did not deserve to be shortlisted for the Royal Society prize (by Charles Freeman, Web Exclusive, October 2010): James Hannam's book is a good read but presents a distorted view of the medieval period and the development of science that suits his Catholic agenda, claims Charles Freeman.
In defence of God's Philosophers (by James Hannam, Web Exclusive, November 2010): Historian James Hannam responds to Charles Freeman's critique of his book on the medieval foundations of modern science, which was nominated for the Royal Society's prize for science books
Science, God's Philosophers and the Dark Ages (by Charles Freeman, Web Exclusive, November 2010): The claims made by James Hannam regarding the birth of modern science in the Middle Ages do not stand up to scrutiny, says Charles Freeman
The Blair-Hitch project (by Matthew Adams, Web Exclusive, November 2010): Hitchens debating religion with Blair in Toronto was a heavyweight contest worth staying up for. Matthew Adams keeps the scores
Film review: Of Gods and Men (by Fred Rowson, Web Exclusive, January 2011): This depiction of the last days of seven monks murdered by extremists has been widely celebrated, but its questionable take on Christian devotion is ultimately dissatisfying, says Fred Rowson
Film review: Hereafter (by Fred Rowson, Web Exclusive, February 2011): In taking on the afterlife, Clint Eastwood delivers a trite ghost story that is desperate to be taken seriously, finds Fred Rowson
The man who would be God: an interview with AC Grayling (by Matthew Adams, Web Exclusive, April 2011): Anthony Grayling's latest book is his most daring. He has rewritten the Bible, leaving out God. Matthew Adams meets him
Saving the Lords Spiritual (by Alice Onwordi, Web Exclusive, April 2011): With defeat likely in next week’s AV referendum, Nick Clegg’s hopes will lie with reforming the House of Lords. But he looks set to compromise and keep the bishops in place, reports Alice Onwordi
Renovation not demolition (by Austin Mackell, Web Exclusive, June 2011): As Egypt looks ahead to elections, Austin Mackell meets a representative of one of the Islamic parties vying for control
Africa's imaginary gay crisis (by Ebenezer Obadare, Web Exclusive, June 2011): Across the continent, gays have become the scapegoats for destitution, argues Ebenezer Obadare
Freethinking in the Arab Spring (by Max Opray, Web Exclusive, July 2011): Expressing irreligious views can be dangerous in the Middle East but, for the region's largest group of online rationalists, the Egyptian revolution is a cause for optimism, finds Max Opray
A friend to the friendless (by David Silver, Web Exclusive, July 2011): In the July/August 2011 issue of New Humanist, Richard Smyth assessed the role of prison chaplains. Here David Silver, who is serving a life sentence in HMP Gartree, offers his view
In Jehovah’s village (by Daniel Sitole, Web Exclusive, August 2011): God is alive and well and living in rural Kenya. Daniel Sitole meets him
Epiphany in Etwall (by Dominic Hilton, Web Exclusive, November 2011): Anglicanism had always seemed the quaint traditional option for Dominic Hilton until he was forced to see the church through the eyes of his atheist wife-to-be
A theocracy on the Nile? (by Austin Mackell, Web Exclusive, January 2012): The triumph of the Islamist parties in Egypt's elections has raised fears of a religious takeover of the state. Austin Mackell reports from Cairo
Bunnies, chicks and brutal torture (by Myra Zepf, Web Exclusive, March 2012): Humanist parent Myra Zepf confronts the perils of the Easter festivities