In defence of God’s Philosophers
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
Faith & Religion
Tibet’s small exercise in democracy
Tibet must find a secular alternative to being led by a dalai lama … said the Dalai Lama to Isabel Hilton
Faith in schools?
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.
Who won the Pope wars?
Catholics, secularists, protestors, pilgrims and provocateurs all claimed victory after the Pontiff’s recent visit. Paul Sims assesses the final score
Against humanism
Of course we should love, honour and cherish our species, says Mary Midgley. But should we have to worship it too?
Why God’s Philosophers did not deserve to be shortlisted for the Royal Society prize
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.
Don’t fall into the faith school trap
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
Is it time for atheist schools?
Francis Beckett outlines his proposal for Britain's first avowedly humanist state school
Editorial: Rationality rules
We should put our trust in reason, especially when it challenges our preconceptions
Friends like these
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