Chris Stedman
All Stories by Chris Stedman
Joni Eareckson Tada is wrong about Brittany Maynard’s decision to die
By Chris Stedman — October 17, 2014
In Joni Eareckson Tada's world, the real tragedy isn’t that Brittany Maynard is terminally ill. It’s that she’s chosen to manage her suffering in a way Tada finds personally offensive.
In new atheist children’s book, belief is for the dogs
By Chris Stedman — October 13, 2014
New children's book "Me & Dog" is certainly unusual—but, by comparing belief in God to the relationship between a dog and his owner, is it unfair to believers? Author Gene Weingarten speaks with RNS.
Atheism and social justice: Sikivu Hutchinson on the first People of Color Beyond Faith conference
By Chris Stedman — October 9, 2014
"Despite frequent tokenistic calls for 'diversity' within the 'movement,' there are virtually no people of color in executive management positions in any of the major secular, atheist, or Humanist organizations." Author and activist Sikivu Hutchinson tells RNS how a new conference is working to change that.
What was missing from the Ben Affleck and Bill Maher Islam debate
By Chris Stedman — October 6, 2014
Ben Affleck, Bill Maher, and Sam Harris debated Islam over the weekend. But their debate was lacking something incredibly important: The voices and perspectives of Muslims and ex-Muslims.
Why would a Christian pastor help an atheist start a ‘godless congregation’?
By Chris Stedman — October 3, 2014
Last weekend the number of "godless congregation" Sunday Assembly locations more than doubled. Here's why their rapid growth is a welcome reminder of the value of working with and learning from others.
The original ‘atheist church’: Why don’t more atheists know about Ethical Culture?
By Chris Stedman — October 1, 2014
Unfamiliarity with Ethical Culture—a nontheistic, Humanist religion—is more common among some atheists than it should be. Anne Klaeysen tells RNS about the history of Ethical Culture, the challenges it faces today, and what the atheist movement can learn from the original "atheist church."
Listen to Joseph Gordon-Levitt: Stop trying to replace feminism with Humanism
By Chris Stedman — September 25, 2014
Joseph Gordon-Levitt isn’t the first to be told that we should replace the word feminism with Humanism; in fact, it’s a relatively common refrain. But as he learned, Humanism already means something else.
If just 1 in 7 atheists are anti-religious, who speaks for atheism? An interview with Dale McGowan
By Chris Stedman — September 24, 2014
"There's more power to change minds in that moment than in a thousand debates." Dale McGowan tells RNS why so many people conflate atheism with anti-theism and what atheists can gain from interfaith work.
Can atheists pray? Gretta Vosper on Andrew W.K., Sam Harris, and atheist ‘spirituality’
By Chris Stedman — September 18, 2014
Andrew W.K. recently made waves with an advice column encouraging an atheist to pray for a brother recently diagnosed with cancer. Atheist minister Gretta Vosper talks to RNS about atheism and prayer.
Can hip-hop help Humanism? Monica Miller on African American atheism and white privilege
By Chris Stedman — September 17, 2014
Dr. Monica Miller, Professor of Religion and Africana Studies and author of 'Religion and Hip Hop', tells RNS how looking to hip-hop and African American Humanism can improve discussions about race among atheists.
Gay and nonreligious in a Republican state, Rep. Brian Sims puts his faith in humanity
By Chris Stedman — September 10, 2014
"I'm the only elected official in Pennsylvania that didn't have to set foot in a house of worship to get elected." Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Sims tells RNS about his his faith in humanity and being a nonreligious gay Democrat in a Republican state.
Atheists challenging ‘under God’ need to win hearts, not just minds
By Chris Stedman — September 8, 2014
If we want to help people truly understand why language like "under God" marginalizes atheists, we need to work with religious people and focus on building relationships with believers.
Why atheists and Humanists must demand climate action
By Chris Stedman — September 5, 2014
Most Humanists recognize that the climate crisis represents a serious threat to our biosphere and civilization. But much of the dialogue among atheists and Humanists centers on the “debate” between scientists and climate deniers—and this is a mistake.
After atheists asked, Tufts creates first university-funded Humanist position
By Chris Stedman — September 3, 2014
Five years after a group of atheist and agnostic students launched a campaign to get a Humanist chaplain at Tufts, the university has created a Humanist staff position—the first of its kind in the U.S.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: Did they have an atheist wedding?
By Chris Stedman — August 28, 2014
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are among the most famous atheists in the world. But to many people, the idea of a nontheistic wedding is still entirely alien.
