Chris Stedman: Faitheist
Blasphemy and atheist rituals: An interview with S. Brent Plate
By Chris Stedman — June 13, 2014
'A History of Religion in 5½ Objects' author S. Brent Plate talks with RNS about atheist rituals, how art and objects are connected to blasphemy, and why religion is about more than just belief.
Barney Frank: Why I didn’t talk about my atheism while serving in Congress
By Chris Stedman — June 6, 2014
Former Congressman Barney Frank tells RNS how anti-Semitism impacted his decision not to talk about his nontheism sooner, shares his advice for atheists who want to run for public office, and explains how responses to his nontheism have differed from responses to his sexual orientation.
MIT ditches graduation prayer — and may soon gain a humanist chaplain
By Chris Stedman — June 3, 2014
MIT doctoral student Aaron Scheinberg explains why he worked to remove MIT's official graduation prayer, and why the experience convinced him to create a Humanist chaplaincy.
Why has Arizona become a hotbed of atheist political participation?
By Chris Stedman — May 29, 2014
The state of Arizona is an unlikely home for visible atheist politicians. But according to secular lobbyist Seráh Blain, a new national initiative may help more states mirror Arizona’s rapid expansion of atheist participation in politics.
What an atheist learned from working with Zoroastrians
By Chris Stedman — May 28, 2014
What can atheists learn from working with faith communities? Humanist Zach Cole reflects on what he learned from Zoroastrians, and why atheists should partner with religious communities for service to humanity.
Why atheists shouldn’t dismiss philosophy: ‘Plato’ author Rebecca Goldstein
By Chris Stedman — May 19, 2014
As atheists debate the merits of philosophy, 'Plato at the Googleplex' author Rebecca Goldstein tells RNS that philosophy isn’t in competition with science and explains why atheists shouldn’t dismiss it.
Barbara Ehrenreich on atheism, mysticism, and ‘Women in Secularism’
By Chris Stedman — May 16, 2014
"Living With a Wild God" author and "Women in Secularism" speaker Barbara Ehrenreich talks with RNS about reconciling mystical experiences with atheism, sexism among nontheists, and why atheism alone is not enough.
Arizona Rep. Juan Mendez: We need atheist invocations
By Chris Stedman — May 14, 2014
After Greece vs. Galloway, Arizona Rep. Juan Mendez tells RNS why atheists should offer invocations at government meetings, and why all people should support them.
Why atheists should care about transgender issues: A conversation with Kayley Whalen
By Chris Stedman — May 10, 2014
Kayley Whalen, an atheist and queer transgender woman who works for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, talks with RNS about her journey to acceptance and how atheists can be trans allies and advocates.
New England’s first atheist summer camp launches, raising questions about atheist youth education
By Chris Stedman — May 5, 2014
This summer Camp Quest, a trailblazing summer camp for the children of nontheistic parents, will launch its first camp in New England. Program Director Paul Chiariello speaks with RNS about education for atheist youth and why they're not “indoctrinating” children.
Former Muslim Alom Shaha: Why atheists should care about anti-Muslim prejudice
By Chris Stedman — May 1, 2014
Humanists, and secularists need to stand up against anti-Muslim prejudice, says Humanist author.
Meet James Woods, who could be the first open atheist elected to Congress
By Chris Stedman — April 27, 2014
Arizona's James Woods could be the first person elected to U.S. Congress to openly campaign as an atheist, and the first blind member of Congress in nearly 100 years. He spoke with RNS about his beliefs and his campaign.
On Ayaan Hirsi Ali, atheists, and free speech
By Chris Stedman — April 24, 2014
Controversy over Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s rescinded honorary doctorate continues, with many framing it as an unforgivable insult to a prominent women’s rights activist. Sarah Jones says the reality is a bit more complicated.
Outside the box: 3 ways people misidentify the ‘Nones’
By Chris Stedman — April 22, 2014
In an effort to understand the growing exodus from organized religion among Americans, many people get some things about the religiously unaffiliated (or "Nones") wrong. Here are three of them.
Is atheism without works dead? The shifting landscape of nontheistic service
By Chris Stedman — April 17, 2014
Some Christians believe that faith without works is dead. Perhaps we could say the same of atheism. Fortunately, more and more nontheists are demonstrating that atheism is alive and well.
