agnosticism
Philip Kitcher on separating ethics from religion
By Chris Stedman — December 2, 2014
In part two of his conversation with RNS, 'Life After Faith' author Philip Kitcher explores how to disentangle ethics from religion, the connection between values and community, and why doubt is just the beginning of Humanism.
Philip Kitcher: ‘New Atheism’ hasn’t supplied anything to replace religion
By Chris Stedman — December 1, 2014
Atheist philosopher Philip Kitcher talks with RNS about his disagreements with “New Atheism,” how secular humanism is similar to religion and how it is different, and what Humanists can learn from religion.
Why transgender issues are Humanist issues
By Chris Stedman — November 28, 2014
Two of the core principles of Humanism are the value of the individual and rational, evidenced-based thinking. Our culture is failing miserably at both when it comes to the transgender community—which is why Humanist voices are greatly needed.
The fight to show that Black lives matter, in Ferguson and beyond, needs atheist allies
By Chris Stedman — November 24, 2014
I know not all atheists identify as secular humanists, but for those that do—for the nonbelieving individuals and groups who, like me, contend for secular rights and ethical reasoning conducive to the wellbeing of all humans—I need you.
Instead of hating on social justice, atheists should tackle STEM segregation
By Chris Stedman — November 21, 2014
As a racially polarized nation awaits the grand jury decision on the officer who killed unarmed teen Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, atheists and Humanists must step up on addressing STEM segregation and racism.
Is Richard Dawkins misunderstood, or does he misunderstand his critics?
By Chris Stedman — November 20, 2014
Why does Richard Dawkins, an experienced communicator who once served as Oxford's Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science, say that he feels misunderstood and muzzled?
Is religious freedom really the answer to radicalism?
By Chris Stedman — November 14, 2014
True religious freedom won’t be accomplished by platitudes. It requires a comprehensive and balanced approach that’s all too often missing from the field.
Why atheists should follow Carl Sagan’s lead
By Chris Stedman — November 9, 2014
What we celebrate when we recognize Carl Sagan Day is not only Sagan himself. We are really celebrating this amazing cosmos in which we live—and our capacity within it to experience beauty, make meaning, and find purpose.
Why I’m trying to be the military’s first Humanist chaplain: An interview with Jason Heap
By Chris Stedman — November 6, 2014
"It feels as if there is no consistency in the decisions being made—and as such, it rings alarm bells in my mind," Dr. Jason Heap, the first Humanist chaplain applicant for the U.S. Navy, tells RNS.
Is the U.S. military anti-atheist? An interview with Jason Torpy
By Chris Stedman — November 5, 2014
"There is a very powerful minority—about 19 percent—of military personnel representing evangelistic and anti-atheist constituencies in the military." Former U.S. Army Captain and President of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers Jason Torpy speaks with RNS.
Thomas Page McBee on his brush with death, transgender stories, and his agnostic mother
By Chris Stedman — October 23, 2014
Author Thomas Page McBee tells RNS about the religious themes of "Man Alive," the influence of his agnostic mother, religion and the transgender community, and how men can address their own privilege.
Jeremy Messersmith wears his atheist heart on his sleeve
By Chris Stedman — October 20, 2014
Atheist musician Jeremy Messersmith tells RNS how his experiences as a former Christian inspired his most recent album, what he believes now, and why relating to his religious family can feel like going to a Renaissance Festival.
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.
