agnosticism
Tony Campolo’s surprise reaction when his son came out as a humanist
By Jonathan Merritt — October 6, 2014
“I passed just about every stage of heresy on my way to apostasy,” Bart said. “It wasn’t until I exhausted every option for staying a Christian that I gave it up.”
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."
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.
Ayaan Hirsi Ali draws criticism from fellow atheists at Yale
By Kimberly Winston — September 15, 2014
(RNS) A campus appearance by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, the outspoken Muslim-turned-atheist activist, is being challenged again, this time at Yale University. But this time her fellow ex-Muslims and atheists are among her critics.
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.
S.E. Cupp isn’t a ‘joiner’ — is that true for other atheists?
By Chris Stedman — August 22, 2014
"I became an atheist because I'm not a joiner," CNN host S.E. Cupp says in a recent video. 'Atheists aren't joiners' is a common stereotype—but that doesn't mean we can't be 'joiners,' or that there aren't potential benefits.
Ferguson: Why atheists should care — and what they can do
By Chris Stedman — August 21, 2014
It’s time for humanists to dig deeper. It’s time for humanists to stop being so lazy regarding issues of race violence. Race and the consequences of our racist society must become a priority within the humanist movement.
Atheists in foxholes — and car accidents
By Chris Stedman — August 15, 2014
Some say that there are "no atheists in foxholes"—that, when confronted with her or his own mortality, even the most ardent atheist suddenly becomes a believer. But a recent car accident reminded me of how my atheism fuels my appreciation for being alive.
LGBTQs are leaving religion, but atheists shouldn’t celebrate
By Chris Stedman — August 13, 2014
As an atheist and a queer person, I'm not surprised by Gallup’s finding that fewer LGBTQ people are religious. But I want to caution all people—atheists included—against celebrating this.
