Author Archive for Steve

Pope John Paul II: saintly or unbalanced?

Self-flagellation may make the Pope a saint, but it's the clearest sign you could ask for of the gulf between faith and the real world.

Separation of faith and job

Spiritual beliefs should not be allowed to conflict with tasks, such as dispensing medicines, that have important effects on other people's lives.

Creationists: stick your fingers in your ears and sing ting-a-ling-a-loo

Richard Dawkins' latest book lays out the evidence for evolution clearly: but creationists will always prefer ignorance to an uncomfortable truth

Bertrand Russell talking sense

In this video, Bertrand Russell describes clearly why religious belief is intellectual treachery, of no value and the product of savage ages

When prejudice becomes law

The UK Government wants to change the law to allow religious organisations to discriminate in the workplace

Helping Haiti: it’s about humanity

The fate of Haiti has moved us all, and now there is a way of donating money to aid organisations that don't confuse faith with compassion.

I’d rather be human than spiritual

Being 'spiritual' is automatically seen as a good thing, even though it is a vague term. I'd rather celebrate being human

Religious murder

Faith can never excuse murder. Scott Roeder's extreme beliefs do not warrant a 'necessity defence'.

Did Jesus beget himself?

Having invented the story of Christ, the theologists of many Christian sects are having a hard time making the plot work

An atheist theology?

The idea of philosophy turning to theology in order to cherry-pick the best parts is missing the point. Theology is built on myth and so can't be trusted

Lies believers tell: religion is the source of beauty

Religion has given us great works of art, but only because of the power and wealth of the church. It does not mean there is any intrinsic validity to faith.

Dishonest debate

Creationists are again attempting to infiltrate the UK education system with lies and disinformation. Why are they always so dishonest about what they're doing?

Is religion bad for us?

A new sociological report suggests that religion is a bad influence on society and its morals - and that the US in particular is in deep trouble because of it.

Top six books for atheists this Christmas

A round-up of some of the best books published in 2009 that humanists, atheists and freethinkers will want to have in their libraries.

God in our image?

Is god the product of our brains? A new documentary film seeks the answers.

What do atheists do at Christmas?

For atheists, Christmas means much the same as it does for most people - having fun and not thinking too much about the pagan origins of the festival.

Unchristian attacks on atheism’s message

Attacks on atheist posters and websites show a distinct lack of tolerance and brotherly love

The vote is in – there is no god

God does not exist, says a poll on the website of evangelical Christian organisation Alpha