Written by TLC

If the subtitle of this book sets out Grayling’s objective, the gravamen of the book is found in this passage at page 14: ‘Whereas there are other sources of individual comfort and inspiration that are far better than religion – they include love and friendship, family life, art, the pursuit of knowledge and, as noted, the outlook and principles of humanism – there are very few sources of conflict and mental enslavement as bad as ideology which demands self-abnegation by submission to its dogma and to the self-appointed interpreters of its dogmas. Religion is the paradigm of this.’ Discussions about religion often creates offence because it touches on emotive and deeply felt beliefs on one side and the denial of those beliefs by the other. Grayling may appear blunt (some theists may think him rude and arrogant), but he is merely stating his arguments and politeness and euphemism will sacrifice accuracy and clarity for ambiguity and vagueness. Other atheist writers such as Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens are often labelled ‘militant atheists’. In their defence, Grayling argues that there is no such thing as a militant atheist. A theist believes in the existence of God. The atheist does not. We either collect stamps or we don’t – ‘There’s no such thing as a militant non-stamp collector’.

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Registration for the World Humanist Congress 2014, to be held in Oxford, is already open:

https://humanism.org.uk/whc2014/tickets/

If you are living in the United Kingdom, or planning to travel there, let the HSS know! We have several members who are considering a trip there, and we could consider the possibility of meeting up, or pooling resources for transport and accommodation.

Representatives from the HSS had attended the Global Atheist Convention in 2012. Photos of our trip can be found here.

In September, there was debate over whether atheism is a “religion”. One of our members, Say Liang, wrote a letter in response to the debate:

Don’t stereotype atheism

I refer to Mr Daniel Lee’s forum letter, “No conclusive definition of ‘atheism’” published on September 19. I had thought that Mr Paul Tobin’s letter put the matter to rest but unfortunately Mr Lee has recycled the well worn misconception that atheism is “a belief system”. [Read more…]

Photo: Event speaker Zheng Huifen (left) receiving a token of appreciation from HSS President Mark after the event.

By Zheng Huifen

On 1 Sept 2013, I had the pleasure of leading a discussion on the topic of “Giving: Limited Resources, Maximum Impact”. The aim was to explore how each person, with limited resources, can and should make charitable contributions, and how to maximise the effect of such giving. Some 30 HSS members and guests gathered to explore the subject. [Read more…]

By Sean Nolan

For some the journey and discovery that you are an atheist could be a radical, extreme or even dangerous realization. Many non-believers will feel alone or exiled from their family and friends because of their secular beliefs, especially if no one around them understands or shares those beliefs. This is where Humanism and the Humanist society steps in, as it gives non-believers a community environment in which they can openly communicate with others who share their secularism. As opposed to many theistic groups, the Humanist Society welcomes people with a plethora ofideologies and opinions to have friendly debates and discussions rather than being bound to total compliance. [Read more…]