The HSS is a young organisation but it is growing steadily. As we celebrated our third anniversary, we reflected on what we have done and what we can do better. Luckily, our new website has provided some statistics for our reference. [Read more…]
World Humanist Congress 2014
16 October 2013 by
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.
Book Review: Humanism by Peter Cave
12 October 2013 by
Written by TLC
Humanism is an inherently attractive word. It immediately connects to us because its root is ‘human’. However, it is often not understood at all. Some religious people view it as a pagan cult and some with disdain simply because it stands opposed to religion. Even freethinkers may only have some fuzzy ideas about what humanism is about. Humanism, at its core, is a simple approach to life (without gods). It is about learning about humanity and being human. That is all there is. In practice, we have often to pause and wonder how best to deal with situations and problems especially those in which we know that there is a right way and a wrong way of dealing with them. Many of these rights and wrongs do not merely concern correct or incorrect action and reaction – they involve morality and immorality. In this book, Peter Cave explains what to be human means from the point of view of a humanist. [Read more…]
Don’t stereotype atheism
29 September 2013 by
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…]
Reflections from “Giving: Limited Resources, Maximum Impact”
4 September 2013 by
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…]
Humanism and Atheism
8 August 2013 by
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…]
Darwin Day gains popularity in Asia
15 February 2013 by
(From left to right, Darwin Day posters in the Phillipines, Singapore and Malaysia)
Darwin Day, which celebrates Charles Darwin’s birthday and his scientific contributions, is experiencing growing popularity in the Asia-Pacific region. [Read more…]
My route to atheism
20 January 2013 by
I was never truly in any religion. I never really believed. But back then I didn’t even know what an atheist is.
My parents are Chinese and worship the traditional Chinese pantheon of gods. They weren’t particularly religious but they are superstitious. So, in effect, my brother and I weren’t particularly religious as well. The whole god idea never quite got to the both of us.
Abiogenesis, Life and Gods
6 January 2013 by
A frequent and unusual question that believers tend to bring up when “proving” god is on the origins of life.
“Where do you think we came from?”
“How do you think we were created?”
“I don’t believe we arose by chance.”
“How do you think we were created?”
“I don’t believe we arose by chance.”
Frankly, I think this sort of questions is kinda redundant when discussing the existence of god. I’ll explain… [Read more…]
Staying strong in the face of life’s troubles
10 December 2012 by
Graphics by Blossom Wen
Life is not a bed of roses, and we all know that too well. In the face of life’s troubles, people have different ways of coping. Some justify their pain with the money earned, some are driven solely by passion, while many others find solace in religious traditions. Common questions posed to humanists are: What do we believe in and how do we stay strong in the presence of adversity? How do we keep going despite the absence of supernatural beliefs? [Read more…]
