Essay: Bible Teaching and Religious Practice – Mark Twain

Bible Teaching and Religious Practice – Mark Twain Religion had its share in the changes of civilization and national character, of course. What share? The lion’s. In the history of the human race this has always been the case, will always be the case, to the end of time, no doubt; or at least until … Read more

Essay: THANK GOODNESS – Daniel C. Dennett

THANK GOODNESS – Daniel C. Dennett The following is an Extract, you can read the full piece here. In October 2006, Dennett was hospitalized due to an aortic dissection. After a nine-hour surgery, he was given a new aorta. In the essay posted on the Edge website, Dennett gives his firsthand account of his health … Read more

Essay: Can an atheist be a fundamentalist? – AC Grayling

Can an atheist be a fundamentalist? – AC Grayling Published in the UK Guardian – May 2006 It is time to put to rest the mistakes and assumptions that lie behind a phrase used by some religious people when talking of those who are plain-spoken about their disbelief in any religious claims: the phrase “fundamentalist … Read more

Essay: Imagine no heaven – Salman Rushdie

Imagine no heaven – Salman Rushdie Written in 1999 and published in the UK’s Guardian – The six billionth person was born this week into a world still plagued by religious conflict and oppression. Salman Rushdie has an important message for this new member of the human race Dear little Six Billionth Living Person: As … Read more

Essay: Why I Am Not A Christian – Bertrand Russell

Why I Am Not A Christian – Bertrand Russell Introductory note: Russell delivered this lecture on March 6, 1927 to the National Secular Society, South London Branch, at Battersea Town Hall. Published in pamphlet form in that same year, the essay subsequently achieved new fame with Paul Edwards’ edition of Russell’s book, Why I Am Not … Read more