Latest Articles
‘The Genetic Book of the Dead’: A Dawkinsian Medley
In The Oxford Book of Modern Science Writing (2008), Richard Dawkins writes: Our ability to understand the universe…
Image of the week: first edition of ‘The Satanic Verses’
A little late to the party, perhaps, but to celebrate International Blasphemy Day (30 September), I thought it…
Defending liberalism: interview with Helen Pluckrose
Helen Pluckrose is a writer and critic who focuses on ‘Critical Social Justice ideology’, colloquially known as ‘wokeism’,…
Escaping Ideology with Jonathan Church: Freethinker editor Daniel James Sharp in conversation
Freethinker editor Daniel James Sharp recently spoke to Jonathan Church, host of Merion West’s ‘Escaping Ideology’ podcast (and…
‘F*** it, think freely!’ Interview with Brian Cox
Introduction Brian Cox was born in Dundee in 1946 and has been a star of stage and screen…
Invitation to the Freethought History Festival at Conway Hall, 31 August – 1 September
As editor of the Freethinker, I would like to invite you along to Conway Hall’s Freethought History Festival,…
Donald Trump, political violence, and the future of America
Donald Trump was nearly killed a couple of days ago, and the consequences of this failed assassination attempt…
‘Project 2025 is about accelerating the demise of a functioning democracy’: interview with US Representative Jared Huffman
Introduction Jared Huffman is the Democratic representative for California’s 2nd congressional district and the only open non-believer in…
Image of the week: Charles Bradlaugh’s struggle and triumph
As the UK prepares to elect a new government on 4 July, this seems a good moment to…
Image of the week: Ajita Kesakambali, ancient Indian materialist and one of the Six Heretics
With Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party facing a setback in the polls, now is a good moment to…
Image of the week: celebrating the death of Ebrahim Raisi, the Butcher of Tehran
Masih Alinejad, the sworn foe of Iranian tyranny who has survived several kidnapping and assassination attempts by the…
‘We are at a threshold right now’: Lawrence Krauss on science, atheism, religion, and the crisis of ‘wokeism’ in science
Daniel James Sharp interviews physicist Lawrence Krauss on science, religion, atheism, 'wokeism', and more.
Rushdie’s victory
‘What you have made will long endure.’ This is how Salman Rushdie signed off one of his last…
Image of the week: Terry Sanderson, secularist hero, 1946-2022
On 6 April, a celebration of Terry Sanderson’s life was held at his newly erected grave in Brookwood.…
‘Words are the only victors’ – Salman Rushdie’s ‘Victory City’, reviewed
The novelist's latest work is a triumph of humanism, argues Daniel James Sharp.
‘Nature is super enough, thank you very much!’: interview with Frank Turner
Daniel James Sharp speaks to the fiercely independent musician Frank Turner about life, art, Taylor Swift, and more.
Faith Watch, March 2024
Christian sexism – anti-blasphemy activism – persecution in Pakistan – defining 'extremism' – Hate Monster – rum and Ramadan – Alexander…
‘The Greek mind was something special’: interview with Charles Freeman
The author of 'The Closing of the Western Mind' on ancient Greece, Christianity, and the narrowing of public discourse today.
Consciousness, free will and meaning in a Darwinian universe: interview with Daniel C. Dennett
The American philosopher talks about life, consciousness and meaning in a godless, Darwinian universe.
Image of the week: ‘Wha wants me’, a caricature of Thomas Paine by Isaac Cruikshank (1792)
9 February marks the birthday of the great revolutionary and freethinker Thomas Paine. Born in 1737 in Thetford,…