What is ‘religion’? Strasbourg and the Pastafarians again
Should a religion that is 'made up' still be protected under human rights law? The ongoing debate about Pastafarianism and other belief systems on the margins.
When does a religious ideology become a political one? The case of Islam
Niko Alm argues that it is important for advocates of a liberal interpretation of Islam to draw a clear distinction between their views and those of traditionalists.
Freethought and secularism
The views of Chapman Cohen, former president of the National Secular Society and editor of the Freethinker, on freethought and secularism
Christopher Hitchens and the long afterlife of Thomas Paine
Daniel Sharp examines the influence of Thomas Paine on Christopher Hitchens, and their many points of resemblance.
‘Humanity changes remarkably little’ – interview with Jonathan Sumption, Part II
The former Supreme Court justice on his career at the Bar, his role as a judge in Hong Kong, his love of medieval history and opera, and why Brexit was 'unwise'.
The need to rekindle irreverence for Islam in Muslim thought
Kunwar Khuldune Shahid argues that allowing freethought to flourish within the Muslim world would lead to intellectual and social progress.