The Latest From HNN
Recent HNN Articles
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR: Humanist Bravery
Posted May 15, 2013I live in Washington DC, a city that’s so liberal, 92% of residents voted for President Obama in the last election. It’s a city where, amidst a myriad of political opinions, atheist advertisements hardly bat an eye (the major press comes from the rest of America). That’s why it’s sometimes hard for me to imagine what it’s like living in a small town where coming out as an atheist, or simply standing up for church-state separation, can lead to bullying, losing of a job, or even being kicked out of your own home. Seems silly to think that simply not believing in God can lead to real-life consequences, but it’s worth reminding ourselves of how far we, as members of the freethought movement, still need to go in order to achieve equality for nonbelievers.
That’s why I applaud Gracie Bedi, one of the plaintiffs in the AHA’s lawsuit against a high school in Mississippi that held an unconstitutional Christian assembly and the lead story in this week’s HNN, for coming out publicly on behalf of humanists, atheists and religious minorities at her school. We need more religious allies like Gracie, and humanists like her friend Alexis, who are willing to be brave and stand up for the First Amendment. It’s never easy, but it’s worth it.
Maggie Ardiente
HNN Editor
Why I Sued Northwest Rankin High School: A Student Speaks Out
Posted May 15, 2013The AHA’s Appignani Humanist Legal Center is representing two students in a lawsuit against a public high school in Mississippi that forced students to attend an evangelical Christian assembly. One of the plaintiffs is now “coming out” from anonymity.
Brainstormin’: Faith is a False Friend
Posted May 15, 2013Andy Norman participates on a panel sponsored by the Christian Veritas Forum on the topic “Faith: Friend or Foe?” and argues that faith is indeed a friend—but not a good one.
Secular Humanism and Religious Humanism: HNN Readers Weigh In
Posted May 15, 2013HNN Editor Maggie Ardiente asked readers, “Can humanism be both religious and secular?” and dozens of readers wrote in to share their opinion. What do you think?
A Report on the Secular Coalition for America Lobby Day and Secular Summit
Posted May 15, 2013AHA Legislative Associate Matthew Bulger participated in the Secular Coalition for America’s Lobby Day last month and reports on the growing lobbying activity of nonreligious Americans.
New Additions to the AHA Conference Schedule
Posted May 15, 2013Already made your plans to come to the AHA Conference? (We hope so—the hotel is now sold out!) We’ve just added several fun activities to the schedule—learn more here!
The Ethical Dilemma: Should I Serve As Godmother, Even Though I’m an Atheist?
Posted May 15, 2013Joan-Reisman Brill answers your questions this week! Got an ethical dilemma and need advice? Write to us at hnn@americanhumanist.org.
Humanist Crossword Puzzle: America’s Pastime
Posted May 15, 2013Our humanist crossword puzzles are back! Download the latest one here. Created by Dan Mason.
Humanist Voices in Verse: “God” by Daniel Thomas Moran
Posted May 15, 2013This week’s poem is by HNN poetry editor, Daniel Thomas Moran.
The Comics Section: In the Afterlife, Atheist Clubs, Taking Action
Posted May 15, 2013Your favorites are back! New comics from Jesus and Mo, Ape Not Monkey, and The Bad Chemicals!
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR: Humanists United for Boston
Posted April 17, 2013It’s hard to convey the sadness and anger many of us are feeling right now in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings. But one of things I can always rely on as a humanist is that I have hope that human beings will be quick to respond with compassion and action. Rather than focusing on blame and hate, people have donated blood and opened up their homes. Twitter users are using hashtags like #ActForBoston rather than #PrayForBoston to raise awareness. Boston area chapters of the American Humanist Association, such as the Humanist Community at Harvard, and other local atheist groups are lending their support, and the charitable group Atheists Giving Aid has already raised over $7,000 for the victims. The American Humanist Association encourages all our members to help where they can—giving to the American Red Cross is a great first step (Red Cross reports that they already have enough donated blood, but financial donations are always needed).
Comedian (and atheist) Patton Oswalt said it best: “We would not be here if humanity were inherently evil. We'd have eaten ourselves alive long ago. So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or...hatred...just look it in the eye and think, 'The good outnumber you, and we always will.”
Maggie Ardiente
Editor, HNN
A Note to Readers: HNN is taking a brief hiatus (your editor will be getting married and honeymooning next week!). The next issue of HNN will be published on May 8.
Here’s Looking at You, Atheists: Interview with Stacey Speer of “Faces of Atheists”
Posted April 17, 2013AHA Communications Assistant Sarah Anne Hughes interviews the creator of a visually-effective Tumblr that encourages atheists to share their stories.
Appignani Humanist Legal Center Objects to Christian Assembly at Public School
Posted April 17, 2013William Burgess of the AHA’s legal center sends a letter to administrators at a Mississippi high school for holding a Christian assembly during public school hours.
AHA Urges Congressmembers to Join House Science Caucus
Posted April 17, 2013The AHA’s advocacy team sent a letter to all U.S. House of Representatives urging them to join the House Science and National Lab Caucus to protect funding for science research.
April 25 is International Day to Defend Atheist Bloggers in Bangladesh
Posted April 17, 2013The American Humanist Association joins over 100 secular organizations and freethought leaders in taking action on behalf of atheist bloggers that have been arrested or killed in Bangladesh.
