Humanist Network News
Humanist Network News, or HNN, is a weekly Internet magazine produced by the American Humanist Association (AHA). A typical edition of HNN contains news, opinion, lifestyle pieces, cartoons and humor...just like a regular newspaper except each piece addresses the nonreligious philosophy of humanism. HNN articles are written by the staff of the AHA and a variety of guest writers. HNN is published every Wednesday.
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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.









