Looking to explore the currents of thought behind secularism? Here are nine books to begin with.
Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/11/ep-61
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Tag Archives: history
Ep 49: The early history of secularism
The term ‘secularism’ was coined in 1851. But Britain’s tradition of freethinkers, atheists and radicals goes back much further than that.
Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/05/ep-49
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It’s not too late to fulfil George Holyoake’s secularist vision – Opinion Out Loud Ep 006
Opinion Out Loud brings you a selection of the National Secular Society’s opinion pieces in audio format.
Read this original opinion piece: https://www.secularism.org.uk/opinion/2020/07/its-not-too-late-to-fulfil-george-holyoakes-secularist-vision
With secularist principles under siege across much of the world, it’s worth reconsidering the vision of the man who coined the term ‘secularism’ in the 19th century, says his biographer Ray Argyle.
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Ep 43: Charles Bradlaugh – Atheist and Republican
One hundred and thirty years after he died, Professor David Nash and Bob Forder speak to Emma Park about the life and significance of Charles Bradlaugh – the first openly atheist MP, and the founder of the NSS.
Full shownotes and subscriber information: https://www.secularism.org.uk/podcast/2021/02/ep-43/
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Ep 24: The history of the NSS – Interview with Bob Forder
How did the secularist movement begin in Britain? And why should modern supporters of secularism care about its history?
In this week’s episode, Emma Park speaks to Bob Forder, a member of the NSS council and former history teacher, about the origins of secularism in Britain. Bob explains how the secularist movement was, from its early years, bound up with the story of the National Secular Society. From its origins in local working-class associations, secularism has always been a socially progressive if not radical movement that has challenged the established hierarchy.
Freedom of speech and of conscience, abolishing the blasphemy laws, providing scientific information about birth control – issues like these have been at the heart of secularist campaigns, and supported by the NSS, for over a hundred and fifty years. And, as this podcast shows, understanding the history of secularism can help reinforce its supporters’ sense of purpose, and their shared identity, even today.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_gyBTgBhbA&feature=youtu.be
Transcripts: https://www.secularism.org.uk/transcripts
Notes
The history of the National Secular Society
https://www.secularism.org.uk/history.html
The Fruits of Philosophy – an early pamphlet on contraception
https://www.secularism.org.uk/the-fruits-of-philosophy-trial.html
Peterloo’s heroes represented the finest traditions of secular democracy
Radicals, Rebels, and Revolutionaries of the 19th century – Bob Forder at Conway Hall
https://www.secularism.org.uk/radicals-rebels-and-revolutionar.html
Former NSS President Barbara Smoker dies at 96
https://www.secularism.org.uk/news/2020/04/former-nss-president-barbara-smoker-dies-at-96
Make a stand for freedom, fairness and human rights by adding your voice to the call for a secular democracy. Join the National Secular Society today https://www.secularism.org.uk/join
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