Chris Stedman
All Stories by Chris Stedman
Philip Kitcher on separating ethics from religion
By Chris Stedman — December 2, 2014
In part two of his conversation with RNS, 'Life After Faith' author Philip Kitcher explores how to disentangle ethics from religion, the connection between values and community, and why doubt is just the beginning of Humanism.
Philip Kitcher: ‘New Atheism’ hasn’t supplied anything to replace religion
By Chris Stedman — December 1, 2014
Atheist philosopher Philip Kitcher talks with RNS about his disagreements with “New Atheism,” how secular humanism is similar to religion and how it is different, and what Humanists can learn from religion.
Why transgender issues are Humanist issues
By Chris Stedman — November 28, 2014
Two of the core principles of Humanism are the value of the individual and rational, evidenced-based thinking. Our culture is failing miserably at both when it comes to the transgender community—which is why Humanist voices are greatly needed.
The fight to show that Black lives matter, in Ferguson and beyond, needs atheist allies
By Chris Stedman — November 24, 2014
I know not all atheists identify as secular humanists, but for those that do—for the nonbelieving individuals and groups who, like me, contend for secular rights and ethical reasoning conducive to the wellbeing of all humans—I need you.
Instead of hating on social justice, atheists should tackle STEM segregation
By Chris Stedman — November 21, 2014
As a racially polarized nation awaits the grand jury decision on the officer who killed unarmed teen Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, atheists and Humanists must step up on addressing STEM segregation and racism.
Is Richard Dawkins misunderstood, or does he misunderstand his critics?
By Chris Stedman — November 20, 2014
Why does Richard Dawkins, an experienced communicator who once served as Oxford's Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science, say that he feels misunderstood and muzzled?
Is religious freedom really the answer to radicalism?
By Chris Stedman — November 14, 2014
True religious freedom won’t be accomplished by platitudes. It requires a comprehensive and balanced approach that’s all too often missing from the field.
Why atheists should follow Carl Sagan’s lead
By Chris Stedman — November 9, 2014
What we celebrate when we recognize Carl Sagan Day is not only Sagan himself. We are really celebrating this amazing cosmos in which we live—and our capacity within it to experience beauty, make meaning, and find purpose.
Why I’m trying to be the military’s first Humanist chaplain: An interview with Jason Heap
By Chris Stedman — November 6, 2014
"It feels as if there is no consistency in the decisions being made—and as such, it rings alarm bells in my mind," Dr. Jason Heap, the first Humanist chaplain applicant for the U.S. Navy, tells RNS.
Is the U.S. military anti-atheist? An interview with Jason Torpy
By Chris Stedman — November 5, 2014
"There is a very powerful minority—about 19 percent—of military personnel representing evangelistic and anti-atheist constituencies in the military." Former U.S. Army Captain and President of the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers Jason Torpy speaks with RNS.
Atheist author Peter Boghossian suggests gays shouldn’t be proud. Is he proud to be an atheist?
By Chris Stedman — November 4, 2014
In a time when more and more atheists are encouraging their fellow nonbelievers to be "openly secular," I wonder if Boghossian sees any parallels between the celebratory spirit of LGBTQ pride and the joy many atheists find in being honest about what they believe.
Do skeptics kill Halloween fun? Ask ‘The Shining’ hotel paranormal investigators
By Chris Stedman — October 30, 2014
Does skepticism take the fun out of Halloween? Paranormal investigators Bryan Bonner and Matthew Baxter tell RNS about about their strangest investigations and what they discovered when they investigated the hotel that inspired 'The Shining.'
Hobby Lobby take two? Moody encourages witnessing at work
By Chris Stedman — October 29, 2014
The Supreme Court's ruling in Hobby Lobby v. Burwell places Moody Theological Seminary's "Faith, Work and Economics Initiative" in a new and more troubling context.
Thomas Page McBee on his brush with death, transgender stories, and his agnostic mother
By Chris Stedman — October 23, 2014
Author Thomas Page McBee tells RNS about the religious themes of "Man Alive," the influence of his agnostic mother, religion and the transgender community, and how men can address their own privilege.
Jeremy Messersmith wears his atheist heart on his sleeve
By Chris Stedman — October 20, 2014
Atheist musician Jeremy Messersmith tells RNS how his experiences as a former Christian inspired his most recent album, what he believes now, and why relating to his religious family can feel like going to a Renaissance Festival.
