A book launch in central London tonight for Professor Richard Norman and Dr Anthony Carroll’s new book Religion and Atheism: Beyond the Divide will bring together an audience of humanists and religious adherents interested in promoting mutual tolerance and understanding.
The event, which has been organised by the British Humanist Association (BHA) as part of its dialogue work with religious communities, will explore how religious and non-religious people alike can move beyond argumentative ‘deadlock’ and towards a more productive conversation centred on moral values and maximising human potential. The talk will feature one of the book’s editors, humanist philosopher and BHA patron Richard Norman, as well as two of its speakers: Dr Lois Lee, principle investigator for UCL’s Scientific Study of Non-religious Belief project, and Andrew Copson, the BHA’s Chief Executive.
As well as discussing their own contributions, the speakers will touch on themes found throughout the collection of essays, including debates centred around political secularism, the philosophy of religion, and what it is to lead a good life.
BHA Director of Community Services Teddy Prout explained, ‘For some years now the BHA has engaged in productive dialogue with religious communities, helping to build bridges between the non-religious and faith groups. As well as helping us identify areas of common ground where we can work together for good causes, this kind of dialogue helps us break down barriers and promote understanding, tolerance, and a sense of community which transcends divisions.’
Notes
The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. It promotes a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief.
The BHA’s dialogue work is led by Jeremy Rodell, its voluntary Dialogue Officer, who organises events alongside religious groups and takes part in open discussions intended to foster understanding of Humanism and non-religious ethics within faith communities. Humanists interested in participating in this work are encouraged to write to BHA Director of Community Services Teddy Prout on teddy@humanists.uk.