New Humanist

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Free thinking in an age of extremes. Follow for independent journalism on ideas, culture, politics and science. Published since 1885. www.newhumanist.org.uk

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New Humanist@newhumanist· 29d

Hardline Islamists and Christian nationalists are locked in a toxic symbiosis

There’s a symbiotic relationship between extremisms. And there’s a danger that the rise of Christian nationalism is playing into a narrative of hardline Islamists that says, “Western society will never accept you.” And then that plays into the Christian side. We don’t want to go down that path. We really do need our political leaders to stand up and be brave and defend Britain’s diverse, multicultural society where there is space for people of all religions, and no religions as well. We need some boldness, and we haven’t had that. Sensible people, moderate people, have to step up, because if we cede the ground to these extremists, Britain will be moving into quite a dangerous place.

Nick Lowles, New Humanist Summer 2026 edition

New Humanist

New Humanist@newhumanist· 29d

Money, God, and the far right’s nostalgia for a past that never existed

The far right and the populist right are framing their political narrative around an existential threat to the British way of life, or the “Judeo-Christian West” – a nostalgic throwback to some golden era that didn’t happen. Some of this is about framing and tapping into this mood of decline, this idea that Britain is going downhill, and a nostalgic view of the golden days – you know, Empire, Queen, Country, God. It’s also a reflection of US politics coming into Europe and the UK, and right-wing Christian money coming in as well.

Nick Lowles, New Humanist Summer 2026 edition

New Humanist

New Humanist@newhumanist· 29d

'We need our political leaders to stand up and be brave and defend Britain’s diverse, multicultural society... We need some boldness, and we haven’t had that.' Read our interview with Nick Lowles, Chief Executive of @hopenothate.org.uk on our website now. newhumanist.org.uk/articles/qa-...

Christian nationalism's elite is far more devout than Tommy Robinson

You have the Tommy Robinson version of Christian nationalism, which is an appropriation of religion for political reasons... more serious is the rise of post-liberalism in Catholic and other branches of Christian theology. That includes people like the Cambridge theologian James Orr, who is now Reform UK's Head of Policy, media mogul Paul Marshall, who co-owns GB News, JD Vance, and the tech entrepreneur Peter Thiel, who is part of a slightly different wing. They seem more respected, and less politically toxic, but actually they are driven by a much more defined and devout political view. There’s serious money behind them and they have influence.

Nick Lowles, New Humanist Summer 2026 edition

New Humanist

New Humanist@newhumanist· Jul 9

Tired of the noise? Get to the heart of what matters with New Humanist. Subscriptions start from just £1.50 a month: newhumanist.org.uk/subscribe/

New Humanist@newhumanist· Jul 6

From Albert Einstein to Iris Murdoch, we've been the magazine for freethinkers for 140 years - bringing our readers independent, expert journalism on the issues that matter most. If that sounds like it's for you, join us today from just £1.50 a month: newhumanist.org.uk/subscribe

New Humanist@newhumanist· Jul 3

Independent, ethical, evidence-driven journalism is needed more than ever. If you enjoy what you read in New Humanist, please consider supporting us with a subscription. They start from just £1.50 a month, and every single one helps us to continue our work: newhumanist.org.uk/subscribe/

New Humanist@newhumanist· Jun 28

From Iris Murdoch to Albert Einstein, join the ranks of the incredible freethinkers who have supported New Humanist's work for 140 years: newhumanist.org.uk/subscribe/

New Humanist@newhumanist· Jun 24

Love what you read in New Humanist? Subscribe to our FREE newsletter to make sure you never miss a story - from bold coverage of human rights around the world, to expert insight into the scientific developments set to transform our lives: newhumanist.org.uk/newsletter

New Humanist@newhumanist· Jun 16

'Talking to Iranian atheists and religious minorities explodes the lie of a homogenous Islamic Republic.' Saleem Vaillancourt explores the diversity and depth of Iranian culture, thought, and belief as the U.S. war on the Islamic Republic intensifies. newhumanist.org.uk/articles/ira...

Milad Resaeimanesh, an Iranian atheist based in Sweden says that in the past 20 years, Iranians have begun to “come out with their own identity and their real face and voice and name, saying, ‘We left Islam, we are not afraid, we exist and we’re not going to be silent anymore and we are not scared of you.’” He adds that, during the 2022-23 Woman, Life, Freedom movement, protestors were attacking mosques and women were burning their headscarves in public acts of defiance. “When they were going to the funerals of people who lost their lives during the protests, their families and loved ones, they didn’t read the Koran, they didn’t cry, they listened to music and started dancing”.

New Humanist@newhumanist· Jun 16

'The Islamic Republic aims to present a united front. But Iran’s actual social composition tells a different story. The government census claims that 99.5 per cent of the country is Shia Muslim. This used to be at least close to the truth.' newhumanist.org.uk/articles/ira...

New Humanist@newhumanist· Jun 16

'Amid airstrikes, shaky ceasefires and unrest, it is easy to overlook the question of who Iranians are... Understanding the Iranians... offers us a hint at their future.' Saleem Vaillancourt speaks with Iranian freethinkers in our latest issue, out now. Read more ⬇ newhumanist.org.uk/articles/ira...

Apostasy is on the rise in Iran,
and it is punishable by death

The Gamaan poll found that 9 per cent of Iranians are now atheists and 6 per cent agnostic, with younger respondents reporting higher levels of irreligiosity... Anyone who converts from Islam to another faith, or to no faith, faces the threat of execution on charges of apostasy. Atheists and agnostics are persecuted by the state, along with Sufis and Yarsanis, who practice an ancient syncretic faith. But “the biggest injustice, I think, in terms of sheer numbers and sheer brutality, is against the Baha’is,” says Abbas Milani, director of Iranian Studies at Stanford University.

Saleem Vaillancourt, New Humanist Summer 2026 edition

New Humanist@newhumanist· Jun 16

Meet our humanist agony aunt! The wonderful Janet Ellis - veteran advice columnist and president of @humanists.uk - is here to solve your dilemmas on relationships, work and daily life. Send 100 words to editor@newhumanist.org.uk with subject line ASK JANET by June 20

New Humanist@newhumanist· Jun 13

Do you have a dilemma? Our humanist agony aunt Janet Ellis will answer your questions on relationships, work, daily life, and how to cope as the world goes crazy around us. Send 100 words to editor@newhumanist.org.uk with subject line ASK JANET by June 20. Questions will be published anonymously

New Humanist@newhumanist· Jun 9

Why are so many people going off dating apps? And how can we fix our toxic dating culture? Social psychologist Viren Swami from @angliaruskin.bsky.social weighs in: newhumanist.org.uk/articles/are...

New Humanist@newhumanist· Jun 5

Bunting, blossoms and paint missiles: How a mad May Day ritual took over a seaside town newhumanist.org.uk/articles/rel...

New Humanist@newhumanist· Jun 4

Meet Keith Leech, the man on a mission to save English traditions - but this is not about cultural conservatism. “If you know and appreciate who you are as a nation, you’re less afraid of outsiders," he says. "You can respect each other" newhumanist.org.uk/articles/rel...

New Humanist@newhumanist· Jun 2

🗞️ Read all about it! The latest issue of New Humanist is out now: newhumanist.org.uk/2026/05/21/n...

New Humanist@newhumanist· Jun 2

What would an Olympian make of the #EnhancedGames? We spoke to former Olympic swimmer Ryan Pini to get his thoughts on the controversial event, and what it means for the future of sport. Find out now: newhumanist.org.uk/articles/are...

New Humanist@newhumanist· May 28

"A crowd has gathered in its thousands, heads adorned with ivy, some with faces painted green and others masquerading as animals. We march past crooked Tudor buildings to a chorus of folk melodies and drumming. We’re all here for one thing: the leaf-laden Jack" newhumanist.org.uk/articles/rel...

New Humanist@newhumanist· May 26

Are we pushing our bodies too far? In our latest issue, we unpick the lies behind the health and beauty industries, and ask how we can reclaim our agency. Find out more and subscribe, from less than £2 a month: newhumanist.org.uk/2026/05/21/n...

New Humanist@newhumanist· May 26

From its origins in the flower-decked May Day celebrations of 17th-century London, to its revival as a symbol of nature, renewal, and Britain’s modern folk movement, Jack in the Green has endured as one of England’s strangest seasonal customs. Read more: newhumanist.org.uk/articles/rel...

New Humanist@newhumanist· May 26

From the fear of hell that lingers in the body long after leaving religion behind, to the friendships that vanish overnight – we explore the hidden emotional cost of 'deconstructing' a high-control religion, and the therapists helping people through it. Read more: newhumanist.org.uk/articles/bre...

Leaving the Church meant I could rebuild myself. I'm sure a therapist could have helped me, but it would have to have been someone specifically trained in these issues... I didn't frame my feeling of unsafety as a problem with me, so much as a problem inherent to the godless universe... Over time, losing your religion may start to feel less like a loss, and more like an opportunity to rebuild yourself from the ground up.' Abi Millar, Ex-Evangelical and author.

New Humanist@newhumanist· May 23

There are still some things to feel cheerful about! In each issue of the magazine, we go in search of them. This time, it's the new renters' rights that have come into force in England newhumanist.org.uk/articles/bre...

New Humanist@newhumanist· May 19

New Humanist's Summer issue is out on Thursday. From the testosterone craze to the "cult" of youth, we're asking the big question: Are we pushing our bodies too far? Sign up to our FREE newsletter to hear more when it lands: newhumanist.org.uk/newsletter/

New Humanist@newhumanist· May 18

There are still some things to feel cheerful about! For example, the new renters' rights that have come into force in England... newhumanist.org.uk/articles/bre...

New Humanist@newhumanist· May 17

Are we pushing our bodies too far? New Humanist's Summer issue is out on Thursday. Sign up to our FREE newsletter to hear more when it lands: newhumanist.org.uk/newsletter/

New Humanist@newhumanist· May 16

Let's really ask ourselves: From "looksmaxxing" to the testosterone craze and the never-ending pressures on women - are we pushing our bodies too far? Find out more in the new issue of New Humanist, out on Thursday. Subscribe now to get a copy delivered to your door: newhumanist.org.uk/subscribe/

New Humanist@newhumanist· Apr 21

From bold coverage of human rights to deep-dives into transformational scientific developments, never miss a story with our FREE newsletter: newhumanist.org.uk/newsletter

New Humanist@newhumanist· Apr 10

We are the magazine for independent thinkers who care about the world. If that's you, join our community today by signing up for our free newsletter: newhumanist.org.uk/newsletter

New Humanist@newhumanist· Mar 25

For less than the price of a cup of coffee every month, you can get clear-eyed, evidence-based, independent journalism delivered directly to your door. Join us today: newhumanist.org.uk/subscribe