Latest Journal
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Jonathan Ayling – a wolf in sheep’s clothing
I’m sure many of you will have heard of the Free Speech Union (FSU), which formed in 2021 by registering as a Trade Union. They’re a successor to the Free Speech Coalition, which formed in 2018 in response to problems Lauren Southern and Stefan Molyneux had with finding a venue in Auckland in which to […]
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Is Julian Assange a hero of humanism?
It’s unlikely we have heard the end of Julian Assange, to some a hero and martyr for a free press, and to others an unprincipled narcissist. Following a lengthy campaign to prevent him being extradited to the United States, Assange agreed in June 2024 to a deal whereby he pleaded guilty to unlawfully obtaining and […]
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Christian Chaplains in Our Hospitals
It is a beautiful sunny autumn day near the picturesque Avon River. The punts are still out. I am just outside Christchurch Hospital, speaking with patients about chaplains. Many of these patients are seriously ill, although some are outpatients. Once they understand the reason for my approach, these people are eager to share their stories […]
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What does the Census tell us about New Zealanders’ Religion?
On 3 October 2024, StatsNZ released the results from Question 18 of the Personal form for Census 2023 – Religious Affiliation. The media widely reported that, for the first time, the majority of New Zealanders reported that they had no religion. In this article I will be discussing this result, but also looking at some […]
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Bigotry, Cant, Hypocrisy & General Nastiness
The Bible Research Society and the Dunedin Rationalist Society On the 29th of August 1909, an agitated crowd shuffled into the Dunedin Chess Club Rooms for a raucous meeting of the Bible Research Society. Two Police constables stood watch in case things turned violent and Rev. Chodowski, the local rabbi and member of the Chess […]
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Spiritual beliefs – a person’s Private Universe
When in hospital people are often asked if they would like to be referred to chaplaincy and see a chaplain. So, what is the usual interpretation of the meaning of the word chaplain? Most people think a chaplain is an ordained Christian minister. In addition to providing religious support, chaplains are supposed to offer spiritual […]
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Taking another risk with DECULT
My fascination with isolated communities and their challenges and mysteries started when I lived in Tokelau for seven months, as the doctor’s wife on a staunchly Christian atoll in the South Pacific. After moving to Aotearoa and working as a freelance foreign correspondent for ten years, I met a woman called Angie. As a teenager, […]
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Friend of Keats: Charles Armitage Brown, an Infidel in New Zealand
Family Background Charles Armitage Brown (1787-1842), playwright and essayist, was born on 14 April 1787 at Grey’s Walk, Lambeth, London. The family comprised seven children of which Charles was the second youngest. His father William Brown, was a Scottish stockbroker (died in 1816), who married Jane Armitage on 6 March 1777 at Lambeth. Little is […]
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In Memoriam: Meg Wallace
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Meg Wallace, a distinguished author, tireless advocate for secularism, and former president of the Secular Association of NSW. Meg passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of thought leadership and activism that profoundly impacted the humanist and secular communities in Australia and beyond. Meg […]
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A Tribute to Meg Wallace
On August 4th, 2024 long standing NZARH member, Meg Wallace, sadly died from the effects of dementia. Meg was aged 79. Meg, along with her husband, Max Wallace, joined our association in 2003 and were active members of our association even though they had moved to Australia to live. Meg participated in NZARH work and […]
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When there was happiness in a hellhole and misery in Jerusalem
For 1300 years Christendom, the place where Christ ruled, was Europe. It was long held from the time of King James II and King Charles II that it was better for black slaves to be given work by Christians in the Americas than by godless princes in Africa. The Church of England’s huge financial assets […]
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FOR ALL WE KNOW: The Reality of Suicide
This article deals very frankly with the subject of suicide. You may find it confronting. Please practise self care if you choose to read it. Help is available if you need. If you are struggling right now and not sure what to do, please contact Lifeline at their crisis line (0508 828 865) or helpline […]
