The Humanist Movement in Modern Britain

A History of Ethicists, Rationalists and Humanists

Professor David Nash author Callum G Brown author Dr Charlie Lynch author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Published:12th Jan '23

Should be back in stock very soon

The Humanist Movement in Modern Britain cover

The history of organised humanism in the UK from 1860 to the present, based around the British Humanist Association and its forerunners.

Humanists have been a major force in British life since the turn of the 20th century. Here, leading historians of religious non-belief Callum Brown, David Nash, and Charlie Lynch examine how humanist organisations brought ethical reform and rationalism to the nation as it faced the moral issues of the modern world. This book provides a long overdue account of this dynamic group. Developing through the Ethical Union (1896), the Rationalist Press Association (1899), the British Humanist Association (1963) and Humanists UK (2017), Humanists sought to reduce religious privilege but increase humanitarian compassion and human rights. After pioneering legislation on blasphemy laws, dignity in dying and abortion rights, they went on to help design new laws on gay marriage, and sex and moral education. Internationally, they endeavoured to end war and world hunger. And with Humanist marriages and celebration of life through Humanist funerals, national ritual and culture have recently been transformed. Based on extensive archival and oral-history research, this is the definitive history of Humanists as an ethical force in modern Britain.

This important book is highly recommended for providing a clear and scholarly study of the uneven development of Humanism from its Victorian precursors to its maturity as the most influential alternative to religions as the basis for a liberal and morally progressive society in the present age. * Edward Royle, Emeritus Professor in History, University of York Country, United Kingdom *

ISBN: 9781350136601

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

344 pages