Our main theme this month is the public image of humanism: how do others see us, if indeed they see us at all? We've had some very kind responses from our Christian friends and a robust critique of humanism from an atheist friend. We're especially appreciative that Rabbi Jonathan Romain has found time to write for us this month. The response from two young people, by comparison, makes for sobering reading. If humanism is failing to connect with younger generations then it's at risk of extinction in the coming decades. We've included loads of great ideas this month to address this concern.
Since our last issue, a horrific new war has broken out between Israel and Hamas. We deplore hatred and the deliberate slaughter of ordinary people. Thousands of people gathering in cities across the world to shout slogans and wave placards seems unlikely to contribute to a peaceful solution. Many of our inherited beliefs about the conflict may be simplistic and wrong. In The Big Read this month, I've attempted to provide an overview of the complex history of the region.
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