Free Inquiry Audio Edition

Ronald A. Lindsay argues that two recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions significantly expand presidential power and the influence of money in politics, threatening the independence of federal regulatory agencies and further empowering wealthy political interests. He contends that allowing presidents to fire agency leaders at will and removing campaign spending limits for political parties will make...

Ronald A. Lindsay explores how myths, legends, and misinformation become attached to prominent figures, comparing modern conspiracy theories about public figures and historical myths about George Washington to the legendary development of the Gospel narratives about Jesus. He argues that beliefs are often shaped more by emotion, ideology, and storytelling than by historical evidence or factual acc...

Ronald A. Lindsay critiques the widespread attention given to Pope Leo XIV's recent AI encyclical, arguing that the Catholic Church's theological claims and supernatural beliefs undermine its credibility as an authority on emerging technologies.  Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://secularhumanism.org/exclusive/why-listen-to-the-pope-speaking-as-the-pope-on-ai/ About the...

Steve Grumette argues that effective moral education should be grounded in empathy, critical thinking, and evidence-based understanding of human moral development rather than religious authority, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to reason through ethical challenges together. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://secularhumanism.org/2026/05/secular-approaches-to-m...

Leo Igwe examines how humanist activists in Africa are combating witch hunts by challenging superstition, promoting critical thinking, and helping victims seek legal protection against accusations that often lead to violence, abuse, and death. Drawing on real cases from Nigeria, he argues that reason, science, and human rights advocacy offer the most effective path toward ending witchcraft-related...

Mark Kolsen argues that rock 'n' roll and the sexual revolution played a significant role in the rise of religious "Nones" in the United States by encouraging more permissive attitudes toward sex and weakening traditional religious participation. He traces how early rock music emerged from Pentecostal church culture, how conservative religious backlash against rock and sexuality politicized religi...

This is a modified version of an article that originally appeared in The Free Press under the title "The Golden Age of Humanity? We're Living in It." Free Inquiry is republishing it with the gracious permission of The Free Press and the authors. Copyright is retained by The Free Press . Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://secularhumanism.org/2026/05/medieval-christendom-...

Ronald A. Lindsay examines competing narratives about American history and identity ahead of the United States' 250th anniversary, arguing that both right-wing myths of a flawless Christian nation and left-wing portrayals of America as irredeemably oppressive distort a more complicated reality rooted in Enlightenment ideals. He contends that free speech, democracy, and gradual moral progress—espec...

Richard Dawkins argues that calling himself a "cultural Christian" reflects his upbringing in English Christian traditions, literature, and music—not any belief in Christian doctrine, which he continues to reject as irrational.  Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://secularhumanism.org/2026/05/cultural-christian-so-what/ About the Author: Richard Dawkins is an English etho...

Ronald A. Lindsay previews the June July 2026 issue of Free Inquiry, The U.S.: Where It's Been, Where It Is, Where It Should Go, Free Inquiry 46.4. Read this article and find accompanying references at: In This Issue June/July 2026 | Free Inquiry About the Author: Ronald A. Lindsay is the former president and CEO of the Center for Inquiry, recent interim general counsel for CFI, and editor of Free...

Ronald A. Lindsay criticizes Mike Johnson for distorting the constitutional principle of separation of church and state by arguing that religion may influence government while government must not interfere with religion. He also accuses Johnson of hypocrisy for presenting himself as a devout Christian while consistently defending Donald Trump despite behavior Lindsay argues contradicts basic Chris...

Ronald A. Lindsay argues that while assassination can be morally justified under extreme conditions—such as in the case of a dictator like Adolf Hitler where no peaceful change is possible and killing could prevent greater harm—those conditions do not apply in a functioning democracy. Despite concerns about the actions of Donald Trump , Lindsay concludes that assassination is unjustified and moral...

Donald Trump and Pope Leo may appear to represent opposing moral visions, but Ronald A. Lindsay argues that both promote deeply flawed and unjustifiable positions—one through harmful political leadership and the other through outdated religious doctrine. Rather than choosing between them, his article contends that both should be critically rejected for their respective impacts on reason, ethics, a...

Ronald A. Lindsay argues that declining support for Israel is not primarily driven by anti-Semitism but by growing concern over the policies and actions of its government, particularly under Benjamin Netanyahu . He contends that dismissing criticism as prejudice ignores legitimate moral objections and risks further eroding international support by avoiding accountability. Read this article and fin...

As scientific progress reaches new heights—exemplified by the Artemis II mission—Ronald A. Lindsay contrasts these achievements with the persistent influence of religious belief in global conflict and public policy. He argues that despite the advances of Enlightenment thinking, religious ideology continues to shape decisions in ways that undermine reason, raising concerns about humanity carrying t...

Algorithmic AI and hypernudging technologies are reshaping human experience by subtly influencing autonomy, empathy, and the way we inquire, often operating below conscious awareness and steering decisions through personalized, data-driven feedback. David L. Hildebrand explores how these systems risk diminishing independent thought, weakening empathic connection, and constraining creativity, raisi...

Technology is increasingly taking on roles once filled by religion, shaping how we find meaning, form identity, and navigate life through algorithms, data, and digital routines. As these systems quietly influence our values and behavior, the article explores what we gain in convenience—and what we may lose in depth, shared meaning, and human connection. Read this article and find accompanying refe...

Yamin argues that criticism of Islam is often unjustly suppressed in Western discourse through accusations of "Islamophobia," which he claims are used to shield religious doctrines from scrutiny. Drawing on examples ranging from violence over blasphemy to restrictions on women and punishment for apostasy, he contends that concerns about certain interpretations of Islam are grounded in real-world c...

Jonathan Simmons argues that religious apologists often deflect criticism by attacking researchers' credibility and reframing critical inquiry as bias or persecution. Focusing on a dispute between Stephen Kent and Massimo Introvigne , Simmons contends that parts of academia have become overly protective of religious claims, resisting the application of standard scientific and psychological analysi...

Russell Blackford argues that religious motivation—particularly in cases of jihadist violence—is often downplayed or denied in Western discourse despite clear evidence to the contrary. Using a recent terrorist attack as a case study, he contends that labeling such acts as unrelated to religion obscures their ideological roots and hinders honest analysis. Read this article and find accompanying ref...

In this editorial, Robyn E. Blumner announces the creation of a new freethought and skepticism gallery at the Center for Inquiry headquarters in Amherst. The exhibit will trace the intellectual history of freethought, religious criticism, and scientific skepticism while also highlighting famous hoaxes and the harms of pseudoscience. To learn more and contribute, visit centerforinquiry.org/freethou...

Ronald A. Lindsay critiques recent intellectual defections from atheism, focusing on writer Christopher Beha's claim that atheism is philosophically and emotionally incomplete. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://secularhumanism.org/exclusive/another-lament-about-atheism/ About the Author: Ronald A. Lindsay is the former president and CEO of the Center for Inquiry, recen...

Ronald A. Lindsay argues that just as we must defend the right to criticize government, we must also defend the right to criticize religion—including Islam. Lindsay maintains that protecting any religion from open criticism undermines free expression and, in cases where doctrines are used to justify human rights abuses, amounts to moral complicity. Read this article and find accompanying reference...

Ronald A. Lindsay argues that many on the MAGA right who once decried "cancel culture" now embrace similar tactics when it targets their opponents. While private campaigns to silence speakers were troubling, Lindsay contends that the Trump administration's use of government power to pressure universities, media outlets, and even members of Congress represents a far more dangerous threat. Read this...

Ronald A. Lindsay argues that petitionary prayer—asking God to intervene in human affairs—poses a logical problem for belief in an omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent deity, since such a being should not require requests to prevent suffering.  Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://secularhumanism.org/exclusive/prayer-religions-not-so-secret-weapon/ About the Author: Ron...