The Secular Life

While there may not be many atheists in foxholes, there are certainly some. In fact, sometimes brutal experiences such as war can even cause people to lose their religious faith.

Why do so many people maintain belief in God, even in the face of suffering? It may have to do with our evolutionary past.

Trauma

Daring to Doubt

Phil Zuckerman Ph.D. on February 17, 2021

"Wayward," a new book by Alice Greczyn, explores religion-related trauma, and how to recover from it.

"Wayward," a new book by Alice Greczyn, explores religion-related trauma, and how to recover from it.

Comedy is an unsung source of improved health, human well-being, and social justice.

Religion

What Is Secularization?

Phil Zuckerman Ph.D. on December 18, 2020

How is secularization best understood, and what causes it?

How is secularization best understood, and what causes it?

Why are some religious Americans resisting efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19?

Masturbation

What Religion Gets Wrong About Masturbation

Phil Zuckerman Ph.D. on October 27, 2020

Contrary to many religious doctrines, numerous studies show that masturbation is actually good for you.

Contrary to many religious doctrines, numerous studies show that masturbation is actually good for you.

Traditional religious approaches to sex are associated with all kinds of problems. The secular humanistic approach, on the other hand, may be much more healthy and humane.

The evidence is clear: A belief in a higher power is not necessary for a moral life

Religion

Black Freethinkers: Secularism Among African Americans

Phil Zuckerman Ph.D. on June 17, 2020

The author of a new book on African American secularism explores how the longstanding tradition of black "freethought" can help us make sense of the current moment.

The author of a new book on African American secularism explores how the longstanding tradition of black "freethought" can help us make sense of the current moment.

Nonreligious people and societies appear to be faring better than the religious in the face of COVID-19. Why?

Altruism

Can Prayer Be Harmful?

Phil Zuckerman Ph.D. on May 14, 2020

Although people pray out of a sense of empathy, research suggests that prayer can sometimes hinder other forms of altruism.

Although people pray out of a sense of empathy, research suggests that prayer can sometimes hinder other forms of altruism.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Will COVID-19 Make People More Religious?

Phil Zuckerman Ph.D. on April 15, 2020

Pandemics create fear and worry, which can lead to increased religiosity.

Pandemics create fear and worry, which can lead to increased religiosity.

Part 2: Understanding the growth of secularity in the U.S. and Canada.

Religion

None of the Above

Phil Zuckerman Ph.D. on March 31, 2020

Part 1: Interview with the authors of a new study of nonreligious individuals in North America.

Part 1: Interview with the authors of a new study of nonreligious individuals in North America.

Recent findings suggest that religious people are more fearful than their secular peers. Why?

Secular Humanism is an alternative to a religious worldview. It is based on ethics, empiricism, and humane living.

Why it may be better not to lie about existential truths.

Religion

Is Canada Losing Its Religion?

Phil Zuckerman Ph.D. on November 26, 2019

More and more Canadians are living increasingly secular lives, according to recent data.

More and more Canadians are living increasingly secular lives, according to recent data.

Career

Does Prayer Work?

Phil Zuckerman Ph.D. on September 30, 2019

Prayer may work—but not in the way most people think it does.

Prayer may work—but not in the way most people think it does.