Tim Maguire
Thought for the World
Fundraising for Humanist Society of Scotland
Story
Thought For The World was created by Juliet Wilson, a celebrant of The Humanist Society of Scotland. On Monday 9 February 2009, she wrote an article about it for Comment is Free in The Guardian. This is an extract.
"The BBC argues that Thought For The Day should remain devoutly religious because the rest of the programme is profoundly secular. I think they’re missing a trick.
If the UN Special Rapporteur on Religion and Belief is to be believed, the 2001 census figures are wrong, and two thirds of the UK population have no religious belief. Why should they look to religious leaders for moral guidance? If the Daily Mail is to be believed, there’s a huge moral vacuum in our society. For once, I agree, but let’s fill it with philosophers, thinkers and comedians whose conclusions are reached by reason and compassion rather than divine revelation.
I’m delighted that The Guardian is running the podcasts this year on their 'Comment is Free' website. I’m pleased to have the support of the British Humanist Association and thrilled we have so many female contributors. The BBC is a publicly funded body that should provide for and represent its full audience. That audience is becoming increasingly secular. Like many loveable aged relations, Auntie’s in danger of losing touch.
But why don’t you be the judge? if you like what you hear, please sign our petition. If you want the campaign to continue, bung us a fiver – the Humanist Society of Scotland is a small charity run entirely by volunteers and we don’t have the Licence Fee. As Ariane Sherine’s Atheist Bus campaign showed, Britain’s sizeable secular population wants its voice heard. Let’s challenge Thought for the Day with free thinking until the BBC sees the light. Now, that would be a miracle!"
Thanks for visiting the Thought For The World fundraising page. Your donations will allow us to keep the campaign going and produce secular Thoughts For the World for as long as the BBC continues to refuse to allow them on Thought for the Day.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor Thought For The World: the Humanist Society of Scotland gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
So please sponsor Thought For The World now!
"The BBC argues that Thought For The Day should remain devoutly religious because the rest of the programme is profoundly secular. I think they’re missing a trick.
If the UN Special Rapporteur on Religion and Belief is to be believed, the 2001 census figures are wrong, and two thirds of the UK population have no religious belief. Why should they look to religious leaders for moral guidance? If the Daily Mail is to be believed, there’s a huge moral vacuum in our society. For once, I agree, but let’s fill it with philosophers, thinkers and comedians whose conclusions are reached by reason and compassion rather than divine revelation.
I’m delighted that The Guardian is running the podcasts this year on their 'Comment is Free' website. I’m pleased to have the support of the British Humanist Association and thrilled we have so many female contributors. The BBC is a publicly funded body that should provide for and represent its full audience. That audience is becoming increasingly secular. Like many loveable aged relations, Auntie’s in danger of losing touch.
But why don’t you be the judge? if you like what you hear, please sign our petition. If you want the campaign to continue, bung us a fiver – the Humanist Society of Scotland is a small charity run entirely by volunteers and we don’t have the Licence Fee. As Ariane Sherine’s Atheist Bus campaign showed, Britain’s sizeable secular population wants its voice heard. Let’s challenge Thought for the Day with free thinking until the BBC sees the light. Now, that would be a miracle!"
Thanks for visiting the Thought For The World fundraising page. Your donations will allow us to keep the campaign going and produce secular Thoughts For the World for as long as the BBC continues to refuse to allow them on Thought for the Day.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor Thought For The World: the Humanist Society of Scotland gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.
So please sponsor Thought For The World now!