Chance to explore non-religious world view at humanist talk in Shrewsbury

Dr Simon Nightingale, who chairs Shropshire Humanists, will be giving a free public talk titled 'Introduction to humanism; having a good life and being a good person without religion' on the Thursday at the University Centre, in Frankwell, Shrewsbury.

Dr Nightingale has been involved with humanism as a celebrant for wedding and funeral ceremonies since he retired as a consultant neurologist at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. He also gives talks about humanism as part of their broad religious education.

He said: "Some of us have heard of humanism because we have been to humanist weddings, humanist funerals or humanist baby naming.

"Others have heard about humanism through its campaigns for a better and fairer life for everyone.

"Some may have heard a humanist talking in school as part of their broad and inclusive RE lessons. Some of you may have heard a humanist speak alongside traditional Christian clergy at the Remembrance Day ceremony in Shrewsbury last year.

"But many of us have little idea what humanism is and what humanists believe or what they do."

Dr Nightingale is also a member of the Shropshire SACRE committee that oversees religious education and collective worship in Shropshire state schools.

He’s also trained as a non-religious pastoral carer and is a keen member of local interfaith forums so that people of different religious and non-religious world views can learn about each other and where possible act together to achieve common goals.

Dr Nightingale said he will be explaining how humanists can have a good life and be a good person without religion.

"Some ask 'but isn’t humanism just another religion'," he said. "Some query how humanists can know what’s right and wrong without a Bible or Koran or some other sacred book. And some ask 'what does it mean to have a good life'."

He said he will discuss all these issues and explain why humanism is so important now that over half the population is not religious (over 70 per cent of young people).

He will discuss the humanist perspective on spirituality and the meaning of life without invoking religion. He will also explain the humanist motto “think for yourself; act for everyone".

Although the talk is likely to be of interest to non-religious people, those with religious faith are also welcome to come and learn about humanism.

The talk is free and no tickets are required.

Guests are encouraged to come at 6.30pm for coffee, tea, biscuits and a chat with others before the talk starts at 7pm. There is plenty of free parking and wheelchair access is available.