Free Inquiry is a quarterly publication produced by the Council For Secular Humanism. The editorial board consists of philosophers, scientists and intellectuals from various fields of study, and include the likes of Rob Boston, Theodore Schick, Jr. and Victor Stenger. Topics covered generally include separation of church and state, biblical criticism, ethics, evolution vs. creation, and various other social issues, and providing counter-viewpoints and alternatives to religious philosophy and dogma. Each issue is printed on a better quality paper than your average magazine, and the cover usually includes some attention getting art, usually an illustration.

Although the stated aims of the Council, and Free Inquiry are non-partisan, and with the exception of church and state issues, non-political, it has been known to be somewhat left leaning. This direction changed a few issues ago as a new editor named Tom Flynn took over the reigns. I met Tom a few months back at a an event in which he was the guest speaker. It turns out we had alot in common as we were both Libertarians!

Since his move to the editor's desk, the magazine has brought on a few new guest columnists who write from a more libertarian perspective, such as philosopher/author Tibor Machan, and Justin Raimondo who writes regularly for the website www.antiwar.com . These additions have provided fresh new viewpoints and have enriched the quality of the magazine.

The latest issue, Fall 2001, arrived in my mailbox about a week ago. The theme of this magazine is entitled, "Destination: Reason", and is devoted to covering student humanist/atheist/freethinker issues. "Humanism Goes to School" is the title of the introduction, and the main body of the magazine has essays with such titles as "Spirituality on America's Liberal Campuses", and "Humanism: African American Liberation (A)theology".

Another regular feature of the magazine is teh "Church-State" update, which chronicles various court decisions, and legislation aimed at strengthening or dissolving the wall between church and state in America.

I have been a subscriber to Free Inquiry for a couple of years now, and plan on continuing my subscription. I find each issue filled with alot of relevant, thoughtful commentary on a variety of issues. As an agnostic, I also appreciate the intellectual "ammo" the magazine provides when faced with the more common superstitious beliefs found in society today.

If you are religious, you may not like this magazine, as it tends to give a very hard treatment to most religious claims. But hey... that's why they call them skeptics!

More information can be found at www.secularhumanism.org


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