Why were British humanists so confident in the 1960s?
We're extremely excited to have Professor Callum Brown present to our first online Humanists in Berkshire* session. Callum is one of the authors of the recently published book, The Humanist Movement in Modern Britain, and a leading historian of secularisation and humanism in Britain. He will be discussing one of themes from the book: Why were British humanists so confident in the 1960s?
The sixties were witness to a burst of humanist enthusiasm, vigour, and success. However, this was quickly lost in the early 1970s, as the movement entered a decline that lasted almost 30 years. This talk looks at what makes for success for the movement, and what makes for catastrophe. It brings the story into the 21st century when the growth and diversity have been unprecedented and looks to lessons for the local humanist group as well as a national movement.
Callum Brown has been a professor of history at three universities, currently at the University of Glasgow, and the author of 12 research monographs, most on secularisation but also on how people come to humanism, the history of the humanist movement, and what the demographics of people without religion look like. His publications and interests are listed in detail at University of Glasgow - Professor Callum Brown. He is currently writing a book on the lead role of humanists in the ethical transition of Britain from conservatism to liberalism between 1930 and 1980.
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86559394784?pwd=RG1vT3hNeVlBZHFwTEtPSlpkZTY3Zz09
Meeting ID: 865 5939 4784
Passcode: 1WaKqK
* Humanists in Berkshire is a joint activity of Reading Humanists and Windsor Humanists to address a wide audience across Berkshire
