Humanist ideas are not a recent phenomenon, but have been around for millennia, says Andrew Copson, chief executive of Humanists UK. He explains why it’s worth making a positive choice to be a humanist and recommends a great humanist reading list.

Which are the best books on atheism? The philosopher and author of Atheism: A Very Short Introduction chooses his top five.

The philosopher and former executive editor of The Economist, Anthony Gottlieb, discusses religion and suggests that belief in God only truly declines in a society when economic development brings existential security.

The main reason for the survival of religion is not a desire to live a better life, but our fear of death, says the atheist author. She chooses the best books on atheism.

Former magician James Randi sharpens his knives against proponents of flim-flam, pseudoscience and the so-called paranormal. And tells us where the creator of Sherlock Holmes went very badly wrong. He picks the best books on scepticism.