Richard Smyth
Richard Smyth is a freelance writer, cartoonist and quiz-setter.
Articles by Richard Smyth
Darwin was punk
Greg Graffin, evolutionary biologist and lead singer of pioneering US band Bad Religion, talks music and rebellion
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Book review: The Landscapes of Science and Religion
What do people believe – and can we find common ground?
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How to think like a scientist
Alom Shaha talks about his journey from "failed" student to teacher and celebrated author
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Book review: The life inside
In teaching philosophy to prisoners, Andy West is confronted with the shadow of jail-time hanging over his own family.
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Saying goodbye to the dead
In our increasingly non-religious society, we are inventing new ways to honour the dead and mark their passing.
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In search of the “nature cure”
We have always believed in the healing power of our natural landscape, one way or another – but has it been overstated?
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The dark side of nature writing
The recent renaissance in nature writing also revives an overlooked connection with fascism.
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The truth about brainwashing
The term "brainwashing" is often used as a catch-all explanation when motivations are too difficult to understand.
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Book review: Death on Earth
Jules Howard's new book makes multiple perspectives on death chime in life-affirming harmony.
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The cult of nature writing
A resurgence in nature writing offers secular transcendence. But are we being led up the garden path?
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Carys Bray: ‘‘Until I could be honest about my doubts, I just couldn’t write’’
Author Carys Bray discusses her novel A Song for Issey Bradley, the Mormon Church, and losing faith.
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Why our beliefs matter
Secularism would have us place disagreements about the existence of God to one side. But when that disagreement sits at the heart of our disputes over more worldly issues, ignoring it can only lead to misunderstanding, argues Richard Smyth
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Mussel-shells, corncobs and the Sears catalogue
Before toilet paper wiping your bottom could be a hazardous business, and religious advice hardly helped matters. Richard Smyth sifts through the evidence
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Down with secularism!
We all think it's a good idea to keep religion away from politics, don't we? Richard Smyth begs to differ
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Captive audience
Sympathetic ear or religious recruiter - what’s a prison chaplain for? Richard Smyth finds out
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