By Gerard Phillips

Interest in secularism grows as more people become concerned at the impact of religious intervention in their daily lives.

This new booklet from the NSS has been written for those who know little or nothing about secularism but would like to learn more. It asks:

• What is secularism?
• Is secularism relevant to the UK?
• Does secularism work in practice?
• What are the challenges for secularists?

“This short introduction sets out the basic arguments for secularism. It is a highly complex area. Open to much interpretation. It seeks only to prompt debate, not to provide the ultimate answer.” – Terry Sanderson (President, National Secular Society)

By R.J. Stovold

Where did Christmas come from - is it rooted in prophecy or paganism? And why did it take centuries for most Christians to agree on a date for Jesus’ birth? Robert Stovold explores the myths and legends around the December festival that dates back to earliest times, investigating the origins of Christmas trees, the divine child and the virgin birth – and finding some unexpected connections.

Booklet, published by the NSS