Perhaps you think of yourself as a humanist; perhaps you do not – but if you are reading this, the chances are you do have some affinity with humanism. You may be drawn to literature and the humanities. You may prefer to base your moral choices on fellow-feeling and responsibility to others, rather than on religious commandments. Or you may simply believe that individual lives are more important than grand political visions or dogmas.

If any of these apply, you are part of a long tradition of humanist living, and you share that tradition with many extraordinary individuals throughout history who have put rational inquiry, cultural richness, freedom of thought, and a sense of hope at the heart of their lives.

In Why We Believe, Alister McGrath offers a fresh perspective on belief, presenting it not as a weakness of rational thought but as an essential tool for navigating uncertainty. Elegant and thought-provoking, Why We Believe reveals how belief provides meaning in the face of existential despair, how it fosters community and offers solace. As society moves beyond the dismissive rhetoric surrounding people of faith, here is a powerful manifesto for the re-enchantment of the Western mind.

Please come along even if you haven't read the book; it's an occasion to discuss humanist issues and meet other people interested in humanism.