The thinker who is really free, is independent; he is under no dread; he yields to no menace; he is not dismayed by law, nor custom, nor pulpits, nor society, whose opinion appals so many. He who has the manly passion of free thought, has no fear of anything, save the fear of error.
- George Jacob Holyoake, English Secularism: A Confession of Belief, 1896

Ray Argyle is a journalist, consultant, author and inveterate traveler. He is the author of the new book, Inventing Secularism: The Radical Life of George Jacob Holyoake.

Jailed for atheism and disowned by his family, George Jacob Holyoake came out of an English prison at the age of 25 determined to bring an end to religion's control over daily life. This first modern biography of the founder of Secularism describes a transformative figure whose controversial and conflict-filled life helped shape the modern world. Ever on the front lines of social reform, Holyoake was hailed for having won "the freedoms we take for granted today." With Secularism now under siege, George Holyoake's vision of a "virtuous society" rings today with renewed clarity.

Join the BC Humanist Association on June 22, 2021 to celebrate World Humanist Day with an online talk from Ray on his book.

Note that all times are listed in PDT.