Humanist Perspectives: issue 169, Summer 2009
Issue 169, Summer 2009
Editorial
- An Evolution of Evil
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In this, his final issue as editor, Beissel makes a rousing call
to our readership and to fellow humanists, reminding us all of the many
momentous issues we face and challenging us to face them armed with solid
Humanist rigour, openness and compassionate values. He then goes on to
castigate the government of Israel for its ongoing bombing of Gaza and
its treatment of Palestinians in general.
Read editorial online | Download as PDF
features
- Darwin: Between God and Nature
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In his probing and deeply informed essay, Cassils gives us a lively sense of
what went into the making of Darwin, the man and his work, of the hesitations
and considerations that attended the publication of his epoch making studies,
of the extent to which he was a scientist of his time and yet his own man and
mind.
Read article online | Download as PDF - Palestine – A Tortured and Elusive Homeland
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An impassioned plea for respect of the rights of Palestinians to a homeland,
human dignity and a recognized legitimate political voice in HAMAS. An indictment
of the government of Israel that ends on a desire for understanding and a glimmer
of hope for the people of the region through good will on both sides.
Download as PDF - A Poet’s Voice
- Read the biographical note, author’s statement and wonderful poems
of this most accomplished of Canada’s philosophical poet and poet
laureate of Prince Edward Island.
Read poetry online | Download as PDF - Zionism: The Real Problem in the Middle East
- In this review article, Broderick comments on the book The
False Messiah (Volume 1 of Zionism: The Real Enemy of the Jews), by Alan Hart, a man who
enjoyed friendship with leaders on both sides, particularly Golda Meir and
Yasser Arafat.
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- Performing Solidarity
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Performance artist and social activist Neumark recalls two street demonstration/performance
pieces she and partner Tali Goodfriend presented on the streets of Montreal,
in parallel to demonstrations in support of Lebanon and with the aim of inviting
critical reflection and opening creative dialogue. How Shall our Hands Meet
and Uprooted, the one using olive oil and the other an uprooted olive tree,
at once gently yet dramatically evoked the problems, invited consideration
of the situation and suggested avenues of resolution.
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- The Psyche of Al-Qaeda
- Sohail presents an historical overview of the evolution of Al-Qaeda. He
ends on the hope that the views and goals of the peaceful majority of Muslims
will prevail over the belligerent imperialism of Al-Qaeda.
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- Beyond Despair: Through the Lens of Palestinian and Israeli Filmmakers
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In this sweeping, very well informed and insightful piece, respected cultural
commentator and film reviewer, Shirley Goldberg, presents major works dealing
with the conflict by Israeli and Palestinian film makers over the last several
years. A must for anyone interested in the recent history of the Middle East
and in the most influential films of the region.
Download as PDF
- In addition, Humanist Perspectives, offers a lively "Letters-to-the-Editor" section as well as "Book Reviews", books available for review and snippets of international news of interest to humanists..