The Freethinker (journal)
| Categories | Science magazine |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Monthly |
| First issue | 1 May 1881 |
| Final issue | April 2014 (print) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Website | www.freethinker.com |
The Freethinker was a British secular humanist magazine, founded by G.W. Foote in 1881. One of the world's oldest surviving freethought publications, it moved online-only in 2014.
It has always taken an unapologetically atheist, anti-religious stance. In Issue 1 (May, 1881), Foote set out The Freethinker's purpose:
Although closely linked with the National Secular Society for most of its history (NSS Presidents and General Secretaries have at various times also served as Freethinker editor), The Freethinker is strictly autonomous and is not, and never has been, published by the NSS.
In 2006, the magazine's front-page masthead was changed from "Secular humanist monthly" to "The Voice of Atheism since 1881".
Barry Duke is the current editor.
Following the publication of anti-religious cartoons in the Christmas 1882 edition of The Freethinker, Foote was prosecuted for blasphemy, and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with hard labour.
The April 2014 edition of The Freethinker contained an announcement that the May issue would be the last to appear in print; publication would continue online.
Here is a list of editors of The Freethinker from 1881:
...
Wikipedia