In this episode, we’re joined by Christian Lomsdalen, the president of the Norwegian Humanist Association. We learn about the history of the organization and how it has grown to over 100,000 members (2% of Norway’s population). We talk about how the organization was organized around rituals and ceremonies and their plans to expand their outreach by placing humanist chaplains in prisons, hospitals, and the military. We also learn about Christian’s personal hopes to be composted in his garden. In the lightning round, we explore humanism’s connection to the welfare state.

In the bonus section, available exclusively to supporters on Patreon, we talk about the world chess champion (and arguably the most famous Norwegian) Magnus Carlsen. Christian also points out problems with previous “Can a True Atheist” rounds.

The Norwegian Humanist Association: https://www.human.no/

Nathan and Todd recently appeared on the Graceful Atheist podcast: https://anchor.fm/gracefulatheist/episodes/Nathan-and-Todd-Beyond-Atheism-e1qmpe9

Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexander
Nathan’s website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/

If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution.

Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/podcasts