Ten links to web resources

Here are some links to some web resources that I will summarise and then use in my blog discussion

This first website provides a history of religion and secularism in New Zealand. It defines atheism, free-thinkers, rationalists and humanists as well as bringing light to secular groups which have formed over the past two decades. These include groups such as the ‘New Zealand Skeptics’ who “focused on exposing the lack of objective scientific evidence to support claims for things such as psychic abilities, alternative health practices and creationism.”

This second article comes from the "New Zealand Association of Rationalists and Humanist’s" official website. It admits that New Zealanders are lucky to live in such a tolerant and secular country; however, it still laments religious privilege in New Zealand. It gives evidence that there are still laws based on religion in our country, such as State Religious Observance, Blasphemous Libel and the advancement of Religion as a charitable purpose. “This gives religious/supernatural beliefs an advantage over other beliefs in being subsidised by the taxpayer. While it is possible for organisations such as the NZARH to gain charitable status through the criteria for advancement of education or being beneficial to the community, it is much harder for them to do so. While the NZARH could attempt to register as a charity, it hasn't done so as it believes that taxpayers should not be funding the promotion of personal beliefs.”

This link will take you to a Human Rights Commission document outlining the place of religion in the New Zealand Education System. It was conducted by Victoria University of Wellington. I outlines the religious background of New Zealand and attempts to answer the questions and concerns citizens may have in relation to religion in the education sector. These questions include “What is the difference between religion observance, religious instruction and religious education?” and “What is discrimination on the grounds of religious or ethical belief?”

http://publicaddress.net/assets/files/ISSPReligioninNZ09.pdf