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05-20-2017, 06:41 PM | #122 (permalink) | ||
Remember the underscore
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We now know that much of On the Origin of Species is incorrect. Should it be classified as fiction? Quote:
To quote Hilaire Belloc: "The whole story of Europe, her various realms and states and general bodies during the last sixteen centuries has mainly turned upon the successive heresies arising in the Christian world." In my mind, one needs to understand Christian philosophy in order to appreciate that story. Whether you read the Bible itself or some scholar's interpretation doesn't really matter, but I included the original source. EDIT: Should add that similar reasoning could be used to justify the Quran's placement on my list.
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05-21-2017, 03:02 PM | #123 (permalink) | |
Born to be mild
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Absolutely not essential reading. Do you need to read Mein Kampf to learn about Hitler? Or The Origin of Species to know about Darwin? This stuff is readily available from other sources, multiple sources. By all means, read the Bible if you want, or feel you need to, but don't quote it as a book everyone should or needs to read, cos that just is not true.
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05-21-2017, 04:26 PM | #124 (permalink) |
one-balled nipple jockey
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I think you're low balling the importance of reading primary sources.
It's not just about collecting the facts. It's a matter of getting a feel for the real thing. With Hitler, Darwin, Marx, Freud - reading their actual words takes you more into their minds. In my case, I read that stuff and only marginally understood most of it- but I think it was worthwhile to wade through those waters while I still had the energy. Maybe I was kidding myself but I felt like I was building a foundation. |
05-21-2017, 05:16 PM | #125 (permalink) | ||||
Remember the underscore
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Think of it this way: If Donald Trump passes a new executive order, what's the best way to understand it? To read the text of the executive order—or at least an objective analysis. It's the same with the Bible. I know you're no fan of religion—and believe me, neither am I—but that book has shaped the world we live in today. Just look at the conflicts that have arisen over its interpretation in your own country. Name a book that has had a greater influence on the history of the world.
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05-21-2017, 05:21 PM | #126 (permalink) | |
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(I've bet dozens of people through the years to try and read the entire book out loud without tripping and no-one has ever taken my cash - that's pretty damn significant)
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05-21-2017, 06:45 PM | #128 (permalink) | |
Born to be mild
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I don't see how reading a religious propaganda "novel" with witches and goblins and fairies helps you understand history. Most of it could never have happened in reality - people rising from the dead? Seas parting? Give me a break.
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I will. Sherlock Holmes series changed how we think about police/detective work. HP Lovecraft and Poe brought horror into the mainstream. Tons of others. All the Bible is is a big fat book that tells you what to do, and as I say, I can guarantee you the smallest percentage of Christians have ever even opened the damn thing.
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05-21-2017, 06:46 PM | #129 (permalink) |
SOPHIE FOREVER
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It seems like you're worried that you'll get swept up into propaganda just by reading it. Just read it with a critical eye.
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05-21-2017, 06:47 PM | #130 (permalink) |
Born to be mild
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Nah, their propaganda don't work on me. I actually tried to read it once, long ago. Bored the arse off me. You'd think a collaboration between four of Jesus's top men, they could have at least made it a cracking read, wouldn't you?
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