Christianity and Other Superstitions

ISBN-13: 9781470134525 / Angielski / Miękka / 2013 / 376 str.

Stephen Gunn

Opis

This informative, non-fiction book is titled "Christianity and Other Superstitions." It is controversial, while candidly showing how most religions are based on superstitions and how they affect us all in the modern world. Starting with the basic fears in early man that led to his creation of gods and religions, it traces the development of ancient myths and superstitions to the births of modern religions. It follows the evolution of Christianity and Islam from ancient Mideastern pagan beliefs to their present day doctrines and practices. Highlighted in this discussion are the absurdities and violence of the Old Testament followed by the tearing down of the sacraments, rites, and Christian traditions, which have their origins in earlier pagan cults. The New Testament is examined, beginning with the life of Jesus, His disciples, the nativity and the crucifixion. The historical background of the gospels and letters of the apostles are also explained. The purpose here will be to show how the biblical stories of Jesus have been taken out of context and falsified by the clergy throughout history in order to promote their earthly goals. The Crusades and The Inquisition, their motives and consequences are discussed at some length. Although the intent here is not to make a mockery of Christianity, at times the facts speak persuasively to this effect. Islam and its prophet Muhammad, are examined historically and philosophically. The influence of Islam in the world is shown in general and specific to the acts of terrorism seen today. The history and context of the passages in the Koran that are most responsible for this violence are also identified. Finally, the events before and after the bombing of the Twin Towers, the overpopulation of Muslims in Europe and the threat of this sometimes fanatic group to the Western World should generate concerns worldwide among any person who is in any way enlightened. Explored too, while only briefly, are fanatic groups such as; The Peoples Temple of Jim Jones, Scientology, David Koresh's Branch Davidians and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. And yes, an expose' into the background of the Mormon religion should convince most readers that it too exhibits its own brand of fanaticism. A subsequent chapter delves into the inner workings of the Catholic Church and its involvement and cover-up of the epidemic of pedophilia among its clergy. Individual cases and the connection to the heirachy are examined. Names and dates of the abuses are documented in detail and the actions and inactions of Church authorities are revealed. Because of scientific advancement, controversy in the Roman Catholic Church, and the threat of Islam, books of this nature are seeing a surge in popularity. There are books that deal in faith vs. reason, creationism vs. evolution, examination of the gospels, Muslim fanaticism, atheism, the life of Jesus, roots of Christianity through paganism, false messiahs, renegade messiahs and the false nature of all belief in the supernatural. This book attempts to visit all of these subjects while taking one step further. One provocative chapter will show the implications that expose the ex-pope to charges of aiding and abetting criminal pedophile priests during his twenty four year term as head of the Congregration for the Doctrine of the Faith formally known as the Congregation for the Inquisition]. It spends time venturing into an up-to-the-minute and detailed expose of crimes against humanity by the Roman Catholic Church, crimes that were reviewed, condoned, and kept secret by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger AKA, Pope Benedict XVI. A call for the arrest and trial of the pope, himself, is suggested as a certainty were he outside of the realm, privileges and protection of Vatican City."