Is the creation story in Genesis nothing more than a botched version of a Babylonian myth? Is 'free will' illusory? Are the Jesuits really educated men? In these three classic essays "The Forgery of the Old Testament", "The Myth of Immortality" and "Lies of Religious Literature" Joseph McCabe (1867-1955), ex-priest and the 'world's greatest scholar', exposes the inconsistencies, absurdities, and outright mendacity that lie behind the most revered texts and 'truths' of Christianity. With forcefulness, clarity, and often biting humor, McCabe attacks two millennia of Christian tradition which, he says, must withdraw before the weapons of science and reason.
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16 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A bit overdramatic but still a fun and informative read,
This review is from: The Forgery of the Old Testament and Other Essays (Freethought Library) (Paperback)
This material was controversial when originally published in 1926-1927. If you've read more recent biblical criticism, you will note a few points that have since been clarified by more recent works but, for the most part, McCabe's arguments are as current as ever. Since the book is fairly broad in scope, McCabe doesn't offer much justification for his assertions though he does offer some. But what makes "The Forgery of the Old Testament" unique and such a delight to read is McCabe's straightforward language and his witty attacks on the earlier biblical critics and the traditional religious community. He exposes their charitable justifications of the Old Testament "forgeries" as apologetic drivel.
4.0 out of 5 stars
A delightful and genuinely fun read - for believers too!,
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This review is from: The Forgery of the Old Testament and Other Essays (Freethought Library) (Kindle Edition)
This is a truly exceptional book (or books), based in part on the "Little Blue Book" series of the early 20th century.
It's kept light and yet "meaty", with witty aphorisms, brilliant short stories, and dry one-liners that almost remind me of Samuel Clemens. McCabe was that good. Although the data Fr McCabe uses in some of his arguments betrays its era, the wonderfully acerbic literary style keeps you chuckling all the way through. If nothing else, it provides an exceptional look into the biblical truth argument that raged shortly after the amazing scientific discoveries made in the 19th century. The arguments are rational (if slightly pointed), his scholarship is utterly impeccable, and yet he keeps the text interesting and to the point. On the basis of this one collection of essays, I've purchased everything I can find by this author - he's that good. I hope our religious readers will be tempted to see what he says. In summary : a tad outdated, but very well written and truly intriguing discussions.
3 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Witty, Straightforward -- delightfully entertaining!,
This review is from: The Forgery of the Old Testament and Other Essays (Freethought Library) (Paperback)
This material was controversial when originally published in 1926-1927. If you've read more recent biblical criticism, you will note a few points that have since been clarified by more recent works but, for the most part, McCabe's arguments are as current as ever. Since the book is fairly broad in scope, McCabe doesn't offer much justification for his assertions though he does offer some. But what makes "The Forgery of the Old Testament" unique and such a delight to read is McCabe's straightforward language and his witty attacks on the earlier biblical critics and the traditional religious community. He exposes their charitable justifications of the Old Testament "forgeries" as apologetic drivel.
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Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
In the years 597 and 596 before the Christian Era pathetic caravans set out from Jerusalem and the hills of Judea for the distant civilization of Babylonia. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Old Testament, Professor Osborn, Little Blue Books, Professor Sellin, Professor Sayce, Higher Criticism, Sir Oliver Lodge, The Futility of Belief, Christian Era, Church of England, Middle Ages, Ancient Egypt, New Testament New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
In the years 597 and 596 before the Christian Era pathetic caravans set out from Jerusalem and the hills of Judea for the distant civilization of Babylonia. Read the first page Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Old Testament, Professor Osborn, Little Blue Books, Professor Sellin, Professor Sayce, Higher Criticism, Sir Oliver Lodge, The Futility of Belief, Christian Era, Church of England, Middle Ages, Ancient Egypt, New Testament New!
Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 6
books:
See all 6 books this book cites
5
books
cite this book:
- The Myth of the Resurrection and Other Essays (Freethought Library) by Joseph McCabe in Front Matter, and page 118
- Debates on the Meaning of Life, Evolution, and Spiritualism (The Freethought Library) by Percy Price in Front Matter, and page 133
- The Riddle of the Universe (Great Minds Series) by Ernst Haeckel in Front Matter, and page 127
- Paradise Lost (Penguin Classics) by John Milton on page 101
- Twelve Years in a Monastery by Joseph McCabe in Front Matter
See all 6 books this book cites
- A Rebel to His Last Breath: Joseph McCabe and Rationalism by Bill Cooke in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- The Religious Beliefs of Our Presidents: From Washington to F.D.R. (The Freethought Library) by Franklin Steiner in Back Matter
- Why I Am an Agnostic and Other Essays (Freethought Library) by Clarence Darrow in Front Matter
- The Myth of the Resurrection and Other Essays (Freethought Library) by Joseph McCabe in Front Matter
- Reason, Tolerance, and Christianity: The Ingersoll Debates (Freethought Library) by Robert G. Ingersoll in Front Matter
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