Author: Dr. Ronald Pleune
Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc
ISBN: 166240414X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 78
Book Description
The question is this, what do we accept as the truth of what we believe in? We take many things by mere faith, but is faith the right path in putting our trust in a matter just because someone says so? Do we dig into a matter with an open mind rather than prejudice and influences from others as we were growing up? Does our relationship with others influence our perception of what is truth and what is not the truth? Do we tend to accept something as truth because we don't have time or resources to check it out? Or is it because of an emphatic speech by a cleric that proclaims the Bible is "without error" when in fact outside sources point to errors in dates, events, and even interpretation, yet we close our eyes and ears because we ask, "How can this be?" Many times the excuse is made that if so many people believe in a particular biblical statement or condition, then it can't be wrong! Or can it? Debate on biblical issues end up boggling the general populous, and many just walk away from it with disgust, won't deal with it, or dogmatically hold a position of biblical inerrancy. This brings us down to getting into the trenches of discovering the truth, as ugly and contentious it may seem. This is especially true when ufology is brought into the picture, especially when the topic of God or a God is introduced and examined in the light of various scientific disciplines.
God...the Grand Illusion
Author: Dr. Ronald Pleune
Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc
ISBN: 166240414X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 78
Book Description
The question is this, what do we accept as the truth of what we believe in? We take many things by mere faith, but is faith the right path in putting our trust in a matter just because someone says so? Do we dig into a matter with an open mind rather than prejudice and influences from others as we were growing up? Does our relationship with others influence our perception of what is truth and what is not the truth? Do we tend to accept something as truth because we don't have time or resources to check it out? Or is it because of an emphatic speech by a cleric that proclaims the Bible is "without error" when in fact outside sources point to errors in dates, events, and even interpretation, yet we close our eyes and ears because we ask, "How can this be?" Many times the excuse is made that if so many people believe in a particular biblical statement or condition, then it can't be wrong! Or can it? Debate on biblical issues end up boggling the general populous, and many just walk away from it with disgust, won't deal with it, or dogmatically hold a position of biblical inerrancy. This brings us down to getting into the trenches of discovering the truth, as ugly and contentious it may seem. This is especially true when ufology is brought into the picture, especially when the topic of God or a God is introduced and examined in the light of various scientific disciplines.
Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc
ISBN: 166240414X
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 78
Book Description
The question is this, what do we accept as the truth of what we believe in? We take many things by mere faith, but is faith the right path in putting our trust in a matter just because someone says so? Do we dig into a matter with an open mind rather than prejudice and influences from others as we were growing up? Does our relationship with others influence our perception of what is truth and what is not the truth? Do we tend to accept something as truth because we don't have time or resources to check it out? Or is it because of an emphatic speech by a cleric that proclaims the Bible is "without error" when in fact outside sources point to errors in dates, events, and even interpretation, yet we close our eyes and ears because we ask, "How can this be?" Many times the excuse is made that if so many people believe in a particular biblical statement or condition, then it can't be wrong! Or can it? Debate on biblical issues end up boggling the general populous, and many just walk away from it with disgust, won't deal with it, or dogmatically hold a position of biblical inerrancy. This brings us down to getting into the trenches of discovering the truth, as ugly and contentious it may seem. This is especially true when ufology is brought into the picture, especially when the topic of God or a God is introduced and examined in the light of various scientific disciplines.
The Grand Illusion
Author: Sadhu Swarup Singh
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1452017344
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 210
Book Description
In "The Grand Illusion" professor Singh offers unbiased comments from the rationalist's point of view on the concepts of God, belief, customs and ceremonies- which we collectively call "religion." His comments are quite comprehensive, embracing worship, prayer, holy books and places, miracles and salvation, as well as the theory of karma, attributes of God and life's purpose. The author's goal is to shed light on the absurdity of certain ideas, attitudes, and activities in the spiritual realm of religion and faith, thus helping mankind free its thinking from the stifling grip of irrationality, i.e., to become its own helper and savior. His reasoning demonstrates that- just as religious followers believe that "God only helps those who help themselves"- it is humankind, and not God, who is responsible for saving itself. In other words, a spiritual entity saving mankind is an historical absurdity; humanity must be its own savior. The author wants to awaken humanity from its spiritual slumber and open its eyes so that people see for themselves how their behavior is steeped in irrationality. Man is a rational being and his cognition and behavior should confirm and justify rationality. Unfortunately, in any conflict between emotions and intellect, the former invariably wins. Why is that? Emotion (irrationality) is as old as life itself, whereas intellect (rationality) is comparatively an infant on the life's evolutionary scale. Humanity must recognize and nourish this infant so that it develops and becomes our dependable guide. It is not the author's intention to criticize or condemn any religion; religion stands condemned by the behavior of its own followers. In truth, religion has failed in raising man to any higher level and humanity has remained unsaved despite a horde of saviors. The path to progress, enlightenment or further evolutionary growth, without a doubt, lies through reason and rationality - not through religious fervor. The only religion worthy of mankind is "Rationalism and Humanism."
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1452017344
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 210
Book Description
In "The Grand Illusion" professor Singh offers unbiased comments from the rationalist's point of view on the concepts of God, belief, customs and ceremonies- which we collectively call "religion." His comments are quite comprehensive, embracing worship, prayer, holy books and places, miracles and salvation, as well as the theory of karma, attributes of God and life's purpose. The author's goal is to shed light on the absurdity of certain ideas, attitudes, and activities in the spiritual realm of religion and faith, thus helping mankind free its thinking from the stifling grip of irrationality, i.e., to become its own helper and savior. His reasoning demonstrates that- just as religious followers believe that "God only helps those who help themselves"- it is humankind, and not God, who is responsible for saving itself. In other words, a spiritual entity saving mankind is an historical absurdity; humanity must be its own savior. The author wants to awaken humanity from its spiritual slumber and open its eyes so that people see for themselves how their behavior is steeped in irrationality. Man is a rational being and his cognition and behavior should confirm and justify rationality. Unfortunately, in any conflict between emotions and intellect, the former invariably wins. Why is that? Emotion (irrationality) is as old as life itself, whereas intellect (rationality) is comparatively an infant on the life's evolutionary scale. Humanity must recognize and nourish this infant so that it develops and becomes our dependable guide. It is not the author's intention to criticize or condemn any religion; religion stands condemned by the behavior of its own followers. In truth, religion has failed in raising man to any higher level and humanity has remained unsaved despite a horde of saviors. The path to progress, enlightenment or further evolutionary growth, without a doubt, lies through reason and rationality - not through religious fervor. The only religion worthy of mankind is "Rationalism and Humanism."
A Grand Illusion
Author: David M. Young
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781949921120
Category : Churches of Christ
Languages : en
Pages : 177
Book Description
"North American Christianity stands at a major crossroads. Hundreds of thousands of believers have begun to lose interest in apostolic Christianity: the faith of the Scriptures, the great witnesses and teachers of the faith, and the major creeds and confessions of Christianity. The challenge? Theological progressivism. A Grand Illusion exposes the dangers and contradictions of theological progressivism, revealing its North American, secular and elitist assumptions. It offers a full throttle defense of authentic Christianity. And it exposes the dim future of progressivism. If you are tempted by progressivism, if your church or family members are starting to lean progressive, or if you simply need reassurance that apostolic faith is the real deal, read this book"--Back cover.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781949921120
Category : Churches of Christ
Languages : en
Pages : 177
Book Description
"North American Christianity stands at a major crossroads. Hundreds of thousands of believers have begun to lose interest in apostolic Christianity: the faith of the Scriptures, the great witnesses and teachers of the faith, and the major creeds and confessions of Christianity. The challenge? Theological progressivism. A Grand Illusion exposes the dangers and contradictions of theological progressivism, revealing its North American, secular and elitist assumptions. It offers a full throttle defense of authentic Christianity. And it exposes the dim future of progressivism. If you are tempted by progressivism, if your church or family members are starting to lean progressive, or if you simply need reassurance that apostolic faith is the real deal, read this book"--Back cover.
The Grand Illusion
Author: Christopher Speer
Publisher: BalboaPress
ISBN: 1452571937
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 482
Book Description
"It is VERY good. Fine piece of work. I have edited many books but this is the only one that has the jewel and the lotus and the muddy pool all in harmony. Rings true throughout my spiritual mountain climb and resonates with the ones whom I noticed were ahead of me. This is a handbook for people who have been round the track a few times. Blessings, Douglas. " Author, teacher, healer, Douglas Buchanan.
Publisher: BalboaPress
ISBN: 1452571937
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 482
Book Description
"It is VERY good. Fine piece of work. I have edited many books but this is the only one that has the jewel and the lotus and the muddy pool all in harmony. Rings true throughout my spiritual mountain climb and resonates with the ones whom I noticed were ahead of me. This is a handbook for people who have been round the track a few times. Blessings, Douglas. " Author, teacher, healer, Douglas Buchanan.
Pistis: Reology, The Three Grand Illusions, and The Power To Choose
Author: Anonymous Author
Publisher: eBookIt.com
ISBN: 1456600079
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
Who Am I? Why Am I Here? What Is Reality Really All About? Throughout mankind's history, our perceptive reality has led us to question who, what, and why we are here. What is this universe we perceive around us? These questions have been the driving force of our survival and have contributed to the evolution and proliferation of man's existence. While there have been many disciplines of thought which have attempted to answer these questions, the truth seems to elude us, thereby indicating a lack of satisfactory answers from all our religions, philosophies, mythologies, and sciences. Ironically, we do in fact have enough knowledge, experience, and information to discover, define, and comprehend the true nature of our existence, as well as our individual roles in it. To realize this requires the willingness to see things at their most basic level, and recognize that what we find there provides us the evidence to understand the foundation of all that exists. For thousands of years, theologians, philosophers, and scientists have monopolized the question of "what is reality?" Now it's a topic for the rest of us. Anyone sufficiently motivated to ask themselves questions such as "Who am I? Why am I here? What is this existence really all about?" already has the inherent ability and the direct evidence to find the answers. It is often said that truth can be stranger then fiction. No where is this more true then in the pages of this eBook.
Publisher: eBookIt.com
ISBN: 1456600079
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 209
Book Description
Who Am I? Why Am I Here? What Is Reality Really All About? Throughout mankind's history, our perceptive reality has led us to question who, what, and why we are here. What is this universe we perceive around us? These questions have been the driving force of our survival and have contributed to the evolution and proliferation of man's existence. While there have been many disciplines of thought which have attempted to answer these questions, the truth seems to elude us, thereby indicating a lack of satisfactory answers from all our religions, philosophies, mythologies, and sciences. Ironically, we do in fact have enough knowledge, experience, and information to discover, define, and comprehend the true nature of our existence, as well as our individual roles in it. To realize this requires the willingness to see things at their most basic level, and recognize that what we find there provides us the evidence to understand the foundation of all that exists. For thousands of years, theologians, philosophers, and scientists have monopolized the question of "what is reality?" Now it's a topic for the rest of us. Anyone sufficiently motivated to ask themselves questions such as "Who am I? Why am I here? What is this existence really all about?" already has the inherent ability and the direct evidence to find the answers. It is often said that truth can be stranger then fiction. No where is this more true then in the pages of this eBook.
Grand Illusions
Author: George Grant
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780943497280
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 386
Book Description
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780943497280
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 386
Book Description
Is God an Illusion?
Author: Deepak Chopra
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 1846043050
Category : Religion and science
Languages : en
Pages : 338
Book Description
In this title, the author argues that there is design in our universe and a deep intelligence behind life. Without defending organised religion, he debunks randomness as an explanation for how Nature evolves and shows how consciousness comes first and matter second.
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 1846043050
Category : Religion and science
Languages : en
Pages : 338
Book Description
In this title, the author argues that there is design in our universe and a deep intelligence behind life. Without defending organised religion, he debunks randomness as an explanation for how Nature evolves and shows how consciousness comes first and matter second.
The Illusion of God's Presence
Author: John C. Wathey
Publisher: Prometheus Books
ISBN: 1633880745
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 464
Book Description
An essential feature of religious experience across many cultures is the intuitive feeling of God's presence. More than any rituals or doctrines, it is this experience that anchors religious faith, yet it has been largely ignored in the scientific literature on religion.Starting with a vivid narrative account of the life-threatening hike that triggered his own mystical experience, biologist John Wathey takes the reader on a scientific journey to find the sources of religious feeling and the illusion of God's presence. His book delves into the biological origins of this compelling feeling, attributing it to innate neural circuitry that evolved to promote the mother-child bond. Dr. Wathey argues that evolution has programmed the infant brain to expect the presence of a loving being who responds to the child's needs. As the infant grows into adulthood, this innate feeling is eventually transferred to the realm of religion, where it is reactivated through the symbols, imagery, and rituals of worship. The author interprets our various conceptions of God in biological terms as illusory supernormal stimuli that fill an emotional and cognitive vacuum left over from infancy. These insights shed new light on some of the most vexing puzzles of religion, like the popular belief in a god who is judgmental and punishing, yet also unconditionally loving; the extraordinary tenacity of faith; the greater religiosity of women relative to men; religious obsessions with sex; the mysterious compulsion to pray; the seemingly irrepressible feminine attributes of God, even in traditionally patriarchal religions; and the strange allure of cults. Finally, Dr. Wathey considers the hypothesis that religion evolved to foster reproductive success, arguing that, in an age of potentially ruinous overpopulation, magical thinking has become a luxury we can no longer afford, one that distracts us from urgent threats to our planet.Deeply researched yet elegantly written in a jargon-free and accessible style, this book presents a compelling interpretation of the evolutionary origins of spirituality and religion.
Publisher: Prometheus Books
ISBN: 1633880745
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 464
Book Description
An essential feature of religious experience across many cultures is the intuitive feeling of God's presence. More than any rituals or doctrines, it is this experience that anchors religious faith, yet it has been largely ignored in the scientific literature on religion.Starting with a vivid narrative account of the life-threatening hike that triggered his own mystical experience, biologist John Wathey takes the reader on a scientific journey to find the sources of religious feeling and the illusion of God's presence. His book delves into the biological origins of this compelling feeling, attributing it to innate neural circuitry that evolved to promote the mother-child bond. Dr. Wathey argues that evolution has programmed the infant brain to expect the presence of a loving being who responds to the child's needs. As the infant grows into adulthood, this innate feeling is eventually transferred to the realm of religion, where it is reactivated through the symbols, imagery, and rituals of worship. The author interprets our various conceptions of God in biological terms as illusory supernormal stimuli that fill an emotional and cognitive vacuum left over from infancy. These insights shed new light on some of the most vexing puzzles of religion, like the popular belief in a god who is judgmental and punishing, yet also unconditionally loving; the extraordinary tenacity of faith; the greater religiosity of women relative to men; religious obsessions with sex; the mysterious compulsion to pray; the seemingly irrepressible feminine attributes of God, even in traditionally patriarchal religions; and the strange allure of cults. Finally, Dr. Wathey considers the hypothesis that religion evolved to foster reproductive success, arguing that, in an age of potentially ruinous overpopulation, magical thinking has become a luxury we can no longer afford, one that distracts us from urgent threats to our planet.Deeply researched yet elegantly written in a jargon-free and accessible style, this book presents a compelling interpretation of the evolutionary origins of spirituality and religion.
Civiliesation
Author: Daryl Conant M. Ed.
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1496969545
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 360
Book Description
civiLIESation: The Undeniable Truth is an in-depth look at what we are, who we are, and the ultimate purpose of our existence. The cosmos is a grand miracle, and though we dont know its origin or purpose, one thing does remain true and that is that the entire cosmos is made up of energy, the energy of creation. The Earth is a living biosphere that is a product of the atomic expansion of the universe. The Earths containment system allows for the sustainability of life. During the early stages of civilization life was reckless, barbaric, and uncontained. It would take thousands of years for the primitive energy to evolve into a sophisticated, civilized energy. One of the key factors for a shift in human behavior was through the conception of ego energy. The ego would be responsible for the governing power of civilization known as The Mass of Collective Energy. CiviLIESation explores illusionary perceptions, projections, and reflections of the ego. CiviLIESation is a presentation of conscious awareness.
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 1496969545
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 360
Book Description
civiLIESation: The Undeniable Truth is an in-depth look at what we are, who we are, and the ultimate purpose of our existence. The cosmos is a grand miracle, and though we dont know its origin or purpose, one thing does remain true and that is that the entire cosmos is made up of energy, the energy of creation. The Earth is a living biosphere that is a product of the atomic expansion of the universe. The Earths containment system allows for the sustainability of life. During the early stages of civilization life was reckless, barbaric, and uncontained. It would take thousands of years for the primitive energy to evolve into a sophisticated, civilized energy. One of the key factors for a shift in human behavior was through the conception of ego energy. The ego would be responsible for the governing power of civilization known as The Mass of Collective Energy. CiviLIESation explores illusionary perceptions, projections, and reflections of the ego. CiviLIESation is a presentation of conscious awareness.
How "God" Works
Author: Marshall Brain
Publisher: Union Square + ORM
ISBN: 1454913797
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 280
Book Description
The founder of HowStuffWorks.com uses objectivity, logic, and critical thinking to explore the question of God’s reality in an honest way. Does God exist? Using an intellectually rigorous, scientific approach, Marshall Brain—the founder of HowStuffWorks.com and author of the How Stuff Works series—sets out to resolve the eternal debate once and for all. With a compelling sense of curiosity, he breaks down mankind’s search for a higher power, tackling such quandaries as: Who is God? What are his attributes? What is God doing and why? How does God interact with humanity? And ultimately, how can humans know with certainty whether God is real or imaginary? How “God” Works is an enlightening journey in critical thinking that challenges readers to boldly approach the subject of personal faith and put aside intuition in favor of objectivity and logic. “Takes readers on a journey of critical thinking . . . it is the combination of all the arguments made and the approach to those arguments that make this book so convincing.” —Skeptic Ink “Brain subjects Christianity to withering analysis . . . He is precise and convincing in his analytical process.” —TheHumanist.com
Publisher: Union Square + ORM
ISBN: 1454913797
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 280
Book Description
The founder of HowStuffWorks.com uses objectivity, logic, and critical thinking to explore the question of God’s reality in an honest way. Does God exist? Using an intellectually rigorous, scientific approach, Marshall Brain—the founder of HowStuffWorks.com and author of the How Stuff Works series—sets out to resolve the eternal debate once and for all. With a compelling sense of curiosity, he breaks down mankind’s search for a higher power, tackling such quandaries as: Who is God? What are his attributes? What is God doing and why? How does God interact with humanity? And ultimately, how can humans know with certainty whether God is real or imaginary? How “God” Works is an enlightening journey in critical thinking that challenges readers to boldly approach the subject of personal faith and put aside intuition in favor of objectivity and logic. “Takes readers on a journey of critical thinking . . . it is the combination of all the arguments made and the approach to those arguments that make this book so convincing.” —Skeptic Ink “Brain subjects Christianity to withering analysis . . . He is precise and convincing in his analytical process.” —TheHumanist.com