Showing results for "Science and Religion" in World

The Profits of Religion An Essay in Economic Interpretation is a thought-provoking non-fiction work by Upton Sinclair, first published in 1917. This compelling analysis examines the landscape of religious movements in the United States just before its entry into World War I. Sinclair critiques institutionalized religion, portraying it as a source of income to parasites and an ally of various forms of oppression and exploitation. His powerful arguments challenge readers to reconsider the role of religion in society.

Freemasonry is one of the oldest and most widespread voluntary organizations in the world. Over the course of three centuries, men (and women) have organized themselves socially and voluntarily under its name. This Very Short Introduction introduces the inner activities of freemasonry, and the rituals, symbols, and practices. Looking at the development of the organizational structure of masonry from the local to the global level, Andreas Önnerfors considers perceptions of freemasonry from the outside world and navigates through the prevalent fictions and conspiracy theories.

In this thought-provoking volume, the author explores the tumultuous relationship between science and theology throughout modern history. He argues that attempts to interfere with scientific progress in the name of religion—despite good intentions—have led to significant harm for both fields. Conversely, he posits that unimpeded scientific inquiry, even when it challenges religious beliefs, ultimately benefits both science and spirituality. This work chronicles the gradual liberation of scientific thought from theological constraints, though it has drawn criticism from contemporary ...

Dive into the thought-provoking pages of Abominations of Modern Society, where Rev. Talmage masterfully explores the timeless issues that plague both his era and ours. With a rich tapestry of old and forgotten words, this book is not only amusing but also deeply insightful. Each chapter addresses a specific societal problem in detail, revealing the uncanny parallels between past and present. Join us as we unravel the complexities of modern life through the lens of history. Summary by fiddlesticks

In the 21st Century, weve witnessed a significant resurgence of skepticism towards science, particularly among Evangelicals. However, this conflict between science and religion is far from new. In the late 1800s, author Andrew Dickson White asserted that any interference with science in the name of religion, regardless of intent, has historically led to dire consequences for both realms. Conversely, he argued that unimpeded scientific inquiry, even when seemingly threatening to religious beliefs, ultimately fosters the greatest advancements for both science and faith. In this volume, White ...

In this captivating two-part exploration, Princess Catherine Radziwill reveals Rasputin not as a powerful mystic, but rather as a charlatan and unwitting pawn of Germany. Part one delves into the social and religious landscape of pre-WWI Russia, analyzing the unique cultural conditions that enabled Rasputin to rise to prominence. Radziwill dismantles the myth of Rasputins significant influence in the Russian government, portraying him instead as a hedonistic, illiterate peasant manipulated into furthering Germanys agenda. Through firsthand accounts from Radziwill and others, listeners gain an ...

Dive into Progressive Woman of History, a monthly magazine that champions the aspirations and interests of women in the realms of economics and politics, expertly edited by Josephine Conger-Keneko. Join us as we explore the stories and achievements that shape womens roles in society, narrated by KevinS.

Dive into the intriguing world of Idealism, a philosophy revitalized in eighteenth-century Europe by George Berkeley, which boldly challenges materialism by asserting that Reality is a construct of the Mind. Once thriving under the guidance of thinkers like Hegel, Fichte, Schopenhauer, and Schelling, Idealism waned in influence as the nineteenth century drew to a close. Yet, the remarkable May Sinclair—an author known for her thought-provoking novels and service in the World War I ambulance corps—emerged as an unexpected champion of this philosophical tradition, seeking to reinvigorate it ...

Step back into the Court of Liang around 300 B.C., where philosophers were honored guests of the reigning king, enjoying lodging and sustenance as they pursued truth and wisdom. While the origins of Yang Chu remain a mystery, his choice to settle in the Wei State during King Hwei’s reign is well noted. Here, he lived as a modest proprietor until his death around 250 B.C. Imagine a life reminiscent of Epicurus in his renowned Athenian Garden, where the philosopher of pleasure and contentment welcomed students and disciples for enlightening discourses. These discussions, much like those in ...

This investigation delves into the deportations of individuals classified as unlawfully present in the United States during the years 1919-1920. Its aim is to shed light on practices that contradict the core American values of justice and fairness. - Summary by Constantine Panunzio, from the introduction

Dive into a thought-provoking critique of classical socialism through a series of engaging letters addressed to Mr. Smith. Authored by the former editor of the New York-based Common Cause magazine, this work offers insightful commentary and analysis that challenges conventional perspectives. Summary by KevinS.

Phänomenologie des Geistes (1807) stands as Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegels seminal philosophical work, sparking extensive discussion and debate. As Hegels inaugural book, it intricately explores the three-stage dialectical journey of Spirit. The title can be interpreted as either The Phenomenology of Spirit or The Phenomenology of Mind, reflecting the dual meaning of the German word Geist. This foundational text laid the groundwork for Hegels later philosophies and represented a pivotal shift in German idealism post-Kant. Delving into metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, history, religion, ...

In Twilight of the Idols, Nietzsche offers a powerful critique of the old truths that have long dominated our thinking. As he notes in Ecce Homo, this work serves as a swift guide to understanding how the world has been turned upside down before his time. The “Idols” he refers to represent the outdated beliefs that are now crumbling. This book stands as a vital resource for anyone seeking to grasp the essence of Nietzsche’s philosophy. Here, he masterfully engages in the transvaluation of values, wielding his language with precision and depth. However, be warned this is not an easy read....

Originally published in Latin in 1644 and later translated into French in 1647, The Principles of Philosophy by René Descartes unveils the foundational principles of nature and the Laws of Physics through his unique lens. This groundbreaking work offers a systematic exploration of natural philosophy and metaphysics, presenting the first truly comprehensive, mechanistic view of the universe. Selections from the Principles of Philosophy includes the entirety of the first part, Of the Principles of Human Knowledge, along with selected passages from the second part, Of the Principles of Material ...

In this thought-provoking work, the author delves into the psychological traits that shape the very essence of different races and peoples. Drawing from historical perspectives, the text critiques the notion of equality among individuals and races, suggesting that a peoples character—rooted in their ancestry—plays a critical role in their evolution and civilization. By examining the interplay of morality, conduct, and religious ideas, the author argues that these elements are fundamental to understanding the rise and fall of civilizations. Join us as we explore how the unique ...

Dive into the intricate history of the Union between Norway and Sweden, exploring the political landscape from 1814 to 1905 through a Norwegian lens. This insightful summary by Ærik Bjørnsson sheds light on the events and decisions that shaped this significant chapter in Scandinavian history.

Discover a collection of publications from the Friends of Ukraine, released during the tumultuous period following the First World War, as Ukraine fought valiantly for its independence. (Summary by KevinS)

In a society ensnared by the shadows of ancient prejudices and outdated beliefs, John Addington Symonds boldly confronts the hypocrisy and misinformation that plague our understanding of sexuality. In this powerful essay, which circulated anonymously, Symonds emerges as a modern-day Virgil, guiding readers through the harrowing landscape of medico-legal definitions of sexual deviance that shaped his era and continue to echo in ours. He advocates for humane values amidst the labyrinth of Victorian taxonomies and the oppressive “terrorism” of religion that constructed the identity of the ...

Dive into the world of spectral phenomena through the eyes of a skeptical author who examines famous ghostly encounters. Drawing on early 20th-century scientific research in psychology, he sheds light on concepts like suggestion and hallucinations, while also exploring his intriguing beliefs in mesmerism and telepathy. The journey concludes with a fascinating look at ghost hunters and those who investigate psychic phenomena. - Summary by Rapunzelina

Ambassador Morgenthau’s memoirs from his time serving the United States in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) serve as a vital primary historical source for understanding the decline of the Ottoman Empire and the harrowing events of the Armenian Genocide. During this tragic period, an estimated 1,500,000 Armenians living in Anatolia were systematically murdered in a concerted effort to eliminate Turkey’s non-Turkish populations. Morgenthau left Turkey feeling deeply frustrated, having exhausted every diplomatic avenue to stop the atrocities, yet witnessing the horrors unfold without ...