..".and then Noah loaded the dinosaurs onto the ark." Assertions like these seem comical until you realize that many Christian parents aren't kidding when they teach them to their children as facts. Every day, impressionable young minds are conditioned to blindly accept wild biblical tales of floating zoos, talking shrubbery, 900-year-old humans, the undead, curses, levitation, demon/human hybrids and men who obtain super-human strength from the length of their hair. Allegiance to these teachings is expected, often demanded. Curiosity is muted. Doubt is frowned upon as a sin. And for those who dare to raise a dissenting hand, the threat of Hell looms ominously. A former religious radio host raised in the cradle of Christianity, Seth Andrews battled his own doubts for many years. His attempts to reconcile faith and the facts led him to a conclusion previously unthinkable, and this once-true believer ultimately became the founder of one of the most popular atheist communities on the internet.

The nativity of Jesus is an event that carries much cultural recognition. However, is it a narrative which commands much support in the academic world? Is it a story which holds much historical truth? Or were the two biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus an opportunity for the authors to impart a theological truth or otherwise? These are the sort of questions that are often asked of the nativity accounts and questions which are answered in this concise and yet well-researched and informative book. Some twenty arguments are looked at and presented in a clear and detailed manner, building a cumulative case for the objection to the historical nature of the Gospel accounts. The author also questions what purpose these stories do serve if indeed they do carry little or no historical truth. With reference to a wide array of contemporary and iconic works on the subject, Pearce has created a compendium of critical arguments against the historicity of a story which still remains a vital piece of our collective cultural and religious tapestry. "For anyone beginning to doubt the reliability of the gospels as eyewitness accounts, Pearce's "The Nativity" will teach you everything you need to know to move past the limitations of biblical infallibility and explore the complicated process that went into the gospel narratives of Jesus Christ." - Derek Murphy, author of Jesus Potter Harry Christ

2012 Reprint of 1930 Edition. Exact facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. Founder of the Ancient and Mystic Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC), a modern revival Rosicrucian order headquartered at San Jose, California. Lewis was born in Frenchtown, New Jersey, November 25, 1883, of Welsh ancestry. In 1904 Lewis founded and served as president of the New York Institute for Psychical Research. The institute specialized in occult studies with emphasis on Rosicrucian teachings. The AMORC was organized in several stages over the next years, and by 1917 held its first national convention in Pittsburgh, at which Lewis established his plan to develop correspondence courses. AMORC taught philosophical and mystical practices in order to develop the latent faculties of man, and it sold literature by mail order. Lewis himself authored the basic set of correspondence lessons and a number of the books published by AMORC. This is the authors and the orders view on the subject of the soul and reincarnation

Red Neck, Blue Collar, Atheist - Simple Thoughts About Reason, Gods and Faith follows in the footsteps of recent best-sellers such as Christopher Hitchens' God is Not Great, Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion, and Sam Harris' The End of Faith. Whereas Dawkins, Hitchens and Harris have written mainly about the rational basis, the WHY of atheism, this book looks at the HOW - how it feels, how it works, from the inside. Coming from a writer who grew up in Texas and worked as a real cowboy and draft horse teamster (the cover picture even shows the author riding a bull ), as well as a carpenter, roofer and truck driver, the book is based on decades of examining the process in his own mind as he moved from Christianity to atheism. Putting it simply, here are some of the things an atheist might think, and the way he or she might think them. More than once called a master of metaphor in the blogosphere, author Hank Fox tackles the subject of atheism with subtle humor and a friendly, informal tone, in two dozen chapters with names like Sundae Worship, The Parable of the M&Ms, Batman Almighty, The Wellspring of the Gods, Sucking Up to the Virgin Mary, The Evidence of True Things, The Headwaters of Reality, Hello Mr. Death, and Saying Goodbye to Gods. Primarily aimed at young adults, especially those from religious backgrounds and new to thinking about atheism and freethought, this book will also provide ammunition for those of a more intellectual bent faced with the necessity of explaining atheism in simple terms to friends and relatives. Best of all, the book focuses not just on the negatives of religion, but on the positives of atheism - the freedom and mental clarity for individuals, but also the hopeful future for our entire world as we proceed with a social revolution already in progress.

This work, "Christianity and Black Oppression: Duppy Know Who Fe Frighten" asks: How is it that blacks have been Christianized for more than four hundred years, and in some cases more than five hundred years, and yet blacks are stereotyped as morally and mentally inferior? At the very first encounter between Europeans and Africans, Africans were perceived as "pagan," "heathen," and "devil worshippers." The tool that would transform Africans, it was postulated, would be the Christian religion. In spite of over four centuries of Christianity, the perception of blacks as morally and mentally inferior has not changed. Blacks, it would appear, carry a stigma that is genetic and can be transmitted. "Christianity and Black Oppression: Duppy Know Who Fe Frighten" also addresses the issue as to why there has not been a radical change in the perception of blacks in spite of centuries of blacks' investment of an inordinate amount of time, energy and money in the Christian religion. Green argues that Blacks were forced to surrender their African world view and adopt a European Christian world view. Black history and culture are marginalized, and at times demonized, within Christianity, and this is transferred to other areas of the lives of blacks. Indeed in this work, a comparison is made between the Dalits of India who are ostracized within the Hindu religion and blacks who share the commonality of oppression that is based on a stigma that is supposedly genetic and therefore can be transmitted. In the light of the fact that Christianity is considered to be an egalitarian religion with a God who is benevolent and who intervenes in peoples' lives, and the reality of black oppression, the question then arises as to whether blacks are subjected to "divine racism."

2012 Reprint of 1930 Edition. Exact facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. Theurgy means "the science or art of divine works." In alchemy, this process is called the "Great Work," which is the purification and exaltation of our "lower" nature by the proper application of esoteric principles, so that it may become united with its higher counterparts, whereby we may attain spiritual, and ultimately divine, consciousness. Drawing on the teachings of the Egyptian, Greek, and Hebrew mystery schools and quoting extensively from important alchemic writers, Garstin details this process of purification. Students who are curious about alchemy but daunted by the body of its literature and its strange allegories will find this book to be an excellent introduction. Garstin discusses source alchemic works and clearly explains what their esoteric symbolism means. With the information in this book, students of alchemy can then proceed to make a more informed exploration of the alchemical works and other writings of the Western Mystery Tradition.

Can atheists be moral? Religion and morality are closely linked in the minds of many people. It is widely believed you can't have one without the other. And if morality needs religion, then what does that say about atheists? Can they be moral? Can there be a morality without God? This book takes on the myth that atheists can't be moral. It looks at what morality is, the different kinds of moralities that already exist, and what a secular morality would look like. Along the way it challenges beliefs about the nature of morality and misconceptions that lead to the belief that atheists can't be moral.

Also called Christianity before Christ, this book contains new, startling, and extraordinary revelations in religious history, which disclose the oriental origin of all the doctrines, principles, percepts and miracles of the Christian New Testament and furnishing a key for unlocking many of its sacred mysteries, besides compromising the history of 16 heathen crucified gods.

Some events defy statistics and common sense, like winning the lottery four times in a row. For believers it's just God doing His thing. Atheists and agnostics don't have it that easy. What are these astounding synchronicities and highly improbable lucky breaks? Are they just coincidences or is there something else at work here? Drawing on science, mathematics, psychology, and philosophy, this book places the miraculous into a rational framework, and suggest strategies for harnessing its power in your decision-making and worldview. That's just half the story. The other half is the author's own improbable life, starting as a Jewish infant hidden in the basement of a Gestapo headquarters, later becoming an Israeli soldier in the Six-Day War, a concert pianist, a stand-up comedian, and a yogi in an ashram, all before he turned 50. It is a rip-roaring hilarious tale that will make your head spin. It will also give you a blueprint for turning your own life into a journey of awe and amazement. About the author Peter Elyakim Taussig is a Czech-Israeli-Canadian-American composer, author, filmmaker, concert pianist, nature photographer, and inventor. He is neither award-winning nor internationally acclaimed. He resides in Lenox Massachusetts and Santa Barbara California. Further self-aggrandizing information is available on his web site at: www.petertaussig.com

Ludwig Feuerbach (1804-1972), the immensely influential German philosopher of the 19th century, wrote his most important work "The Essence of Christianity" in 1841. Combined with his numerous other writings, "The Essence of Christianity" contributed to the development of dialectical materialism. Feuerbach is often considered the philosopher who bridged Hegel and Marx. Here is his sharp criticism of Christianity. A staunch atheist, Feuerbach argues that Christianity has wrongfully "projected" and "displaced" elements of the human mind onto nonexistent supernatural, religious objects. This displacement, he argues, fundamentally alters notions of consciousness. Feuerbach works his way through his tractate via the skepticism established by Hegel and Spinoza, among others. Like Nietzsche, Feuerbach made the claim that Christianity need be deconstructed and repudiated for true civil progress to occur. "The Essence of Christianity" shows Feuerbach in full force as an influential member of a new breed of German philosophers. This text, and this author, occupies a significant place in the history of modern philosophy.

As one accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior and begins the spiritual new birth, they would be faced with many situations and circumstances that cannot be handled by any human hands or flesh. These situations and circumstances are to be placed on the Lord, and ask him, to handle these circumstances for you. As a child of God Christians are admonish to cast their cares, circumstances and burdens upon the one and only person that is able to handle it and carry them through. A child of God must not trust in the arm of flesh, but fully trust in God, by faith and hope in God only. This book is written to shed light of some of the things that Christians go through, possible encouragements and spiritual enlistment. One is encourage to read this book thought fully, as in it, are words of wisdom and inspiration that will help you in your daily Christian walk in order that you can remain faithful to God. The birth of this book was a burden of my heart from God's Holy Spirit, who was with me in every step of the way in writing this book. This book was written; first of all to help sinners turn their heart to Christ, and to help and encourage Christians, significantly those who are struggling through their Christian life, to shed enlightenment on some of the persecutions, struggles, abuses, and accuses that one might encounter on their day to day living. I am persuaded that in this book, a sinner's heart will be geared towards serving God and a child of God heart would be stirred up to walk righteously and uprightly before him. For all its readers, this book will be a comfort to the hurting, a source of strength to the weak, healing for the sick, joy for those who are mourning and a garment of praise for those with a heavy heart. The words of wisdom that is shed in this book, is a must have and a must needed option. Be blessed. From the heart of God, to my heart, and transferred to your heart. -God's servant -Francine Lewis

Jesus Cries When You Touch Yourself is a comic monologue written in tribute to the late George Carlin on the topic of religious bullshit in America. Influenced by Carlin, Friedrich Nietzsche, Bill Maher, Monty Python, and the writers of South Park, the author uses constant mockery and absurdist humor on a tour of ridiculous beliefs in America. With devastating logic, Jesus, the most beloved character in all of history, is revealed to be the world's greatest pedophile. After all, if Jesus is God, then everyday he watches billions of children take off their clothes and hundreds of millions of others go poop. Well, the great Poop Inspector would be a pedophile, if only he wasn't merely our imaginary friend. From an invisible man in the sky that watches millions of people masturbate each day, to Jesus ascending into heaven and becoming an astronaut, to Catholics eating Jesus' penis every Sunday, Jesus Cries When You Touch Yourself contrasts intense realism with comical religious absurdity in the most ambitious ridicule of religion ever written.

African Americans, Blacks, have long been associated with religious faith.Since the dawn of our time in America from 1619 to the present day. Do we see this.The Black Church has long been, and is still, seen as a bastian of hope in the Black Community.And for good reason: many of our Civil Rights champions came from the church.This fact, while brilliant and admirable, does not dismiss the evils associated with the church.Some of these evils include Jonestown, Waco, and 911. The appalling actions done "in the name of god" are highly capable of ruining lives on an epidemic scale.Not only can lives be lost but, lifestyles can be ruined as well. Entire fortunes have been squandered as well as childhood innosence all in the name of god.What is being done about this? Much of the ill-begotten deeds of religions squalid past are conveniently swept under the rug.From the pope to the small time country preacher, are the dirty deals kept hidden from the masses.Members are encouraged to "play along" and do everything the spiritual leader tells them to do.Members that seek answers are shunned by the spiritual leader and his/her brainwashed flock(maintaining that the will of god demands absolute trust and faith).This naturally sets the stage for confusion and betrayal.The pastor/preist is given a free pass to commit all kinds of bad things while the congregation looks on in confusion.And this same pastor/preist grants "special favors" to those who played along in a fitting and proper way in his eyes.All of this is done to achieve salvation and go to heaven when one dies.The time for change has come."The Black Atheist in America" by Jason Winn represents that change.Jason Winn, a former Christian himself, has seen the limited horizons and dirty deals done inside of the church.He struggled with faith for 34 years until he said,"enough is enough " The Black Church is seen as a haven of hope to most in the Black Community but, this is only a half thuth.The other half of truth regarding the Black Church is lack luster at best.The Black Community is still #1 in crime, AIDS, and low education but, the Black Church is still going strong.This is due to the Black Church not taking a stand against the negative elements within its community.The time, energy, and money used to build and support the church could be redirected to assist in supporting the community.Both the church and community are made up of people.And these people are needed to get things done."The Black Atheist in America" exposes this very basic truth along with many others.The reader will see the violent history of religion from The Crusades to the present day ethnic cleansings taking place in Africa.The reader will see the glaring hypocrisy running rampant in the church: faith healers and mega churches. The reader will also see how the church uses children(the most innocent among us)to fuel its turbo charged-high energy message to swell its membership.And finally, the reader shall see how a reason filled mind will triumph over a faith filled mind.A reason driven mind will be progressive in its function (forward moving). A religious driven mind will be retrogressive in its function(backwards moving). Jason Winn provides a simple example of this dynamic by explaining the passing of time.He states that, "Time is progessive and moves forward." He further states that this progression can be seen in technology throughout the ages: Stone to Bronze and Industry to Information.

THIS 232 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Bible of Bibles, by Kersey Graves. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1564592952.

THIS 232 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Bible of Bibles, by Kersey Graves. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 1564592952.

THIS 48 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: American Thought: From Puritanism to Pragmatism, by Woodbridge Riley. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766105679.

1930. Partial Contents: Lincoln the Freethinker; Lincoln the Soldier; Jefferson the Freethinker; Franklin the Freethinker; Burbank - the Infidel; Bible and the Public Schools; Small Children Receive Religious Instruction? a Debate Between Rev. Walter M. Howlett and Joseph Lewis; Mexico and the Catholic Church; Gems from Ingersoll.

This scarce antiquarian book is a selection from Kessinger Publishing's Legacy Reprint Series. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature. Kessinger Publishing is the place to find hundreds of thousands of rare and hard-to-find books with something of interest for everyone

No matter what you think or believe in life, the mythology of Christianity revolutionized the entire world. Now, from the Author of "Empirical Truth" and the "Power of Light Vibrations" comes a new work called "Jesus Christ: Revolutionary Mythology." As a proud Pantheistic-Atheist, Christians are always telling me that because I am an Atheist I do not believe in anything, this is growing old. I inform them that because I am a freethinker that I believe in more things than they. In responding to their way of thinking it is they who do not believe in anything. There is no god, and the belief in Jesus Christ is the myth of celestial bodies and the legend of a man who may or may not have existed. It is a shame that the world has been placed into mayhem by the mythological sayings of Paul, the true founder of Christianity, a megalomaniac who fooled so many into believing that he was following the teachings of Jesus Christ. Was there a connection between Jesus' Birthday and 9/11? This book is about finding out the truth. Who was Jesus Christ? Many Christian's faith may be dismayed by the answers.

M. P. Cushing's scholarly study of the life and works of Paul Heinrich Dietrich, Baron d'Holbach, the noted eighteenth century Prussian-French polymath, includes the events of his life, his many and varied publications, many of which were published pseudonymously to avoid scandal, the controversies stirred up by has forthright atheism, examples of his correspondence and an extensive bibliography. The text of this new edition from Benediction Classics has been carefully hand-edited, and to assist the reader, translations of the many French quotations, and the long German passage from Goethe, have been added.