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Alpha God: The Psychology of Religious Violence and Oppression
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In this extensive sequel to Science Education in the Early Roman Empire, Dr. Richard Carrier explores the social history of scientists in the Roman era. Was science in decline or experiencing a revival under the Romans? What was an ancient scientist thought to be and do? Who were they, and who funded their research? And how did pagans differ from their Christian peers in their views toward science and scientists?
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5 out of 5 stars
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A must read for historians
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The assumption that Jesus existed as a historical person has occasionally been questioned in the course of the last hundred years or so, but any doubts that have been raised have usually been put to rest in favor of imagining a blend of the historical, the mythical, and the theological in the surviving records of Jesus. Historian and philosopher Richard Carrier reexamines the whole question and finds compelling reasons to suspect the more daring assumption is correct.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Well thought out argument.
- By Insomniak1 on 05-23-15
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 228
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Leading New Testament scholar Robert M. Price has taken umbrage at the cavalier manner in which Rev. Lee Strobel has misrepresented the field of Bible scholarship in his book The Case for Christ. Price exposes and refutes Strobel's arguments chapter-by-chapter. In doing so, he has occasion to wipe out the entire field of Christian apologetics as summarized by Strobel. This book is a must-read for anyone bewildered by the various books published by Rev. Strobel.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Great Book - For an In-depth Analysis
- By L. Powell on 04-26-16
Publisher's Summary
This book uses evolutionary psychology as a lens to explain religious violence and oppression. The author, a clinical psychologist, examines religious scriptures, rituals, and canon law, highlighting the many ways in which our evolutionary legacy has shaped the development of religion and continues to profoundly influence its expression.
The book focuses on the image of God as the dominant male in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This traditional God concept is seen as a reflection of the “dominant ape” paradigm so evident in the hierarchical social structures of primates, with whom we have a strong genetic connection.
The author describes the main features of male-dominated primate social hierarchies - specifically, the role of the alpha male as the protector of the group; his sexual dominance and use of violence and oppression to attain food, females, and territory; in-group altruism vs. out-group hostility (us vs them); and displays of dominance and submission to establish roles within the social hierarchy. The parallels between these features of primate society and human religious rituals and concepts make it clear that religion, especially its oppressive and violent tendencies, is rooted in the deep evolutionary past.
This incisive analysis goes a long way toward explaining the historic and ongoing violence committed in the name of religion.
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- peter
- 11-17-18
Thoughtful
A thoughtful look into alpha-male behavior in the animal kingdom-- humans included-- and how this hierarchical approach to tribal management is reflected in the establishment of religions. Worth reading, or listening to. Beautifully read by Seth Andrews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 02-06-19
The only reason we keep kicking this dead horse.
because our country allows billionaires to influence legislation and have the kids their tax liability for tax responsibilities. these representatives that we shuffle every 2 to 6 years are empower advising billionaires with their campaign contributions to bring up devices and wedge issues to buy for Kate the electric and to keep the common man in its place free from any Liberty or freedom
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