The Forbidden Instruction Book

by Riding, Neil

• ISBN13: 9781466945067
• ISBN10: 1466945060
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-06-29
• Publisher: Textstream

Summary

I am writing from a place that is a long way from the halls of fame. Working through two video clips, "the god delusion" and "the virus of faith." Eminent scientist Richard Dawkins produced the clips several years ago. There has been some reviews done on these videos in the past. Each time a comment has been made--it is from either side of the 'fence.' What makes this book so different; is that I am neither a religious-fundamentalist nor a scientist. One day, we may see a follow-up video. The purpose of this book is to chip away at your worldview. Many believe that the religions of this world actually read and follow an instruction book; however, that is definitely not the case. I invite you to challenge your worldview. Come along for the ride and take a fresh look at the world's "number one bestseller."

Excerpts

At the beginning of his work, Richard Dawkins introduces the theme of — the elephant in the room — yet this is easily missed. It's easy to pass–by those words without even noticing; perhaps in part due to the way we process information. For me, the elephant in the room becomes apparent after a second look. He then continues on with; "in Britain our government wants to restrict our freedom to criticize religion. Science, we are told should not tread on the toes of theology, but why should scientists tip toe respectfully away? The time has come for people of reason to say; enough is enough, religious faith discourages independent thought, it's divisive and dangerous." After the brief introduction — the title page, then the main story begins, with the mysterious world of religion. "If you want to experience the medieval rituals of faith, the candlelight, incense, music, important–sounding dead languages—nobody does it better than the Catholics. And if we can retain our faith against the evidence, in the teeth of reality, the more virtuous we are." Now is the opportunity for someone to say, "We should all take a look at (their) Book, to see where it actually stands on these strange practices and medieval rituals." I commence with our world's well–known and much loved, annual tree–ceremony. Starting with Jeremiah: Chapter 10 and verse 2. "Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the (signs of heaven); for the heathen are dismayed at them, for the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, (with the axe). They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it; that it move not." (KJV) This is describing one of the ancient pagan customs, a ritual that was around before the modern churches and was later adopted by them. Disguised as their "most popular holiday" the tree–ceremony is still practiced each year by the faithful followers (and non–followers alike). The "signs in the heavens"—that were frightening the superstitious—were in fact the onset of the winter solstice, (the shortening of the hours; (of sunlight). In their mind something needed to be done, to bring back the sun, and make their world safe from harm. The Instruction Book clearly informs the church and the devoted followers that such practices are worthless. This "Tree Ceremony" also includes a "shady–character" who hangs around shopping malls each year. (He appears again in one of the concluding chapters)