December 10, 2005 10:02 PM
Peter Watson, a guy who chronicled all the major ideas in the last two million years, was aked "What do you think is the single worst idea in history?":
Without question, ethical monotheism. The idea of one true god. The idea that our life and ethical conduct on earth determines how we will go in the next world. This has been responsible for most of the wars and bigotry in history.
Well, that was certainly succint.
The Worst Idea in History (12.10.2005)
Next Entry: What to do when you find a suicide bomber (12.10.2005)
Previous Entry: Quid Pro Quo in the Big Easy (12.06.2005)
Mike:
In some popular forms of Christianity, your ethical behavior is irrelevant to whether you go to Heaven. The only criterion is that you beleiveth in Christ.
Mon Dec 12 2005 12:44 AM
Robert:
And in Old Testament Judaism, the founders of ethical monotheism, ethical conduct had little or nothing to do with your destiny after death.
My jaw just dropped when I heard this Mr. Watson's answer. His book sounded interesting but after a statement like that I have serious doubts about his scholarship.
Fri Dec 16 2005 11:36 AM
M. Friedman:
Hmmm I'd have to vote for communism. You'd look like a fool trying to claim that monotheism has killed more people than communism. Think Chinese and Russian revolutions, Stalin, African wars, Asian wars, Latin America wars, the tally adds up.
Sat Dec 31 2005 5:21 PM
Email:
   
|
  
 |
