God.Science, and Ideology, by Joseph Hinman, is a great book. Ot argues that positions which teach the superiority of science over religion in such a way as to negate the truth content of the religious is not a scientific position but an ideological one. The books takes down such atheist greats as Dawkins and discusses the strongest God arguments.
This is an important book that spans an immense literature in a balanced and very readable form. For anyone interested in why some believe and others do not, this book will inform you of the entire range of literature in which not only can the proper questions be asked, but the reader can evaluate the often hidden ideological nature in which answers are proposed Ralph W. Hood, Jr., Ph.D.Professor of Psychology and LeRoy A. Martin Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies
"Hinman is highly stimulating, brilliant in places. It is rare to find a book so exuberant yet still rational."
--Lantz Fleming Miller, Ashoka University
https://www.amazon.com/God-Science-Ideology-examining-religious-scientific/dp/0982408765
Definition of myth:
ReplyDeleteA traditional, typically ancient story dealing with supernatural beings, ancestors, or heroes that serves as a fundamental type in the worldview of a people, as by explaining aspects of the natural world or delineating the psychology, customs, or ideals of society.
"the myth of Eros and Psyche; a creation myth."
I think Richard Carrier is well informed about this definition. After all, he is a scholar of history, even if you don't respect him or his views. And furthermore, the definition fits perfectly well with the story of Jesus. Notice it says nothing about lies or truth. It isn't fair to put your own words into Carrier's mouth.
Nevertheless, if you examine the gospel stories with the expectation of finding historical accuracy, there are plenty of glaring red flags that should at least give pause to even those who think there is no fabrication involved.