When it appeared in 1670; Baruch Spinoza's Theological-Political Treatise was denounced as the most dangerous book ever published--"godless;" "full of abominations;" "a book forged in hell . . . by the devil himself." Religious and secular authorities saw it as a threat to faith; social and political harmony; and everyday morality; and its author was almost universally regarded as a religious subversive and political radical who sought to spread atheism throughout Europe. Yet Spinoza's book has contributed as much as the Declaration of Independence or Thomas Paine's Common Sense to modern liberal; secular; and democratic thinking. In A Book Forged in Hell; Steven Nadler tells the fascinating story of this extraordinary book: its radical claims and their background in the philosophical; religious; and political tensions of the Dutch Golden Age; as well as the vitriolic reaction these ideas inspired. It is not hard to see why Spinoza's Treatise was so important or so controversial; or why the uproar it caused is one of the most significant events in European intellectual history. In the book; Spinoza became the first to argue that the Bible is not literally the word of God but rather a work of human literature; that true religion has nothing to do with theology; liturgical ceremonies; or sectarian dogma; and that religious authorities should have no role in governing a modern state. He also denied the reality of miracles and divine providence; reinterpreted the nature of prophecy; and made an eloquent plea for toleration and democracy. A vivid story of incendiary ideas and vicious backlash; A Book Forged in Hell will interest anyone who is curious about the origin of some of our most cherished modern beliefs.
#514618 in Books 2012-10-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.82 x 1.03 x 4.90l; .82 #File Name: 069114012X304 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. One of The Best Written and Thought Provoking of Its KindBy Larkin C. EakinHendel's book is a thought provoking; well-researched; concisely constructed and thoroughly enjoyable discussion of the major themes and paradoxes of one of the great foundational works of history; moral philosophy; and; yes; literature. It is obvious that Robert Hendel knows his topic and the four millennia of ideas that have evolved as Judaism; Christianity and both Western and Eastern thought have grappled with the meanings of Genesis. Those who complain about the purported lack of depth in this small volume miss the true purpose of this series and similar concise histories or examinations of complex topics: it makes the reader think--and want to read more. Professor Hendel's book accomplishes this end even better than most of this genre. His bibliographical Notes contain a wealth of source books that would take even the most voracious reader decades to read and it is abundantly clear that Hendel has not only spent those decades studying great authors from Philo to Spinoza to Augustine; but has dedicated much of his life to a thoughtful consideration of not only what Genesis has meant to human history; but what it means to the world going forward. The best two nights of reading I have had this year and; thanks to his Notes; the expectation of many more to come.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. great overview of changing views of genesisBy jeff symstadWhile I am familiar with some interpretations of the Bible; I was unaware how much those interpretations change over time. I cannot address the scholarly aspect of this book; but I think it is a great introduction into the ways the Bible; especially Genesis; has been seen and how those interpretations are related to larger cultural and historical issues. The writing is sometimes repetitive and could sometimes be a clearer. Overall; I think it is a good read that gets a person thinking.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Great sumary of years of study and researchBy ValI found Ron Hendel's approach a great connection to what I learned in Seminary years ago ; and brought up-to-date clearly and with insight. I also found this approach one that I would share with my atheistic friends. His professional research approach woudl appeal to their inquiring minds. It is a great point for discussion for believeres and non- believers - Christians and non- christians.
