Superstition in All Ages, Jean Meslier
Superstition in All Ages, Jean Meslier
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Superstition in All Ages

Author: Jean Meslier

Narrator: Liam Johnson

Unabridged: 7 hr 47 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Stream Readers

Published: 03/04/2023

Categories: Nonfiction, Philosophy


Synopsis

"Superstition in All Ages" is a book written by French priest and philosopher Jean Meslier in the early 18th century. The book is a critique of religion and an argument for atheism. Meslier argues that religion, particularly Christianity, is based on superstition and that its claims cannot be proven.Meslier's book is divided into two parts. The first part examines the origins of superstition and religion, arguing that they are based on fear, ignorance, and the desire for power. Meslier claims that the belief in supernatural beings and forces is a result of humanity's inability to explain natural phenomena, and that religion is a way for those in power to control and manipulate the masses.The second part of the book is a direct attack on Christianity. Meslier argues that the Bible is a collection of myths and legends, and that its moral teachings are inconsistent and often immoral. He also critiques the Christian concept of God, arguing that it is illogical and contradictory.Meslier's arguments were highly controversial in his time, and he was forced to keep his atheism a secret to avoid persecution. After his death, his manuscript was discovered and published, making him one of the earliest and most influential atheist thinkers in history.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Colton on June 06, 2021

A stunning piece of atheistic, anti-religious literature from the 18th Century. Truly astonishing how exhaustive Meslier's writing is. Perhaps more astonishing is how little his work is known.......more

Goodreads review by Michael on May 25, 2020

This book written by a Catholic priest was better than I hoped it would be with many good arguments that I can use in my conversations with my theists family members and friends. Rational arguments regarding the soul, free will and morality are my favorites. Free will being the most challenging for......more

Goodreads review by Bradford on July 10, 2022

With his dying words a Catholic priest asks his congregation for forgiveness for not telling them the truth earlier; that god is not real and religion only serves the church and monarchy. Did this happen last week and you just missed it? No, this is from 1732. Now ask yourself why we still have to p......more

Goodreads review by Mark on July 09, 2024

This book is commonly misattributed to Jean Meslier but is actually by Baron d’Holbach. Other than that it’s a good book with clear arguments that are still easy to read despite its age. Some editions do, however, include “Testament”, which actually is by Meslier. The arguments are fairly standard, b......more

Goodreads review by Ace on June 07, 2021

Very thorough arguments, and it feels all the more compelling to know they were crafted by a man who spent his life preaching the very thing he is writing against.......more