Musings on monotheism.

[leo-rcc]

http://indyblogs.typepad.com/openhouse/2...-mono.html

It’s when you look at the birth-pangs of a religion that you can see most clearly how it was invented not by some mystical "God", but by human beings – usually for cynical reasons.

Interesting article, particularly the part about Akhenaten and scientology. I knew Akhenaten was the first recorded monotheist, worshipping Aten. What I didn't know he actively disbanded the Amun-Re religion/cult.

[Matt]

Good read. Though I wish it had discussed the origins or Christianity more.
Unfortunately, I know no Scientologists to debate with.

[Kyuuketsuki]

Interesting though I think he takes too cynical a view of Hubbard's earlier actions ... my understanding is that he invented a religion for a science fiction story along with many other author's at the time (The Golden Age Of Science Fiction) and found that some people were dumb enough to think it was real. Hubbard wasn't a very good writer (I read some of his stuff at the time, it was pants) so he turned to the scam as a money making venture ... he has subsequently *written* one book, "Battlefield Earth" which, whilst not particularly well written, is classic space opera and from that POV quite good (I've read it several times and I said "written" in quotes because I find it difficult to believe Hubbard actually wrote it .. think someone else did under his name).

Kyu