#226 Why The Book of Mormon is America’s Quran

In this book, Neil Postman argues that the contemporary world is more akin to Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' than George Orwell's '1984'. Postman contends that television's emphasis on entertainment has led to a decline in rational discourse and the trivialization of politics, education, and religion. He contrasts the print-based culture of the 19th century with the televisual culture of the 20th century, highlighting how the medium of television inherently promotes incoherence and triviality, turning serious information into a form of entertainment.

The Quran is the holy book of Islam, containing prayers, moral guidance, historical narratives, and promises of Paradise. It is composed of 114 chapters (surahs) and is considered the word of God by Muslims. The Quran was revealed to Muhammad over a period of 23 years through the angel Gabriel and is regarded as the most important miracle of Muhammad and the culmination of a series of divine messages. It includes various types of verses such as law-giving, warning, narrative, and informative verses, and it forms the bedrock of Islamic law and guidance.

'The Stripping of the Altars' by Eamon Duffy is a study of the traditional religious culture of England in the years leading up to the Reformation. The book examines the beliefs and practices of ordinary people, highlighting the importance of ritual, imagery, and community in their spiritual lives. Duffy challenges conventional narratives of the Reformation as a straightforward triumph of Protestantism, arguing that late medieval Catholicism was a vibrant and deeply rooted faith. The book explores the ways in which religious devotion was expressed through liturgical ceremonies, the veneration of saints, and participation in parish life. Through meticulous research and vivid prose, Duffy reconstructs a world of shared beliefs and communal rituals that was irrevocably altered by the religious changes of the 16th century.

The Book of Mormon is a scripture that tells the story of a group of Hebrews who migrated from Jerusalem to the Americas around 600 BCE. It describes their history, including their division into two main groups: the Nephites and the Lamanites. The book emphasizes the appearance of Jesus Christ to these people after his resurrection, where he teaches them and establishes his church. It also discusses various doctrinal topics such as the fall of Adam and Eve, the nature of God, baptism, and the importance of faith and repentance. The book ends with Moroni's testimony and an invitation to readers to come unto Christ and be perfected in him.

In 'The God Delusion', Richard Dawkins argues that the belief in a supernatural creator, God, is almost certainly false and qualifies as a delusion. He examines God in various forms, from the Old Testament to the Celestial Watchmaker, and critiques the major arguments for religion. Dawkins discusses how religion fuels war, fosters bigotry, and abuses children, and he advocates for atheism as a morally and intellectually fulfilling worldview. The book also explores the relationship between religion and morality, suggesting that morality can exist independently of religion, and argues against the teaching of religion in schools as a form of indoctrination.