| Description |
1 online resource (1 audio file (9hr., 17 min.)) : digital. |
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digital digital recording rda |
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data file rda |
| Access |
Digital content provided by hoopla. |
| Cast |
Read by John Lescault. |
| Summary |
The story of one of the most important-and incendiary-books in Western history 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. "Without comparison the best among the available books on Spinoza in this category." "Spinoza's…deconstruction of the Bible remains a towering achievement, a triumph of reason over ecclesiastical obfuscation. Nadler is to be applauded for making this achievement so accessible. God knows, the world still needs such enlightenment." "A thoroughly engaging study of a book which, not only controversial in its day, may be said to have moved Biblical studies into a modern terminology and thrust. It will be a welcome addition to seminary and university libraries." "A groundbreaking analysis of an incendiary text." "[Nadler] has definitely succeeded in writing an extremely rewarding and engaging book." "The wide context that Nadler provides makes for a reading of Spinoza's treatise which is unfailingly rich, nuanced, and illuminating." |
| System Details |
Mode of access: World Wide Web. |
| Subject |
Spinoza, Benedictus de, 1632-1677. Tractatus theologico-politicus.
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Philosophy and religion.
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Religion and politics.
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Netherlands -- Intellectual life -- 17th century.
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| Added Author |
Lescault, John.
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hoopla digital.
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| Added Title |
Spinoza's scandalous treatise and the birth of the secular age |
| ISBN |
9781665061025 (sound recording : hoopla Audio Book) |
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1665061022 (sound recording : hoopla Audio Book) |
| Music No. |
MWT14637501 |
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