Category Archives: Religion

A philosopher contemplates death: Voltaire (1770)

Posted on March 28, 2017 by

In any case, Voltaire* added jocularly, he expected to die shortly and would soon find out who was right concerning immortality of the soul— Plato or Spinoza, Saint Paul or Epictetus, Christianity or Confucianism. *This is jocular because Voltaire was … Continue reading →

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The anti-Semitic Martin Luther

Posted on March 8, 2017 by

Luther calls for the secular authorities to burn down all the synagogues and schools, and ‘what won’t burn should be covered over with earth, so that not a stone or piece of slag of it should be seen for all … Continue reading →

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The Theology of Church Interiors

Posted on February 21, 2017 by

Expressing the inexpressible is impossible. But those that want to worship want to create an atmosphere where worship is enhanced. Here are three interpretations of religious atmospheres created by religious groups over the ages. A Quaker Meeting House emphasising (leaderless) … Continue reading →

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God

Posted on February 7, 2017 by

Omnicompetent Omnipotent Omniscient Leading to the irresistible Omnishambles Chris

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Two Yeshiva Jews celebrate a goal

Posted on September 9, 2016 by

“it was only when he heard one mutter to the other, ‘I don’t like it Myer- they’ve scored too soon’ and the other reply, ‘I know, I know’; that he understood the significance of their sitting hunched and quiet amid … Continue reading →

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Home-schooling, the National Curriculum and yeshiva schools

Posted on September 9, 2016 by

Section 7 Duty of parents to secure education of children of compulsory school age – The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient full-time education suitable— (a) to his age, ability and aptitude, … Continue reading →

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Girolamo Savonarola and the bonfire of the vanities

Posted on May 13, 2016 by

The Franciscan monk Girolamo Savonarola was the antithesis of Pope Alexander VI. Savonarola was an ascetic monk who preached against wealth and conspicuous consumption. Pope Alexander devoted his life to power, wealth and the pleasures of the flesh. As Savonarola’s … Continue reading →

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