don@uofm-cv.UUCP (06/07/83)
Many religions are partly or totally based on a particular book
or set of books that are believed to be holy or sacred. Examples
of "holy books" include the Bible (Christianity), The Torah and
the Talmud (Judaism), the Koran (Islam), Science and Health
(Christian science), the book of Mormon, etc. I'm sure there are
others, and I would be interested in seeing additions to this
list.
A couple of questions:
1) How do persons following holy book X determine that X is the
"correct" holy book as opposed to Y or Z. Do all religions that
follow holy books accept their particular books on faith alone or
do some have particular tests of validity.
2) How do the followers of holy book X regard holy book Y; do
they feel that Y is:
a) a deliberate and malicious lie, perpetrated by evil people,
or perhaps the devil himself
b) possibly well intended but written by ignorant, misinformed,
or "confused" people
c) valid except where it contradicts X
d) valid for its followers, but not valid for followers of X
e) something else?
I would be interested in comments from both "believers" and
"unbelievers", particularly regarding the second question.
If anyone is wondering, no I don't believe any particular book is
holy. I believe all books are the product of entirely fallible
human authors, and I see no evidence for revelation, in books or
any other form. If this makes you want to attack my beliefs,
call me nasty names, quote passages from your book, etc., feel
free.
Don Winsor
Ann Arbor, MIbch@unc.UUCP (06/07/83)
Strictly speaking, Science and Health is not considered a "holy book" by Christian Scientists. Enlightened commentary would be a more apt descrip- tion. Mary Baker Eddy enjoyed no "special" relationship with God in the sense that such a relationship could not be attained by anyone else. She is not considered a "prophet" in the traditional sense, merely the founder of the church. Byron Howes UNC - Chapel Hill