Anti-Christian Book to Be Allowed in United States

[ClydeR]

Publishers in the United States banned the anti-Muslim cartoons, but they are going forward with an anti-Christian book (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,352277,00.html) by Paul Verhoeven, director of the movies Basic Instinct and Showgirls. In his book Verhoeven claims that Mary was raped by a Roman centurion and that's how Jesus was conceived. He also says Jesus was not betrayed by Judas.

Verhoeven does not have any evidence to support his claims. That makes me wonder why publishers are going to publish it. There is no reason to have a "nonfiction" book about something that cannot be defended except by wild speculation. It's absolutely ridiculous to assume that Mary was somehow "raped" by a soldier and got pregnant.

There is a double standard when it comes to anti-Christian materials. This is definitely something that should be an issue in the presidential campaign.

[Hulkein]

HOW WILL CHRISTIANITY SURVIVE??!??!?!

[Clove]

Verhoeven does not have any evidence to support his claims. That makes me wonder why publishers are going to publish it. There is no reason to have a "nonfiction" book about something that cannot be defended except by wild speculation. It's absolutely ridiculous to assume that Mary was somehow "raped" by a soldier and got pregnant.Oh I don't know, wildly speculative books are published all the time (like virtually all of the theology books that interpret the various scriptures of the world) not just the ones you're offended by.

The Christian Community would like to thank you ClydeR for fighting against freedom of speech; way to take everyone ahead.

Paul Verhoeven also did Robocop, Hollow Man (nobody's perfect), Total Recall and Starship Troopers w00t! Obviously a better director than a theologian.

[CrystalTears]

Heh, it's all speculation. BFD. As if nothing else that was factual in this world was ever made fun of or challenged.

I think your head would cave in if you knew all the anti-Christian books out there.

Here's a tip... don't buy it. OMG PROBLEM SOLVED!

[Nilandia]

While I'll agree that there appears to be a sort of double standard in some cases, that does not mean that censorship of one criticism of a religion would justify another.

The theory that Mary was raped is not new, and I'm hardly surprised that a book would be published. I am mildly surprised that someone like Verhoeven would write it, as a film director, though he is as entitled to his opinion as anyone else.

Even as a Christian myself, and one who considers her faith very important in her life, I can't agree with your protest. Our laws and country are, ideally, structured to support the free exchange of ideas, with certain exceptions, and not to stifle an unpopular viewpoint.

So someone writes a book that claims your religion is founded upon a lie. That doesn't mean you have to change your mind. Write your own book giving evidence to your beliefs. Don't try to take away their right to hold an opinion.

As is often quoted, and misquoted, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

Gretchen

[Nilandia]

Paul Verhoeven also did Robocop, Hollow Man (nobody's perfect), Total Recall and Starship Troopers w00t! Obviously a better director than a theologian.
I'm actually looking forward to seeing his recent movie called Black Book, about a Jewish singer infiltrating the Gestapo in the Netherlands during WWII. Supposed to be really good.

Gretchen

[Xaerve]

He also says Jesus was not betrayed by Judas.

I think this was fleshed out recently, and there are actually a lot of Christians that believe this might be, in fact, true.

Either way, you're a dumbass. LOL @ saying this should be an issue in the presidential campaign. This needs to be left alone, just like the cartoons should have been left alone. That being said, Publishers are free to do what they want. It's also a bit of comparing apples to oranges when you're talking about a book vs. some cartoons.




There is no reason to have a "nonfiction" book about something that cannot be defended except by wild speculation.

The Bible is published still, last I heard.

[Misun]

This is definitely something that should be an issue in the presidential campaign.


Yeah, and take the focus off healthcare! Clearly, this is more important. :hammer:

[Tsa`ah]

Publishers in the United States banned the anti-Muslim cartoons

Well they're publishers. Kranar could do the same here ... these entities are free to do what they want with their products. They only have to answer to their investors and their customers.

I suppose you would rather just burn that pesky document with 39 signatures on it.


Verhoeven does not have any evidence to support his claims. That makes me wonder why publishers are going to publish it. There is no reason to have a "nonfiction" book about something that cannot be defended except by wild speculation. It's absolutely ridiculous to assume that Mary was somehow "raped" by a soldier and got pregnant.

Yet there isn't any evidence to support the bible outside of the bible ... yet it's been in publication for how long?

This "wild" speculation about Mary's rape has been around for centuries ... we just don't have to worry about being burned, stoned, hung, or thrown into a pit of starving carnivors over it though.

Also ... in case you're wondering ... a book of Judah does exist. It was in existence as part of the gnostic gospels long before the first bible was canonized. It was suppressed along with many other books.


There is a double standard when it comes to anti-Christian materials. This is definitely something that should be an issue in the presidential campaign.

It's called "not fanning the flames". These publishers made a choice not to cater to said material because of this little war we're in ... the issue put the lives of our citizens and soldiers at greater risk.

[fallenSaint]

Free will, it happens. I don't see the stink about this and crap like the Golden Compass etc. I believe, and I'm not goin to be swayed no matter how many talking polar bears you throw in with the story. I think the greater part of the country is the right to say whatever bullshit you want, how do you think forums like this exist?

[ClydeR]

I am in favor of free speech. The problem is that the people who control the private media in this country have an anti-Christian bias. They refuse to publish anti-Muslim items but rush to publish anti-Christian items.

[Necromancer]

Will you damn evangelists PLEASE stop dominating my country's political agenda with your dogma? If you people spent half the time reading books that you spend banning them, we'd all be better off.

[Nilandia]

:love: you, too, Jesse.

Gretchen

[Danical]

I am in favor of free speech. The problem is that the people who control the private media in this country have an anti-Christian bias. They refuse to publish anti-Muslim items but rush to publish anti-Christian items.

:confused:

[Arkans]

I just want to know..

Is ClydeR serious or is he like Lysander?

- Arkans

[Nieninque]

He's a cunt.

All books should be anti-Christian books, IMO

[Clove]

I am in favor of free speech. The problem is that the people who control the private media in this country have an anti-Christian bias. They refuse to publish anti-Muslim items but rush to publish anti-Christian items.That's their choice. That's the beauty of owning your own printing press. Buy one of your own and publish all the tripe you like. Nothing is stopping you. Nothing stops you from publishing your ridiculous points of view here, either. Isn't freedom of the press fun?

[Celephais]

There is no reason to have a "nonfiction" book about something that cannot be defended except by wild speculation. It's absolutely ridiculous to assume that Mary was somehow "raped" by a god and got pregnant.

That... is fucking gold.

[Clove]

That... is fucking gold.You caught the irony too?

[Latrinsorm]

think this was fleshed out recently, and there are actually a lot of Christians that believe this might be, in fact, true.The Gospel according to Judas (Gnostic) claims that although Judas did point out Jesus to the authorities, leading to his death, this is what Jesus wanted in order to free himself from the cage of his earthly body (this is big in Gnosticism). It was "suppressed" mainly because the more verifiable Gospels disagree vehemently on basic theological points (for instance, Gnosticism!).

"a lot" isn't really accurate, but I guess it depends on how loose you're being with "might".

[Warriorbird]

Funny... a quick search of major book retailers revealed a whole lot of anti Islamic tripe.

[Clove]

Funny... a quick search of major book retailers revealed a whole lot of anti Islamic tripe.Just imagine the anti-semitic tripe you could find. I have to admit, I'd be interested in seeing published attacks on Buddhism; but there has to be some.

[g++]

The Gospel according to Judas (Gnostic) claims that although Judas did point out Jesus to the authorities, leading to his death, this is what Jesus wanted in order to free himself from the cage of his earthly body (this is big in Gnosticism). It was "suppressed" mainly because the more verifiable Gospels disagree vehemently on basic theological points (for instance, Gnosticism!).

"a lot" isn't really accurate, but I guess it depends on how loose you're being with "might".

One of my history professors one time asked us to think of all the different perspectives that had come about on the Kennedy assassination since 1963 and their effect on the average persons perception of what happened and who was behind it conspiricy theories etc. Then put it into the scope of christianity; A large portion of the population of earth has been theorizing the death of Jesus for about 33 times as long. Its amazing there are as few perspectives as there are and the story is as tame as it is.

[Latrinsorm]

Walter, is he saying the CIA killed Jesus? Fuckin' CIA nihilists.

[Tsa`ah]

It was "suppressed" mainly because the more verifiable Gospels disagree vehemently on basic theological points (for instance, Gnosticism!).



Which is the Catholic way saying ... we oppressed the fuck out of something that we didn't agree with and would have upset our hold on society.

[Hulkein]

Will you damn evangelists PLEASE stop dominating my country's political agenda with your dogma? If you people spent half the time reading books that you spend banning them, we'd all be better off.

As much as I get annoyed by evangelists, I'll take their political agenda over yours.

[Latrinsorm]

Which is the Catholic way saying ... we oppressed the fuck out of something that we didn't agree with and would have upset our hold on society.Actually if you read it the Gospel of Judas is incredibly sexist and body-deprecating. Gnosticism has a lot going for it, don't get me wrong, but some of the most notorious parts of Catholicism find expression in it. Hilariously, the "oppress[ion]" part of your QQing is correct - the Church Fathers were trying to maintain the Christ-like parts of Christianity by kicking out the anti-Christian parts. Obviously the idea that the Gospel of Judas would have upset the supposed "hold" Catholicism had back in the day is laughable, but that's clear to everyone.

[Tsa`ah]

Actually if you read it the Gospel of Judas is incredibly sexist and body-deprecating.

And the current canon doesn't?


Gnosticism has a lot going for it, don't get me wrong, but some of the most notorious parts of Catholicism find expression in it. Hilariously, the "oppress[ion]" part of your QQing is correct - the Church Fathers were trying to maintain the Christ-like parts of Christianity by kicking out the anti-Christian parts.

Such as the gospel of Thomas ... which really was counter productive to the whole notion of "church" and maintaining such entities as an avenue to salvation.


Obviously the idea that the Gospel of Judas would have upset the supposed "hold" Catholicism had back in the day is laughable, but that's clear to everyone.

I really think you need to step back and actually look into some history not influenced by Catholicism.

[Clove]

Christ (no pun intended) now he's a Christian theology and history expert. The irony is deafening.

[Gan]

Tsapedia FTW!

[SolitareConfinement]

There is a double standard when it comes to anti-Christian materials. This is definitely something that should be an issue in the presidential campaign.




separation of church and state comes to mind when people make comments like this

[Latrinsorm]

And the current canon doesn't?As a matter of fact, it doesn't. Jesus is famous for bringing up the repressed gender. That many people have tried to use Christianity to justify their pre-existing sexism in no way indicates that Christianity or its canons contain sexism.
Such as the gospel of Thomas ... which really was counter productive to the whole notion of "church" and maintaining such entities as an avenue to salvation.You say this as if it's the only thing the Gospel of Thomas has to say.
I really think you need to step back and actually look into some history not influenced by Catholicism.I think you need to step back and actually read some of this stuff before you parrot talking points about it. Christianity's had a lot of mis-steps over the years, but kicking out these particular Gospels is not one of them.

[Keller]

separation of church and state comes to mind when people make comments like this

Sterilization comes to mind whenever ClydeR posts.

Welcome to the Players' Corner Forums!

[TheEschaton]

I think there's good reason to believe a power play by the Council of Trent was a major, if not driving, influence in excluding many Gospels, including Thomas and James. They picked the ones which accentuated Jesus's divinity and perfection, made the Church the only way to salvation, and thus co-opted that divinity to consolidate their power.

Every (unreasonable) Catholic I mention this historical perspective to criticize it by saying it's a secular accounting of history, and not the Catholic account of the Council. Which is a ridiculous argument, because a power play wouldn't be reported as a power play by the people perpetuating it.

-TheE-

[Warriorbird]

I've now found anti-Semitic, anti-Islamic, and anti-Christian books. I'm glad to live in America. Maybe someday it'll be a state like ClydeR wants but I hope to be long dead before we give up our freedom.

[Gan]

I think there's good reason to believe a power play by the Council of Trent was a major, if not driving, influence in excluding many Gospels, including Thomas and James. They picked the ones which accentuated Jesus's divinity and perfection, made the Church the only way to salvation, and thus co-opted that divinity to consolidate their power.
Dont you mean the Council of Nicaea?

Council of Trent was more about the protestant reformation.

I stand corrected, Trent is the correct mention of the first official ecumenical council to produce a list.