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Author Morris intelligently explores the precepts, history, and specific terminologies found in the Holy Bible, uncovering fresh meaning beyond the realm of customary religious consideration. As he rationally asserts, modern religions, both Christian and Jewish, have, over time, developed a template in which the opinions and individual beliefs of their pastors, rabbis, and other leaders can and often do overshadow the true meanings expressed in earthly history and humankind's relationship with gods and God. An early example concerns the Levite who, with his concubine, visits the tribe of Benjamin, which has been all but destroyed by Israelite armies. At the insistence of his host, the Levite gives his concubine over to a group of men who ravish, rape, and destroy her. Later Israelite armies will force their enemies to provide women for their needs, thus seemingly approving of the denigration of females, imparting early on in biblical writings that the needs of humankind may be converted into God-permitted rights. Another striking example of this thesis is seen in the vast scriptural works of Paul, whose individual viewpoint is accepted as spiritual, eternal truth. Morris thus opines that "There are times when the Christian religion should be called the religion of Paul."
The author's themes combine well-founded scientific facts, theories, and religious traditions, such as the idea that the earth, after being created as a garden, was later colonized by extraterrestrial groups who acquired its mineral resources. He points out that while Christian and Jewish people focus on their individual wants and needs, they can believe that all sin will disappear and only joy and goodness prevail when they die and go to heaven, whereas logic suggests that imperfections experienced on earth may well transfer to heaven, and that the moral understandings that mankind so cherishes must be applied equally to extraterrestrial dwellers: "Life is life wherever it may be found."
Morris, retired from many years of US military service, has probed these complex, doctrinally bound themes in fine detail and here offers a multitude of thought-provoking insights to all who may question the precise meanings of traditional religious tenets. He posits that there are two gods—the Lord God, imbued with grace and benevolence for his creation, and the selfish, dishonest god of Jehovah, about whom a multitude of empty rules and rituals have arisen. Morris' premises can be seen played out in the wars and destruction perpetuated throughout history by Christians and Jews alike, sometimes inimical towards one another. This heritage suggests that worship of and obeisance to various gods can weaken one, while all may take heart in understanding that God provides our strength and protection. The author himself accepts the concept of a universal creator through whose connection one can find and enjoy peace and harmony. It is anticipated that Morris's highly organized and deftly drawn ideations can provide rich fodder for groups in lively discussion, and perhaps more significantly, for anyone who dares to question traditional belief systems and who seeks a more logic-based approach to universal verities.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review