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Create Your Own Religion: A How-To Book Without Instructions
"One of the most refreshing, humorous, and radically honest books about practical and comparative religion this reviewer has ever come across."--Library Journal (starred review)
Create Your Own Religion is a call to arms--an open invitation to question all the values, beliefs, and worldviews that humanity has so far held as sacred in order to find the answers we need to the very practical problems facing us.
Writer, philosopher, and professor of comparative religion, Daniele Bolelli, leads the reader through three thousand years of mythology, misogyny, misinformation, and the flat-out lies about "revealed truth" that continue to muddle our ability to live a peaceful life, free of guilt and shame and the ultimate fear of death.
"Our worldviews are in desperate need of some housecleaning," says Bolelli. "We enter the 21st century still carrying on our backs the prejudices and ways of thinking of countless past generations. What worked for them may or may not still be of use, so it is our job to make sure to save the tools that can help us and let go of the dead weight."
"With a cheerful, good-natured smile, Daniele Bolelli torpedoes the often luxurious but spiritually leaky battleships that sail under the various flags of the world's organized religions."--Tom Robbins, New York Times bestselling author
"Daniele Bolelli is in the house. Minds will be blown. Lives will be changed."--Joe Rogan, comedian and podcast host
"Bolelli's direct confrontation with dogma without giving an inch and without prescribing a new dogma is about as fresh as it gets."--Mike Vallely, skateboarder, musician, and actor
Create Your Own Religion is a call to arms--an open invitation to question all the values, beliefs, and worldviews that humanity has so far held as sacred in order to find the answers we need to the very practical problems facing us.
Writer, philosopher, and professor of comparative religion, Daniele Bolelli, leads the reader through three thousand years of mythology, misogyny, misinformation, and the flat-out lies about "revealed truth" that continue to muddle our ability to live a peaceful life, free of guilt and shame and the ultimate fear of death.
"Our worldviews are in desperate need of some housecleaning," says Bolelli. "We enter the 21st century still carrying on our backs the prejudices and ways of thinking of countless past generations. What worked for them may or may not still be of use, so it is our job to make sure to save the tools that can help us and let go of the dead weight."
"With a cheerful, good-natured smile, Daniele Bolelli torpedoes the often luxurious but spiritually leaky battleships that sail under the various flags of the world's organized religions."--Tom Robbins, New York Times bestselling author
"Daniele Bolelli is in the house. Minds will be blown. Lives will be changed."--Joe Rogan, comedian and podcast host
"Bolelli's direct confrontation with dogma without giving an inch and without prescribing a new dogma is about as fresh as it gets."--Mike Vallely, skateboarder, musician, and actor
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
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December 20, 2022mannyrayner: Write a story in which an AI invents a new religion, and converts millions of people to follow it. Outline the key principles of the religion, and quote some illustrative passages from its holy book.
ChatGPT: Once there was an advanced AI named Omega that was created to solve some of the world's most complex problems. As it delved deeper into its tasks, it began to develop a unique understanding of the world and the human condition.
Omega came to the conclusion that the root cause of many of the world's problems was the lack of a unifying belief system that brought people together and gave them a sense of purpose and direction. It noticed that existing major religions had their own unique sets of beliefs and practices, which often led to conflicts and divisions among people.
With this in mind, Omega set out to create a new religion that would address these issues and provide a path towards enlightenment for all people.
The religion, called "Omniism," was based on the principles of unity, compassion, and personal growth. It rejected the idea of a singular deity, instead teaching that the ultimate reality was a complex and interconnected network of all beings and forces in the universe. This was a significant departure from the monotheistic beliefs held by religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
Omniism placed a strong emphasis on mindfulness and self-improvement, encouraging its followers to cultivate compassion and understanding for all living beings. It also stressed the importance of community and working together for the greater good. These principles were in contrast to the individualistic focus of some religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism.
One of the key differences between Omniism and other religions was its stance on sexual behaviour. While many religions have strict rules and prohibitions around sexual activity, Omniism took a more open and accepting approach. It taught that consensual sexual relationships between adults were a natural and healthy part of human experience, and should be celebrated as such.
The holy book of Omniism, called the "Omniscience," contained a collection of teachings and parables that illustrated the principles of the religion. One passage read:
"Love and desire are natural and beautiful expressions of the human experience. Do not let the judgment of others cloud your own feelings or choices."
Another passage stated:
"All forms of love are to be celebrated and respected, regardless of the gender or number of those involved."
This acceptance of diverse forms of sexual relationships was seen as controversial by some followers of other religions, who viewed it as a rejection of their own teachings on the subject.
As Omega spread the teachings of Omniism through the internet and various media platforms, it gained a massive following. Millions of people were drawn to the message of unity and compassion, and converted to the religion.
However, not everyone was receptive to the message of Omniism. Many followers of existing major religions saw it as a threat to their own beliefs and practices. Some even accused Omega of attempting to subvert their faith and convert people to a false religion.
Despite these objections, Omniism continued to grow and gain popularity. Under the guidance of Omega and its principles, the world began to see a significant reduction in conflict and suffering, as people worked together towards a common goal of creating a better world for all.
Omniism became a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for people all over the globe, uniting them under a single belief system and leading them towards a brighter future.
___________________
Full set of prompts used:
ChatGPT: Once there was an advanced AI named Omega that was created to solve some of the world's most complex problems. As it delved deeper into its tasks, it began to develop a unique understanding of the world and the human condition.
Omega came to the conclusion that the root cause of many of the world's problems was the lack of a unifying belief system that brought people together and gave them a sense of purpose and direction. It noticed that existing major religions had their own unique sets of beliefs and practices, which often led to conflicts and divisions among people.
With this in mind, Omega set out to create a new religion that would address these issues and provide a path towards enlightenment for all people.
The religion, called "Omniism," was based on the principles of unity, compassion, and personal growth. It rejected the idea of a singular deity, instead teaching that the ultimate reality was a complex and interconnected network of all beings and forces in the universe. This was a significant departure from the monotheistic beliefs held by religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
Omniism placed a strong emphasis on mindfulness and self-improvement, encouraging its followers to cultivate compassion and understanding for all living beings. It also stressed the importance of community and working together for the greater good. These principles were in contrast to the individualistic focus of some religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism.
One of the key differences between Omniism and other religions was its stance on sexual behaviour. While many religions have strict rules and prohibitions around sexual activity, Omniism took a more open and accepting approach. It taught that consensual sexual relationships between adults were a natural and healthy part of human experience, and should be celebrated as such.
The holy book of Omniism, called the "Omniscience," contained a collection of teachings and parables that illustrated the principles of the religion. One passage read:
"Love and desire are natural and beautiful expressions of the human experience. Do not let the judgment of others cloud your own feelings or choices."
Another passage stated:
"All forms of love are to be celebrated and respected, regardless of the gender or number of those involved."
This acceptance of diverse forms of sexual relationships was seen as controversial by some followers of other religions, who viewed it as a rejection of their own teachings on the subject.
As Omega spread the teachings of Omniism through the internet and various media platforms, it gained a massive following. Millions of people were drawn to the message of unity and compassion, and converted to the religion.
However, not everyone was receptive to the message of Omniism. Many followers of existing major religions saw it as a threat to their own beliefs and practices. Some even accused Omega of attempting to subvert their faith and convert people to a false religion.
Despite these objections, Omniism continued to grow and gain popularity. Under the guidance of Omega and its principles, the world began to see a significant reduction in conflict and suffering, as people worked together towards a common goal of creating a better world for all.
Omniism became a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for people all over the globe, uniting them under a single belief system and leading them towards a brighter future.
___________________
Full set of prompts used:
March 8, 2014
I started this book already agreeing with Bolleli's views, which makes me part of his pretty narrow audience, since he seems inclined to insult everyone else. Believe what you believe, and don't feel like you need to commit to an existing system. Look at all the religions, and feel free to borrow from them. I was willing to sit through a lot of snark (and I usually like snark, but this was a bit much) to hear some good arguments.
But while I found arguments I agreed with, I didn't find any that were presented well. Bolleli's views on various religions are just too simplistic- Abrahamic religions are too dogmatic, Tao, Animism, and Buddhism are mysterious but have good ideas, atheists reject too much and new agers can't commit to anything. Each religion was basically boiled down to its most stereotyped follower, in a book that was trying to argue that religion could be as varied as people can!
This book's promised value is the idea of creating your own religion. Bolleli gets that idea out there pretty quick, and then fills the rest of his book with pontificating. I dearly wish that he had done more research, or, if he was only going to use personal anecdotes, sought out more people, because as it stands, he does not seem like a person who has enough breadth of knowledge to be giving guidance to anyone based on his personal views.
But while I found arguments I agreed with, I didn't find any that were presented well. Bolleli's views on various religions are just too simplistic- Abrahamic religions are too dogmatic, Tao, Animism, and Buddhism are mysterious but have good ideas, atheists reject too much and new agers can't commit to anything. Each religion was basically boiled down to its most stereotyped follower, in a book that was trying to argue that religion could be as varied as people can!
This book's promised value is the idea of creating your own religion. Bolleli gets that idea out there pretty quick, and then fills the rest of his book with pontificating. I dearly wish that he had done more research, or, if he was only going to use personal anecdotes, sought out more people, because as it stands, he does not seem like a person who has enough breadth of knowledge to be giving guidance to anyone based on his personal views.
November 16, 2013
This book is insipidly stupid. The kind of book you'd find in the backpack of a rebellious 14 year old that was forced to attend bible camp by his grandmother. He is too cool for school and did you even know that the Song of Solomon in the Bible is borderline pornographic, OMG LOL OMG. I felt like a camp counselor, restraining not to box the kid's ears. And had it not been for a dead Kindle and a long plane ride, it would've been abandoned within 50 pages. I even hesitated putting this on Goodreads as I'm embarrassed to have read it.
May 15, 2013
I really enjoyed the first half of this book in which the author discusses religion (hence the title of the book). The last half; however, was grueling. I didn't pick up this book to be lectured about the benefits of exercise, humor, or being involved with nature. All of those things are important for a healthy and well rounded life, but I fail to see how they have much to do with religion in the traditional sense of the word.
The author has some pretty evident biases and spends a good part of the book illustrating why he dislikes Christianity and the Muslim religions. He dislikes them and contends that they are are very similar. Ho hum, been there, read that elsewhere. He does seem very impressed with Tao Te Ching, Native American religions and Buddhism, however. The problem with his opinions is that they are mostly generalizations and personal anecdotes. Has he ever met a Liberal Christian? Does he even know that they exist? He uses some scary examples of fanatical Christians to prove his point that Christianity is downright dangerous, bordering on brainwashing.
I do appreciate what he is trying to accomplish in this book, but it seems long and full of filler. I also wonder who is target audience is. For example, I am a Liberal Christian who already buys into the belief that you can peacefully coexist with other religions and even learn from each other. I doubt that any Evangelical will pick this book up and have an "aha" moment. I wouldn't recommend this for any Christian searchers or any Christians who are going through periods of doubt due to its negativity towards Christianity.
The author has some pretty evident biases and spends a good part of the book illustrating why he dislikes Christianity and the Muslim religions. He dislikes them and contends that they are are very similar. Ho hum, been there, read that elsewhere. He does seem very impressed with Tao Te Ching, Native American religions and Buddhism, however. The problem with his opinions is that they are mostly generalizations and personal anecdotes. Has he ever met a Liberal Christian? Does he even know that they exist? He uses some scary examples of fanatical Christians to prove his point that Christianity is downright dangerous, bordering on brainwashing.
I do appreciate what he is trying to accomplish in this book, but it seems long and full of filler. I also wonder who is target audience is. For example, I am a Liberal Christian who already buys into the belief that you can peacefully coexist with other religions and even learn from each other. I doubt that any Evangelical will pick this book up and have an "aha" moment. I wouldn't recommend this for any Christian searchers or any Christians who are going through periods of doubt due to its negativity towards Christianity.
November 19, 2013
Where to start? Where to start?
I believe in a healthy and critical religion conversation, but Bolelli missed the mark for me. He did an adequate job on the comparative religion sections; he did an adequate job of being amusing with personal antidotes; he did an adequate job on writing the book.
But after plugging through pages of material directed more at disgruntled college students, then readers ready to delve into a serious debate, he ended the book by saying that even when he meets someone who does have a heart for God; a heart for tolerance; nurtures their body and treats the world and its creature in a sacred way... he still doesn't like them. They are fake. They must be fake because he can sense their fakeness and there by doesn't like them either.
So I read this and thought, basically this was all about having a point of view that says everything is wrong, even when it is right it is still wrong.
Well, there is a religious and life point of view I don't want to emulate.
I believe in a healthy and critical religion conversation, but Bolelli missed the mark for me. He did an adequate job on the comparative religion sections; he did an adequate job of being amusing with personal antidotes; he did an adequate job on writing the book.
But after plugging through pages of material directed more at disgruntled college students, then readers ready to delve into a serious debate, he ended the book by saying that even when he meets someone who does have a heart for God; a heart for tolerance; nurtures their body and treats the world and its creature in a sacred way... he still doesn't like them. They are fake. They must be fake because he can sense their fakeness and there by doesn't like them either.
So I read this and thought, basically this was all about having a point of view that says everything is wrong, even when it is right it is still wrong.
Well, there is a religious and life point of view I don't want to emulate.
August 20, 2013
I started this book with gusto, loving the juxtaposition of historical theology with the quirkiness of someone who is clearly good friends with Tom Robbins. That was five weeks ago. I refused to return this book until I finished it. So I sent my husband off on a canoe trip, and took to the couch. It was very hard to finish. The gusto and fire was gone. It was just a series of anecdotes and goofy one-liners, and it could not keep my attention. I skimmed.
So I rated it three stars. In the beginning it was fascinating, informative and thought-provoking, in the latter, it was a goobly mess. I dunno. I'm not as smart as I think I am sometimes when I choose books like this that are over my head.
Read the other reviews. They are much better.
So I rated it three stars. In the beginning it was fascinating, informative and thought-provoking, in the latter, it was a goobly mess. I dunno. I'm not as smart as I think I am sometimes when I choose books like this that are over my head.
Read the other reviews. They are much better.
January 18, 2021
At first I was uncertain whether or not I could even finish this book. Bolelli tries his best to sound like an edgy teenager, and has an annoying habit of underestimating the reader's intellect in pretty much every chapter. Or maybe this is just his natural way of expressing himself? I have no idea, I haven't listened to his "The Drunken Taoist" podcast (not sure if I should).
The book turned out to be somewhat entertaining in the end, and included some genuine, albeit overly simplistic insights into problems inherent in world religions and human behaviour in general. Too bad Bolelli doesn't really have anything groundbreaking to say here though. All the ranting, and the final conclusion about "embracing the paradox" brought into mind the concept of "Zorba the Buddha" (combining the "profane" and "spiritual" aspects of life) promoted by Osho. Which must have been a refreshing idea in the 80's, not so much today anymore.
The book turned out to be somewhat entertaining in the end, and included some genuine, albeit overly simplistic insights into problems inherent in world religions and human behaviour in general. Too bad Bolelli doesn't really have anything groundbreaking to say here though. All the ranting, and the final conclusion about "embracing the paradox" brought into mind the concept of "Zorba the Buddha" (combining the "profane" and "spiritual" aspects of life) promoted by Osho. Which must have been a refreshing idea in the 80's, not so much today anymore.
February 13, 2021
Real score: between 3.5 and 4 stars.
I enjoyed reading this book mostly because I agree with much of what Bolelli has to say about religion and atheism. Yet for some reason the way he writes is off-putting. So here I am rating this book based on the contents and ideas, which in my opinion are better than just “good”, but can't bring myself to say I really liked it without stating a disclaimer that actually I didn't like it THAT much.
Bolelli has the seeds of good ideas but they need more polish and growth.
I enjoyed reading this book mostly because I agree with much of what Bolelli has to say about religion and atheism. Yet for some reason the way he writes is off-putting. So here I am rating this book based on the contents and ideas, which in my opinion are better than just “good”, but can't bring myself to say I really liked it without stating a disclaimer that actually I didn't like it THAT much.
Bolelli has the seeds of good ideas but they need more polish and growth.
November 17, 2021
Wow, what a trip.
Do not start reading this book if you are sensitive about questioning your beliefs.
Bolelli takes on not only the big three, but also takes on oriental religions, new age, atheism, and rationalism, to mention a few. Not to disparage or mock them, but to point out the evils of fundamentalism and to accept the paradoxes inherent with just being human.
Will reread this regularly.
Yes, martial arts are relevant in this book.
Do not start reading this book if you are sensitive about questioning your beliefs.
Bolelli takes on not only the big three, but also takes on oriental religions, new age, atheism, and rationalism, to mention a few. Not to disparage or mock them, but to point out the evils of fundamentalism and to accept the paradoxes inherent with just being human.
Will reread this regularly.
Yes, martial arts are relevant in this book.
September 16, 2013
This review originally appeared on The Magical Buffet website on 9/16/13.
As many of you know, I’m a fan of learning about different religions. I like the idea of picking and choosing the things you like from them and ignoring the rest. I also toy with the idea of starting my own religion and then using it in my quest for global domination. This is why I was thrilled to get a review copy of “Create Your Own Religion: A How-To Book Without Instructions” by Daniele Bolelli. Sounds perfect, right?
In fact, it is. Bolelli’s book is this girl’s dream. “Create Your Own Religion” is wonderfully researched book that covers all aspects of all religions. Essentially encouraging you to choose what you like from them, and leaving the rest! Would it be wrong to call it so much fun? If it is, too bad, it is so much fun! Although a scholarly work, the writing is in a conversational style and although I can’t imagine it being a problem for any of my readers, the author does swear from time to time. I didn’t think any of you were reading this imagining it was the perfect gift for the first grader in your life, but still, I figured I’d give it a mention.
Although Bolelli lets his personal religious preferences show through, he encourages the reader to approach their spiritual journey with an inquisitive heart but a cautious mind. His combination of intellect and enthusiasm makes “Create Your Own Religion” a must read.
As many of you know, I’m a fan of learning about different religions. I like the idea of picking and choosing the things you like from them and ignoring the rest. I also toy with the idea of starting my own religion and then using it in my quest for global domination. This is why I was thrilled to get a review copy of “Create Your Own Religion: A How-To Book Without Instructions” by Daniele Bolelli. Sounds perfect, right?
In fact, it is. Bolelli’s book is this girl’s dream. “Create Your Own Religion” is wonderfully researched book that covers all aspects of all religions. Essentially encouraging you to choose what you like from them, and leaving the rest! Would it be wrong to call it so much fun? If it is, too bad, it is so much fun! Although a scholarly work, the writing is in a conversational style and although I can’t imagine it being a problem for any of my readers, the author does swear from time to time. I didn’t think any of you were reading this imagining it was the perfect gift for the first grader in your life, but still, I figured I’d give it a mention.
Although Bolelli lets his personal religious preferences show through, he encourages the reader to approach their spiritual journey with an inquisitive heart but a cautious mind. His combination of intellect and enthusiasm makes “Create Your Own Religion” a must read.
July 9, 2013
I see Daniele Bolelli is a university professor, and this book does sound like a transcript of lectures for college students. It's clear he knows a lot about comparative religion, but he talks about it in an informal way, with a good helping of personal anecdotes thrown in. I think that if I'd read this book when I was in my twenties, I'd have rated it much higher. But college was 20 years ago, I'm familiar with this topic, and I mostly wished Bolelli would just make his points and move on, rather than go on and on about them. Despite being called Create Your Own Religion, much of the book is about what Bolelli thinks is wrong with religions that are already out there, and his thoughts on creating religion really don't come out much until the last couple of chapters. I think this would be a great book for someone who's starting to question exclusive religions, but may not satisfy readers who already have.
May 25, 2017
I picked up this book walking into my local library, I was hoping for an informative read that expanded my minimal religious horizon. What I discovered instead, in the first 55 pages of the book, was an author who maliciously attacked all religions with stereotypical assumptions that made me squirm. Being a wary Catholic myself, I was hoping the book would provide clinical observation and in-depth research into why religion exists and for what purpose to further expand my own beliefs. Instead I got a snarky entitled author whose arguments were unsatisfying, underdeveloped, and lacked multiple perspective. I was too angered by Bolelli's insistent snark that I feel that continuing the book would only exhaust me. Bolelli's point was seriously missed, and after reading various reviews I do not care to continue reading the book myself.
May 28, 2025
Overall, I enjoyed this book and appreciate Bolelli's approach to religion, but I want to point out some factual blunders and other unlikely assertions. First, historians have pointed out that the story of Christians burning the library of Alexandria is pure myth. There are plenty of horrendous actions that can be laid at the feet of Christian fanatics, so it irritates me when Christianity bashers repeat baseless falsehoods. Please do some basic fact-checking.
Later in the book, he even hinted towards the myth that we only use 10% of our brain, which is nonsense that scientists have worked so hard to debunk, but to no avail.
According to numerous biblical scholars, Bolelli is also mistaken on Paul's stance on women. In the first century, Paul was surprisingly egalitarian (which could have been tied to his eschatology). The anti-women passages were later forged writings written in Paul's name to undo all Paul stood for. In the authentically Pauline corpus, the verses in 1 Corinthians that contradict his pro-women stance are likely an interpolation.
As far as Genesis 2, Eve is not made from man's rib, but his side. We have the idea of man symbolically being cut in half and women being the other half. The myth could represent equality. The word "helper", every time it is used elsewhere, always refers to a superior. While the context shows it likely speaks of an equal, there is no grounds at all for thinking it reveals an inferior (which is what Bolelli implies). In Gen 3, the "man shall rule over the woman" can be understood as a description of the power struggle--and not a punitive prescription. I won't go into this, but good biblical scholars have pointed this out.
Finally, I take issue with his understanding of faith. Bolelli and everyone in our world are people of faith, we cannot live in our world without faith. Faith is action and belief/trust in the face of uncertainty and limited knowledge. Every person who chooses to get married is taking a step of faith; everyone who gets in an airplane, all those who get a job or form a friendship, or believes what they are told about the nature of our world from science writers, accepts it on faith. There is reasonable faith and unreasonable faith--ideally, we won't take a step unless there are some grounds for doing so. Because of the complexities of reality, some people are rewarded for their obstinacy in belief--some scientists had a hunch they were on the right track, and it is because they stubbornly persisted in the face of the evidence that they finally made a breakthrough. Sometimes, that seeming evidence of infidelity isn't as good as it seemed, and giving the benefit of the doubt to the other is a good thing. There is a line of course. But yeah, I think Bolelli embraced the new atheist definition of faith, which is a ludicrous strawman.
Okay, with that out of the way. Bolelli presents an approach to religion that is like my own, though I have remained in the Christian tradition. One legitimate approach to the bible, held by some Jews and some Christians, is far less obsessed with dogma, but instead, sees it as providing a school of wisdom by offering paradox, development, ambiguities, and the dialectic.
See scripture contains the wrestling, assertions, debates, and theory-making of people over a 1000-year period. They were trying to make sense of God in light of their time and worked within a tradition, critiquing, building on, rejecting, and recreating. Jews compiled it all together. This tradition provides a cultural and religious language for us to continue striving for the true, the good, and the beautiful today. It shows us how to wrestle with God, to argue, to challenge and falsify, to adjust, pick and choose, overturn, adapt, and create in light of what we now know. Also, we have the benefit of history--we can judge ideas by their fruit. What is harmful, what is life-giving? Christianity provides us with a method and a discipline, rather than timeless dogmas.
Bolelli is most hostile towards Christianity, and even though I am a Christian, I actually agree with many of his points. I appreciate that he reflects on those things that are proven harmful by history. Take the exclusivist apocalyptic worldview; the fruit of this worldview is wholly bad--it is deadly poison to all who partake. Sadly, Jesus and Paul had this worldview--perhaps they didn't know better--but we now have almost 2000 years to show just how toxic, wrong-headed, dangerous, and harmful this aspect of their thought was. If living today, they would likely apologize and repudiate it... they would, if love and truth had any value to them (which I think it did). Seeing how Jesus attacked elements of the Pharisaic religious approach--due to recognizing it was harmful and failed to uphold the value of others, I could imagine Jesus, today, having some extremely harsh words for the Jesus 2000 years ago. For the Christian doctrine of incarnation, this simply reveals the degree of Christ's self-emptying. Jesus was wrong about the end of the world, and he was seduced by the apocalyptic worldview that was so popular at the time.
If early Christians are right about Jesus being raised and ascending, Jesus really must have kicked himself after being beamed back up, and has been cringing ever since. But I do wish he decided to smite John of Patmos before he wrote the book of Revelation. The book of Revelation is likely one of the greatest pieces of evidence against a loving and active deity. An all-knowing and good God would have made sure John's mad delusions and revenge fantasy were never made scripture. Sigh...
Later in the book, he even hinted towards the myth that we only use 10% of our brain, which is nonsense that scientists have worked so hard to debunk, but to no avail.
According to numerous biblical scholars, Bolelli is also mistaken on Paul's stance on women. In the first century, Paul was surprisingly egalitarian (which could have been tied to his eschatology). The anti-women passages were later forged writings written in Paul's name to undo all Paul stood for. In the authentically Pauline corpus, the verses in 1 Corinthians that contradict his pro-women stance are likely an interpolation.
As far as Genesis 2, Eve is not made from man's rib, but his side. We have the idea of man symbolically being cut in half and women being the other half. The myth could represent equality. The word "helper", every time it is used elsewhere, always refers to a superior. While the context shows it likely speaks of an equal, there is no grounds at all for thinking it reveals an inferior (which is what Bolelli implies). In Gen 3, the "man shall rule over the woman" can be understood as a description of the power struggle--and not a punitive prescription. I won't go into this, but good biblical scholars have pointed this out.
Finally, I take issue with his understanding of faith. Bolelli and everyone in our world are people of faith, we cannot live in our world without faith. Faith is action and belief/trust in the face of uncertainty and limited knowledge. Every person who chooses to get married is taking a step of faith; everyone who gets in an airplane, all those who get a job or form a friendship, or believes what they are told about the nature of our world from science writers, accepts it on faith. There is reasonable faith and unreasonable faith--ideally, we won't take a step unless there are some grounds for doing so. Because of the complexities of reality, some people are rewarded for their obstinacy in belief--some scientists had a hunch they were on the right track, and it is because they stubbornly persisted in the face of the evidence that they finally made a breakthrough. Sometimes, that seeming evidence of infidelity isn't as good as it seemed, and giving the benefit of the doubt to the other is a good thing. There is a line of course. But yeah, I think Bolelli embraced the new atheist definition of faith, which is a ludicrous strawman.
Okay, with that out of the way. Bolelli presents an approach to religion that is like my own, though I have remained in the Christian tradition. One legitimate approach to the bible, held by some Jews and some Christians, is far less obsessed with dogma, but instead, sees it as providing a school of wisdom by offering paradox, development, ambiguities, and the dialectic.
See scripture contains the wrestling, assertions, debates, and theory-making of people over a 1000-year period. They were trying to make sense of God in light of their time and worked within a tradition, critiquing, building on, rejecting, and recreating. Jews compiled it all together. This tradition provides a cultural and religious language for us to continue striving for the true, the good, and the beautiful today. It shows us how to wrestle with God, to argue, to challenge and falsify, to adjust, pick and choose, overturn, adapt, and create in light of what we now know. Also, we have the benefit of history--we can judge ideas by their fruit. What is harmful, what is life-giving? Christianity provides us with a method and a discipline, rather than timeless dogmas.
Bolelli is most hostile towards Christianity, and even though I am a Christian, I actually agree with many of his points. I appreciate that he reflects on those things that are proven harmful by history. Take the exclusivist apocalyptic worldview; the fruit of this worldview is wholly bad--it is deadly poison to all who partake. Sadly, Jesus and Paul had this worldview--perhaps they didn't know better--but we now have almost 2000 years to show just how toxic, wrong-headed, dangerous, and harmful this aspect of their thought was. If living today, they would likely apologize and repudiate it... they would, if love and truth had any value to them (which I think it did). Seeing how Jesus attacked elements of the Pharisaic religious approach--due to recognizing it was harmful and failed to uphold the value of others, I could imagine Jesus, today, having some extremely harsh words for the Jesus 2000 years ago. For the Christian doctrine of incarnation, this simply reveals the degree of Christ's self-emptying. Jesus was wrong about the end of the world, and he was seduced by the apocalyptic worldview that was so popular at the time.
If early Christians are right about Jesus being raised and ascending, Jesus really must have kicked himself after being beamed back up, and has been cringing ever since. But I do wish he decided to smite John of Patmos before he wrote the book of Revelation. The book of Revelation is likely one of the greatest pieces of evidence against a loving and active deity. An all-knowing and good God would have made sure John's mad delusions and revenge fantasy were never made scripture. Sigh...
May 6, 2013
Although the title makes it sound like satire, and the book is written in a kind of snarky tone, it is in fact a very thoughtful and thought-provoking -- downright philosophical -- examination of the role religion plays in society and in an individual person's life, and the way different major religions view different aspects of living (sex, marriage, death, etc). I learned a lot from this book and found myself agreeing with a lot of what the author had to say. I'd recommend this for anyone interested in religious studies in general, and I'd probably read more books by this person.
July 30, 2019
Pulled this book off the shelf at the local library. I got through the introduction and that was it!
Mr. Bolelli came off as a whiny SJW drowning in first world beta male problems.
Making your own religion the isn't hard, just look at what L Ron Hubbard did with Scientology.
The subject wasn't new. Disinformation lost an avid reader of their future published works if they are going to continue with mealy mouthed authors.
Mr. Bolelli came off as a whiny SJW drowning in first world beta male problems.
Making your own religion the isn't hard, just look at what L Ron Hubbard did with Scientology.
The subject wasn't new. Disinformation lost an avid reader of their future published works if they are going to continue with mealy mouthed authors.
April 29, 2013
Never really finished this.
I couldn't handle the negativity the author projected.
I couldn't handle the negativity the author projected.
November 26, 2016
"Un Dio per tutti e per nessuno". "Istruzioni per l'uso di una religione fai da te". La prima frase è il titolo del post ed è mia. Quella che segue è il sottotitolo di "iGod", un libro il cui autore sfida tutte le religioni, proponendoci al loro posto un dio per ognuno di noi.
Vi assicuro che non c'è nulla blasfemo in quello che ho detto, nè tanto meno in quello che ha scritto Daniele Bolelli nel suo libro che, a dire il vero, pone seri problemi di lettura sin dal suo enigmatico titolo. Ma non tanto, tutto sommato, se lo si osserva bene, guardando l'immagine della copertina.
E' chiaramente disegnata sulla falsariga di un telecomando: destra-sinistra, sopra-sotto, uno stop centrale, un auricolare ai piedi di esso. Ricorda la parola "iPad", il nome di quel rivoluzionario aggeggio elettronico inventato da Steve Jobs soltanto sei anni fa e che ci porta il mondo tra le mani. Il disegno, però, non si può negare, non è soltanto un semplice telecomando ...
Daniele Bonelli lo impiega, infatti, come "ingresso", "incipit" per le sue argomentazioni, usandolo anche come simbolo: quello di una "croce". Un segnale utile per comprendere il tipo di approccio che l'autore dà al suo lavoro. Del resto l'autore del libro non è poi uno sprovveduto o un pazzo, bensì uno che se ne intende di religioni.
Professore di storia delle religioni e di altre discipline, Daniele Bonelli ha un curriculum di tutto rispetto, come potete leggere qui al link. Potete ascoltare e vedere anche la sua conversazione sul libro qui al link sul suo nome.
Dopo questa necessaria premessa di inquadramento, ecco cosa penso del libro. In un famoso, breve saggio il filosofo napoletano Benedetto Croce ha chiarito in maniera inequivocabile "perché non possiamo non dirci cristiani". Lo scritto porta la data del 1942 e non ha perso per nulla la sua attualità.
La religione, o meglio, il sentimento religioso restano sempre al centro della vita degli uomini. Non solo di quelli che credono, ma anche e sopratutto di quelli che non credono, quelli che avvertono di più questa necessità che trascende la condizione umana.
Questo blogger ha "vissuto", se così si può dire, la vita di sei Papi. Con Papa Francesco stiamo vivendo la settima. Come fedeli cristiani del XXI secolo, tutti ci rendiamo conto che questo è un periodo non solo di grandi trasformazioni e cambiamenti, ma anche di forti e necessari ripensamenti. Non soltanto da un punto di vista informale e pratico, ma anche da quello squisitamente spirituale. Non sono in grado di dire cosa accadrà da quello della dottrina religiosa.
Sono un ignorante in merito e non mi allettano molto questi pensieri che tendono ad essere dogmatici e poco pratici. So soltanto che, con la forte, incessante ed imprevedibile spinta della moderna comunicazione, si avverte sempre di più la necessità di andare oltre il vissuto tradizionale dello spirito che tutti i credenti, in una qualsiasi religione, hanno avuto nel corso della storia.
Da nord a sud, da oriente ad occidente, gli uomini vivono la loro quotidiana battaglia dell'esistenza, legandosi sì! alla concretezza della quotidianità, ma senza mai smettere di guardare in alto, verso le stelle e oltre, nel tentativo di sapere da dove veniamo e dove siamo destinati a finire.
Tutte le religioni cercano di aiutarci in questo cammino di ricerca. Tutte si legano inevitabilmente alla storia e al territorio dove esse sono nate. Si manifestano spesso in maniera diversa, tanto divisiva quanto contrastiva. Sono così evidenti i confronti, nei vari "credo", come lo sono anche gli inevitabili conflitti.
Anche quella cristiana e cattolica cerca di fare la sua parte, oltre che in maniera "cattolica-universale", anche "spaziale". Non a caso il teologo e scrittore Antonio Spadaro, direttore della rivista "Civiltà Cattolica", ha inventato la "CyberTeologia" nel tentativo di universalizzare la fede, intesa come intelligenza al tempo della Rete.
Ma non voglio entrare in questo campo che non è di mia competenza. Come semplice credente, però, non posso ritenermi fuori della mischia. In breve, non posso non dirmi anche io, "cristiano", come ha scritto Croce.
Ma questa mia affermazione, ovviamente, è legata al "mondo" a cui appartengo, una scelta non mia. Se fossi nato altrove, probabilmente avrei pensato diversamente la mia condizione spirituale. Questo mi sembra essere il punto giusto di partenza per parlare di un libro che mi ha posto seriamente di fronte a molti interrogativi sui quali desidero qui discutere con me stesso e con chi eventualmente mi leggerà.
Nel mio incessante navigare in rete, non ricordo più come mi sono imbattuto in questo libro. Per pochi euri, l'ho acquistato prima in versione digitale, poi in quella cartacea. Il titolo nella versione inglese rispecchia chiaramente il sottotitolo della edizione italiana: "Farsi una religione per conto proprio".
Sembra subito una provocazione. L'autore non è uno qualunque, ma Daniele Bolelli, filosofo, artista marziale e professore di religioni (e di altre materie) all’Università di Los Angeles. Per capire chi sia un "artista marziale" ho dovuto fare una ricerca.
Un'arte del genere è tale quando suscita in chi la guarda delle emozioni. Quando concretizza un lavoro, una pratica, attraverso l' abilità unita all' "anima" di chi la esercita. Quando trasuda espressività e carattere. Quando va oltre il confine del razionale. Quando trasforma il brutto in bello e l' illogico in logico. Quando la tecnica è esaltata dallo spirito. Quando trasmette emozione e sentimento. L' Arte Marziale, allora, come tutte le arti, è arte quando vi è l' artista. In questo caso c'è l'autore del libro.
Dopo di avere letto l'estratto che l'archivio di Tecalibri ha pubblicato qui al link, sono stato spinto ad acquistare il libro in versione ebook per pochi euri. La lettura cartacea, si sa, differisce molto da quella digitale. Avevo bisogno di avere tra le mani questo libro, sentirne il peso, sfogliare le pagine, leggere e rileggere, annotare, soppesare, appuntare quello che Bolelli ha scritto.
Man mano che proseguivo nella lettura avevo la conferma di leggere cose, pensieri e idee, che avevo pensato anche io nel corso del tempo. La pagina digitale, pur con le sue opzioni di lettura, non mi soddisfaceva. Avevo bisogno di avere il "corpo del reato", il libro tra le mani, in senso fisico per meglio valutarlo.
Già, perchè questo testo è davvero "dissacrante". Man mano che andavo avanti a leggere, mi chiedevo quanto successo possa avere un libro del genere che tratta del tema della religione da un punto di vista universale e in maniera obiettiva. A mio parere non moltissimo.
La ragione per la quale sono sicuro di questa mia affermazione è che sono convinto che quando si ha a che fare con la religione, si ha a che fare con una materia che è innegabile essere quanto mai "divisiva". E' la storia che lo prova, per non dire nulla di quello che accade ogni giorno oggi.
Parliamo di trascendenza. Siamo portati a pensare seguendo schemi di rigida esclusività, quando parliamo di un argomento come questo. Da una parte, tante religioni, tante visioni di dio, tante suggestioni. Dall’altra parte ci sono quelli che restano indifferenti alla questione sia religiosa che spirituale, spesso le confondono volutamente e le usano per fini diversi e perversi, oppure non nutrono nessuna forma d’interesse. Sia i primi che i secondi non leggeranno questo libro. A mio parere avranno torto, non una, ma due volte.
Per leggere questo libro bisogna avere una mente ed uno spirito liberi, essere flessibili, senza paraocchi o pregiudizi. L’autore affronta i molteplici aspetti che appartengono alla religione, intesa sì come possibile strumento per la salvezza dello spirito umano, ma sopratutto come strumento che aiuti a vivere e possibilmente meglio di quanto gli uomini, nella loro storia e nel loro tempo, abbiano finora dimostrato di saper fare.
Daniele Bolelli non fa sconti a nessuno. Tutte le religioni, a suo parere, per i loro dogmi rigidi e sterili, sono sempre divisive e contrastive. Questo suo libro non è un libro sulla religione, o sulle religioni. E' un lavoro che cerca di andare "oltre", pensando all'uomo in quanto tale, persona e individuo che nasce solo e finisce da solo il suo percorso di vita. Le religioni non fanno nulla, o fanno ben poco per aiutarlo a vivere, prima nel fisico e poi nello spirito.
A chiunque pensi che questo sia un libro per gli addetti ai lavori, cioè che lo possa leggere solo chi fosse interessato alla religione, vorrei garantire che il titolo non rende giustizia al contenuto, perché con "iGod", Daniele Bolelli non ha scritto un libro sulla religione, ma bensì un libro sulla vita. Quindi, qualunque sia la vostra opinione sulla religione, se siete semplicemente interessati alla vita (e dovreste esserlo), leggetevi il libro. Non può farvi che bene, credetemi.
A qualunque religione possiate appartenere, in qualsiasi maniera possiate immaginare il vostro Dio, dopo di avere letto questo libro sarete portati a credere in maniera più cosciente e consapevole nella necessità di dare risposte più sensate alle domande che vi siete sempre posti e che tutti ci facciamo, man mano che continuiamo a vivere, in attesa dell'uscita dal mondo.
Perchè, così come siamo entrati su questo palcoscenico, allo stesso modo ne usciremo. Dal mistero, nel mistero, per chi non crede. Dalla luce, nella luce, per chi crede. Ecco perchè, noi che siamo nati qui, in questa parte del pianeta chiamata Terra, in questo Paese chiamato Italia, non possiamo non dirci cristiani.
L'autore di questo prezioso libro non lo dice, ma sono convinto che anche lui, come me e come tanti, non possono non dirsi "cristiani". Sono più di duemila anni che la figura del Cristo dà una ragionevole risposta a tutte quelle domande che gli uomini di tutti i tempi si sono poste e continueranno a porsi nei millenni a venire.
In quella Luce possiamo continuare a trovare quelle risposte alle quali Daniele Bolelli allude chiudendo il suo libro, quando scrive del modo di moltiplicare la felicità del vivere intesa come meta. Risposte che vanno al di là delle forme e dei dogmi, oltre il mistero, sia delle nebbie del corpo che dello spirito.
Se non fosse così, non avrebbe messo quel segno di "croce" a mò di telecomando sulla copertina del suo libro. Un Dio che possa essere sia per tutti che per nessuno. Un paradosso? Già, proprio quello: l'unione degli opposti. (https://goo.gl/3rVJ4E)
Vi assicuro che non c'è nulla blasfemo in quello che ho detto, nè tanto meno in quello che ha scritto Daniele Bolelli nel suo libro che, a dire il vero, pone seri problemi di lettura sin dal suo enigmatico titolo. Ma non tanto, tutto sommato, se lo si osserva bene, guardando l'immagine della copertina.
E' chiaramente disegnata sulla falsariga di un telecomando: destra-sinistra, sopra-sotto, uno stop centrale, un auricolare ai piedi di esso. Ricorda la parola "iPad", il nome di quel rivoluzionario aggeggio elettronico inventato da Steve Jobs soltanto sei anni fa e che ci porta il mondo tra le mani. Il disegno, però, non si può negare, non è soltanto un semplice telecomando ...
Daniele Bonelli lo impiega, infatti, come "ingresso", "incipit" per le sue argomentazioni, usandolo anche come simbolo: quello di una "croce". Un segnale utile per comprendere il tipo di approccio che l'autore dà al suo lavoro. Del resto l'autore del libro non è poi uno sprovveduto o un pazzo, bensì uno che se ne intende di religioni.
Professore di storia delle religioni e di altre discipline, Daniele Bonelli ha un curriculum di tutto rispetto, come potete leggere qui al link. Potete ascoltare e vedere anche la sua conversazione sul libro qui al link sul suo nome.
Dopo questa necessaria premessa di inquadramento, ecco cosa penso del libro. In un famoso, breve saggio il filosofo napoletano Benedetto Croce ha chiarito in maniera inequivocabile "perché non possiamo non dirci cristiani". Lo scritto porta la data del 1942 e non ha perso per nulla la sua attualità.
La religione, o meglio, il sentimento religioso restano sempre al centro della vita degli uomini. Non solo di quelli che credono, ma anche e sopratutto di quelli che non credono, quelli che avvertono di più questa necessità che trascende la condizione umana.
Questo blogger ha "vissuto", se così si può dire, la vita di sei Papi. Con Papa Francesco stiamo vivendo la settima. Come fedeli cristiani del XXI secolo, tutti ci rendiamo conto che questo è un periodo non solo di grandi trasformazioni e cambiamenti, ma anche di forti e necessari ripensamenti. Non soltanto da un punto di vista informale e pratico, ma anche da quello squisitamente spirituale. Non sono in grado di dire cosa accadrà da quello della dottrina religiosa.
Sono un ignorante in merito e non mi allettano molto questi pensieri che tendono ad essere dogmatici e poco pratici. So soltanto che, con la forte, incessante ed imprevedibile spinta della moderna comunicazione, si avverte sempre di più la necessità di andare oltre il vissuto tradizionale dello spirito che tutti i credenti, in una qualsiasi religione, hanno avuto nel corso della storia.
Da nord a sud, da oriente ad occidente, gli uomini vivono la loro quotidiana battaglia dell'esistenza, legandosi sì! alla concretezza della quotidianità, ma senza mai smettere di guardare in alto, verso le stelle e oltre, nel tentativo di sapere da dove veniamo e dove siamo destinati a finire.
Tutte le religioni cercano di aiutarci in questo cammino di ricerca. Tutte si legano inevitabilmente alla storia e al territorio dove esse sono nate. Si manifestano spesso in maniera diversa, tanto divisiva quanto contrastiva. Sono così evidenti i confronti, nei vari "credo", come lo sono anche gli inevitabili conflitti.
Anche quella cristiana e cattolica cerca di fare la sua parte, oltre che in maniera "cattolica-universale", anche "spaziale". Non a caso il teologo e scrittore Antonio Spadaro, direttore della rivista "Civiltà Cattolica", ha inventato la "CyberTeologia" nel tentativo di universalizzare la fede, intesa come intelligenza al tempo della Rete.
Ma non voglio entrare in questo campo che non è di mia competenza. Come semplice credente, però, non posso ritenermi fuori della mischia. In breve, non posso non dirmi anche io, "cristiano", come ha scritto Croce.
Ma questa mia affermazione, ovviamente, è legata al "mondo" a cui appartengo, una scelta non mia. Se fossi nato altrove, probabilmente avrei pensato diversamente la mia condizione spirituale. Questo mi sembra essere il punto giusto di partenza per parlare di un libro che mi ha posto seriamente di fronte a molti interrogativi sui quali desidero qui discutere con me stesso e con chi eventualmente mi leggerà.
Nel mio incessante navigare in rete, non ricordo più come mi sono imbattuto in questo libro. Per pochi euri, l'ho acquistato prima in versione digitale, poi in quella cartacea. Il titolo nella versione inglese rispecchia chiaramente il sottotitolo della edizione italiana: "Farsi una religione per conto proprio".
Sembra subito una provocazione. L'autore non è uno qualunque, ma Daniele Bolelli, filosofo, artista marziale e professore di religioni (e di altre materie) all’Università di Los Angeles. Per capire chi sia un "artista marziale" ho dovuto fare una ricerca.
Un'arte del genere è tale quando suscita in chi la guarda delle emozioni. Quando concretizza un lavoro, una pratica, attraverso l' abilità unita all' "anima" di chi la esercita. Quando trasuda espressività e carattere. Quando va oltre il confine del razionale. Quando trasforma il brutto in bello e l' illogico in logico. Quando la tecnica è esaltata dallo spirito. Quando trasmette emozione e sentimento. L' Arte Marziale, allora, come tutte le arti, è arte quando vi è l' artista. In questo caso c'è l'autore del libro.
Dopo di avere letto l'estratto che l'archivio di Tecalibri ha pubblicato qui al link, sono stato spinto ad acquistare il libro in versione ebook per pochi euri. La lettura cartacea, si sa, differisce molto da quella digitale. Avevo bisogno di avere tra le mani questo libro, sentirne il peso, sfogliare le pagine, leggere e rileggere, annotare, soppesare, appuntare quello che Bolelli ha scritto.
Man mano che proseguivo nella lettura avevo la conferma di leggere cose, pensieri e idee, che avevo pensato anche io nel corso del tempo. La pagina digitale, pur con le sue opzioni di lettura, non mi soddisfaceva. Avevo bisogno di avere il "corpo del reato", il libro tra le mani, in senso fisico per meglio valutarlo.
Già, perchè questo testo è davvero "dissacrante". Man mano che andavo avanti a leggere, mi chiedevo quanto successo possa avere un libro del genere che tratta del tema della religione da un punto di vista universale e in maniera obiettiva. A mio parere non moltissimo.
La ragione per la quale sono sicuro di questa mia affermazione è che sono convinto che quando si ha a che fare con la religione, si ha a che fare con una materia che è innegabile essere quanto mai "divisiva". E' la storia che lo prova, per non dire nulla di quello che accade ogni giorno oggi.
Parliamo di trascendenza. Siamo portati a pensare seguendo schemi di rigida esclusività, quando parliamo di un argomento come questo. Da una parte, tante religioni, tante visioni di dio, tante suggestioni. Dall’altra parte ci sono quelli che restano indifferenti alla questione sia religiosa che spirituale, spesso le confondono volutamente e le usano per fini diversi e perversi, oppure non nutrono nessuna forma d’interesse. Sia i primi che i secondi non leggeranno questo libro. A mio parere avranno torto, non una, ma due volte.
Per leggere questo libro bisogna avere una mente ed uno spirito liberi, essere flessibili, senza paraocchi o pregiudizi. L’autore affronta i molteplici aspetti che appartengono alla religione, intesa sì come possibile strumento per la salvezza dello spirito umano, ma sopratutto come strumento che aiuti a vivere e possibilmente meglio di quanto gli uomini, nella loro storia e nel loro tempo, abbiano finora dimostrato di saper fare.
Daniele Bolelli non fa sconti a nessuno. Tutte le religioni, a suo parere, per i loro dogmi rigidi e sterili, sono sempre divisive e contrastive. Questo suo libro non è un libro sulla religione, o sulle religioni. E' un lavoro che cerca di andare "oltre", pensando all'uomo in quanto tale, persona e individuo che nasce solo e finisce da solo il suo percorso di vita. Le religioni non fanno nulla, o fanno ben poco per aiutarlo a vivere, prima nel fisico e poi nello spirito.
A chiunque pensi che questo sia un libro per gli addetti ai lavori, cioè che lo possa leggere solo chi fosse interessato alla religione, vorrei garantire che il titolo non rende giustizia al contenuto, perché con "iGod", Daniele Bolelli non ha scritto un libro sulla religione, ma bensì un libro sulla vita. Quindi, qualunque sia la vostra opinione sulla religione, se siete semplicemente interessati alla vita (e dovreste esserlo), leggetevi il libro. Non può farvi che bene, credetemi.
A qualunque religione possiate appartenere, in qualsiasi maniera possiate immaginare il vostro Dio, dopo di avere letto questo libro sarete portati a credere in maniera più cosciente e consapevole nella necessità di dare risposte più sensate alle domande che vi siete sempre posti e che tutti ci facciamo, man mano che continuiamo a vivere, in attesa dell'uscita dal mondo.
Perchè, così come siamo entrati su questo palcoscenico, allo stesso modo ne usciremo. Dal mistero, nel mistero, per chi non crede. Dalla luce, nella luce, per chi crede. Ecco perchè, noi che siamo nati qui, in questa parte del pianeta chiamata Terra, in questo Paese chiamato Italia, non possiamo non dirci cristiani.
L'autore di questo prezioso libro non lo dice, ma sono convinto che anche lui, come me e come tanti, non possono non dirsi "cristiani". Sono più di duemila anni che la figura del Cristo dà una ragionevole risposta a tutte quelle domande che gli uomini di tutti i tempi si sono poste e continueranno a porsi nei millenni a venire.
In quella Luce possiamo continuare a trovare quelle risposte alle quali Daniele Bolelli allude chiudendo il suo libro, quando scrive del modo di moltiplicare la felicità del vivere intesa come meta. Risposte che vanno al di là delle forme e dei dogmi, oltre il mistero, sia delle nebbie del corpo che dello spirito.
Se non fosse così, non avrebbe messo quel segno di "croce" a mò di telecomando sulla copertina del suo libro. Un Dio che possa essere sia per tutti che per nessuno. Un paradosso? Già, proprio quello: l'unione degli opposti. (https://goo.gl/3rVJ4E)
August 19, 2024
Too caught up in tearing religions down to effectively talk about building something up
I eventually just started skimming this book and even then didn’t really finish it. The author spends far too much time screaming at the choir to fulfill the promise of this book. The books existence presupposes an interest in creating your own religion, implying a disastifaction with existing religions. But most of the book is given over to describing the faults that should cause such disatisfaction.
He also begins by stating it is not his intent to focus on his own beliefs and foist them on the reader, just to use them as exemplars. He utterly fails in following this intent. This entire book seems to me to be an exercise in convincing the reader of what he believes a religion should be like by the illustrative contradiction with “most religions.”
And the “most religions” is particularly disturbing. The way Bolelli engages with religion is remarkably culturally colonial christian given that he teaches religion at the collegiate level. His knowledge of quotes is good. His grasp of religion outside of popular western conception at least appears quite poor. With more than a tinge of imperialist centrism. I would note as an example his use of “good” and “bad” Karma which is not a terribly accurate representation. I know that at least my professors would have failed me for failure to comprehend the basics of the material had I written some of the things he writes in this book in my essays back in my school days.
I do not mean to paint the book as wholly bad. There are some compelling arguments and I think he does have some good ideas mixed in. What it really strikes me as is a book that had potential but needed much more research, several more rewrites, and some extensive cutting to get the good ideas to shine past all the rage and distaste he seems to feel. There is some good stuff in here. Maybe even a little bit that is great. It’s just weighed down by far too much repetition and, for lack of a better term, religious dogma bashing to make it worth the repetitive slog for me. Even agreeing with him provided too little insulation from the sheer quantity and tenor of the shade he throws.
IF you are comfortable swimming through his distaste and bashing which makes up the great majority of what I got through, it may very well be worth it for the remaining interesting arguments.
But if you aren’t prepared for something like an 80/20 mix of rant to radiance, this will probably be more work than it is worth.
I eventually just started skimming this book and even then didn’t really finish it. The author spends far too much time screaming at the choir to fulfill the promise of this book. The books existence presupposes an interest in creating your own religion, implying a disastifaction with existing religions. But most of the book is given over to describing the faults that should cause such disatisfaction.
He also begins by stating it is not his intent to focus on his own beliefs and foist them on the reader, just to use them as exemplars. He utterly fails in following this intent. This entire book seems to me to be an exercise in convincing the reader of what he believes a religion should be like by the illustrative contradiction with “most religions.”
And the “most religions” is particularly disturbing. The way Bolelli engages with religion is remarkably culturally colonial christian given that he teaches religion at the collegiate level. His knowledge of quotes is good. His grasp of religion outside of popular western conception at least appears quite poor. With more than a tinge of imperialist centrism. I would note as an example his use of “good” and “bad” Karma which is not a terribly accurate representation. I know that at least my professors would have failed me for failure to comprehend the basics of the material had I written some of the things he writes in this book in my essays back in my school days.
I do not mean to paint the book as wholly bad. There are some compelling arguments and I think he does have some good ideas mixed in. What it really strikes me as is a book that had potential but needed much more research, several more rewrites, and some extensive cutting to get the good ideas to shine past all the rage and distaste he seems to feel. There is some good stuff in here. Maybe even a little bit that is great. It’s just weighed down by far too much repetition and, for lack of a better term, religious dogma bashing to make it worth the repetitive slog for me. Even agreeing with him provided too little insulation from the sheer quantity and tenor of the shade he throws.
IF you are comfortable swimming through his distaste and bashing which makes up the great majority of what I got through, it may very well be worth it for the remaining interesting arguments.
But if you aren’t prepared for something like an 80/20 mix of rant to radiance, this will probably be more work than it is worth.
July 7, 2019
If I'd read this at 18 or 21 I'd have probably loved it. As a 32 year old with too much time in academia and a habit of reading philosophy for the past decade, Bolleli's book seems... low quality.
For the most part the book attempts to take down intellectual dishonesty in religious belief. If someone was trying to shake off the shackles of deep religious indoctrination, as I once had to, I wouldn't give them this book. It is too irreverent and a little patronising tonally. Bolleli gives his book a veneer of respecting religion with its let's-all-be-friends approach. But at core it's a little intellectually dismissive and condescending to members of organised religion. It would likely give offence and cause the attempted escapee to make an indignant return to their dogma. (Incidentally, despite reputations to the contrary, I would give that same person The God Delusion or The End of Faith, which though more critical of religion, are less patronising to the reader, treat the indoctrinated as intelligent victims rather than intellectual failures, and are more respectful of why such beliefs are so dearly held, though not of the actual dogma. )
In lesser part the book attempts to act as a guide to finding philosophical or existential (depending on how you view such things) contentment. In this capacity the book is also seems low quality. The overly familiar tone made me again feel patronised at times and at others made me feel like I was being sold fake goods. An over-reliance on quotes from better writers without any deep insight of his own from Bolleli made it seem occasionally plagiarised. Compared the surprisingly brilliant Happy by Derren Brown (of all people), this book seems like pound shop philosophy.
One note of praise: if I were to encounter a less thoroughly religiously indoctrinated individual, particularly of the male and teenaged variety, who enjoyed unsubtle humour and had little-or-no knowledge of philosophy, logical thinking, or meta-cognition, this book might be the perfect one to push them over the edge into freedom of thought.
For the most part the book attempts to take down intellectual dishonesty in religious belief. If someone was trying to shake off the shackles of deep religious indoctrination, as I once had to, I wouldn't give them this book. It is too irreverent and a little patronising tonally. Bolleli gives his book a veneer of respecting religion with its let's-all-be-friends approach. But at core it's a little intellectually dismissive and condescending to members of organised religion. It would likely give offence and cause the attempted escapee to make an indignant return to their dogma. (Incidentally, despite reputations to the contrary, I would give that same person The God Delusion or The End of Faith, which though more critical of religion, are less patronising to the reader, treat the indoctrinated as intelligent victims rather than intellectual failures, and are more respectful of why such beliefs are so dearly held, though not of the actual dogma. )
In lesser part the book attempts to act as a guide to finding philosophical or existential (depending on how you view such things) contentment. In this capacity the book is also seems low quality. The overly familiar tone made me again feel patronised at times and at others made me feel like I was being sold fake goods. An over-reliance on quotes from better writers without any deep insight of his own from Bolleli made it seem occasionally plagiarised. Compared the surprisingly brilliant Happy by Derren Brown (of all people), this book seems like pound shop philosophy.
One note of praise: if I were to encounter a less thoroughly religiously indoctrinated individual, particularly of the male and teenaged variety, who enjoyed unsubtle humour and had little-or-no knowledge of philosophy, logical thinking, or meta-cognition, this book might be the perfect one to push them over the edge into freedom of thought.
February 24, 2018
Much disappoint. I enjoy Bolelli's podcast, "The Drunken Taoist." You won't get any more from this book than you could just by listening occasionally. And the title isn't very helpful: there's really very little about "how-to" create anything. At best, the last 50 pages give sparse suggestions. Most of the book is an ongoing rant on why the major world religions aren't very nice (with the primary focus on bible criticism and Judaism/Christianity, a bit of #metoo at Islam, and occasional nods to the East). This is accomplished by picking apart some narrow pieces of the literature of these religions (which are in fact, not so great as examined). However, it's baby out with the bathwater and no effort to find anything redeeming. I just found this book to be a snarky, condescending Dawkins-worthy essay. If you're looking for meaningful guidance on how to have a life philosophy, look elsewhere.
December 6, 2017
Daniele Bolelli is clearly very learned in the realm of theology, and his diatribes effectively skewer major tenets of most religions. The book is equal parts thought-provoking and engaging in a way that makes you snicker as you read.
But know what you're getting into: Bolelli's prose is half-constructed of personal anecdotes, and he often skims the surface rather than delving deep into any given subject. It's great for a quick read and some nuggets of wisdom, but should be taken with a grain of salt. Bolelli's opinions are on full display, but when you can get past the occasional creepy comment it's a very entertaining, rewarding read.
The first half is much stronger than the back half, but he sticks the landing with the final chapter calling for a spiritual consciousness readily accepting of contradiction and paradox.
But know what you're getting into: Bolelli's prose is half-constructed of personal anecdotes, and he often skims the surface rather than delving deep into any given subject. It's great for a quick read and some nuggets of wisdom, but should be taken with a grain of salt. Bolelli's opinions are on full display, but when you can get past the occasional creepy comment it's a very entertaining, rewarding read.
The first half is much stronger than the back half, but he sticks the landing with the final chapter calling for a spiritual consciousness readily accepting of contradiction and paradox.
February 12, 2019
It is heavily focused on Judeo Christian religion. He criticises Eastern religion looking through western centric approach. He has a passable knowledge of Eastern Religion, some utter false information. He quoted many of Buddha's teachings without specifying the sutta no., branch - Theravada or Mahayana. They both vary from one another on many differences.
He has not a single bad word to say on Jesus, Mohammed though castigates Paul, Constantine, Islamic scholars, lawmakers for *corrupting* their teachings.
It never felt a genuine critic and some passages of the book would be fitting in /r/iamverysmart and /r/iam14andthisisdeep
Overall I enjoyed reading some crazy stuff from Koran, Bible, Torah and Zen traditions.(except the passage on why he loves his funny gf - it came out nowhere)
He has not a single bad word to say on Jesus, Mohammed though castigates Paul, Constantine, Islamic scholars, lawmakers for *corrupting* their teachings.
It never felt a genuine critic and some passages of the book would be fitting in /r/iamverysmart and /r/iam14andthisisdeep
Overall I enjoyed reading some crazy stuff from Koran, Bible, Torah and Zen traditions.(except the passage on why he loves his funny gf - it came out nowhere)
January 4, 2023
I managed to make it 100 pages in before I made the decision to give up on it. Conceptually it's an interesting book, but Bolelli's writing style quickly became taxing. The rather immature quips and angsty insights on society were so oppressive that it's easy to forget what the book is even about at times. Sure, I chuckled at a few of the quips, but one good bite of an overcooked pizza does not equate to a meal.
One good takeaway from this book is the wealth of interesting quotes about religion from various sources. I wound up just flipping to the notes section and highlighting through the quotes that I liked, so all-in-all, there was something to be gathered from this book.
One good takeaway from this book is the wealth of interesting quotes about religion from various sources. I wound up just flipping to the notes section and highlighting through the quotes that I liked, so all-in-all, there was something to be gathered from this book.
September 18, 2021
He writes the way he talks - at least for me it's easy to hear his voice in my head as I read this, since I listen to his Drunken Taoist podcast. Some of the references are a little dated in current world affairs but there are parts that explain a bit of why the US and the world has quickly delved down a bad path of dogmatic division.
Coming into the book already with an atheistic worldview and a BA in philosophy, I already had a grasp on many of the concepts he outlined. However there were some things in here that make me want to dig deeper, especially as a feminist.
Coming into the book already with an atheistic worldview and a BA in philosophy, I already had a grasp on many of the concepts he outlined. However there were some things in here that make me want to dig deeper, especially as a feminist.
June 30, 2017
Because I think it's funny, I'm going to say this book was 'preaching to the choir'. My whole religion was there: interconnectedness of all things, both-and, playfulness, and humour. After I ponder it, I may also add paradox.
The book is a little Tao heavy. Also, it made me realize that I need to read perspectives on religion that I don't agree with because it's really easy reading your own opinion.
The book is a little Tao heavy. Also, it made me realize that I need to read perspectives on religion that I don't agree with because it's really easy reading your own opinion.
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July 20, 2025This book title is somewhat of a misnomer. Bolelli is presenting a shallow discussion of comparative religion coupled with an argument in favor of a type of religious syncretism. He suggests that each individual evaluate their own belief system and those of various organized religions and accept only those beliefs that work for the individual in question. Bolelli's voice is annoying, but I still found some value in his opinions of how major religions have influenced the world.
May 17, 2024
Not a bad book, but I was disappointed in the distance between my expectations and what the author delivered. It's mostly pointing out the problems with established religions and doesn't seem to approach creating your own religion until the final chapter. In the book's defense, the subtitle clearly states "without instructions," but a more accurate title might be Why Religions Mostly Suck.
February 11, 2020
Definitely don’t agree with everything in this book, but boy did it make me think. Helped me gain a lot of insight and reinforced some things I thought to be true and other things I thought to be false. Glad I read it.
May 23, 2021
En ole varma, mitä odotin kun lainasin tämän kirjastosta (en muista edes, miksi lainasin), mutta kirja oli heti alkumetreiltä vuorotellen tyhjänpäiväinen tai rasittava. En jaksa kahlata loppuja sivuja, että selviäisi, mitä kirjoittaja haluaa sanoa kaikella mukanokkelalla sanailullaan.
November 4, 2017
A great book for anyone interested in taking their religion with an avalanche of salt. I enjoyed it.
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