tell more stories of love and understanding over g

- This book, through the author’s eyes, Richard Holloway, looks at the stories that we tell ourselves in societies that tell their own stories.
- The book looks at two stories in Genesis, one of which is that the world was made in 6 days and in the seventh God made man, and the story of Adam and Eve, whereby woman was made from the rib of Adam and then tempted added to take a piece of fruit from the tree and disregard God’s orders. The stories are literally stories and even with hindsight of scientific fact show the absurdities of them, yet people take the story so literally. It's absurd as we know that we live in a world that took billions of years to create.
- I recently listen to Steve Wozniak, one of the founders of Apple who talked about how it’s a shame that companies don’t promote love and understanding rather than greed. Why can’t we tell ourselves better stories. The book also explores the narrative that we've created around drug culture. Also, interesting enough on capital punishment and when I was a child I was raised in a Catholic boarding school with Catholic priests regularly used the cane to beat me and others and you have to wonder why do people want to do that, priests causing suffering on others as a form of almost masochistic behaviour. I am sure the stories they told themselves were that it was for the best – really!
- The main reason for this author telling the story is that he really wanted us to listen and explain why he's still a Christian, who follows the teachings of Christ, though there may be no God, the teachings of Christ at least were all about forgiveness, love, and kindness, rather than the hatred that seems to be inflicted upon than at this moment in time.
- Food for thought.

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Interesting but flawed

Some very good analysts and discussion spoiled by incredibly lazy and sloppy interpretations of the Bible.and dividing people into extremes as well as though nuances of interpretation didn’t apply. So disappointing from what us clearly a sharp mind.

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2 people found this helpful

Please Listen To This Book

This is a remarkable book and all the more so for hearing it in the author's own voice. I would suggest that it became required reading in all schools but for the fact that this would go entirely against the books philosophy. So please listen to this book if you can, but if you can't don't beat yourself up.

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11 people found this helpful

Fascinating take on Religion and Spirituality

I was taught in a Salesian school and studied the Bible and both the Testaments. The author brings out a clear critique of Organized religion vs Spirituality. It’s a fascinating commentary and I loved the narration as well

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2 people found this helpful

Interesting but ultimately disappointing

I’m glad I listen to this book because the author takes you on an intellectually stimulating journey through religion and it’s raison d’etre, with which I agreed quite a lot. But towards the end of the book I realised that the author could not trust his own intellect above his ingrained Christian belief in God. Was his decision to follow Jesus’s teachings simply a cop out? I wasn’t sure. But I do agree that many of Jesus’s supposed teachings encapsulate civilised morality and are a good way to live.

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6 people found this helpful

Brilliant!

One of the best books I have listened to. It was riveting and refreshing to hear such wisdom delivered with such clarity and without agenda. A true joy to listen to and easy to understand. It illuminated the stories of the past and their meanings, and their affects and relevance on our lives now. I wish everyone could hear this book. Beautifully read throughout, balanced in its view and insightful. Five stars all round.

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12 people found this helpful

Richard Holloway is brilliant

A level headed review of the topic from someone who passionately cares. I loved it.

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So glad I read this book.

I’m very glad I read this and will definitely read and reread it from time to time to remember just how wonderful it is. Will be looking for more Richard Holloway.

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5 people found this helpful

Worth a listen

This was beautifully read and written !! A thoughtful, intelligent and inspiring book about the stories told to help us muddle along in life.

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8 people found this helpful

Definitely not my usual listen…

After a few minutes of *not* enjoying Richard Holloway’s conversational style I grew to enjoy this greatly, pulling out some really profound ideas and thoughts. I would like to be more fluke this erudite and thoughtful man.

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5 people found this helpful