Behold The Atichrist [Hardcover]

This book introduces the reader to three lesser known works written by Jeremy Bentham around the end of the 18th century. It provides insight into religious discussion during the Enlightenment, a time in England when it was dangerous to publish anything that might be considered objectionable or heretical by the civil or religious authorities. The author, Dr. Delos McKown, makes the experience interesting and edifying.

The book has three parts with each part devoted to one of Bentham's works. There are three chapters in each part of the book. The first chapter in each part provides the author's analysis and commentary on the work. A second chapter then defends Bentham's views and a third chapter criticizes those views. The chapters on the defense and criticism of Bentham provide thorough and balanced discussions including views from other researchers. The author also includes numerous comments and supporting information in copious notes at the end of each section, plus a very comprehensive set of references.

In the first work, Analysis of the Influence of Natural Religion on the Temporal Happiness of Mankind, Bentham's objective was to determine whether natural religion (defined as "unrevealed religion", i.e., deism) produced "happiness or misery in the present life." He examines the vagaries of the Deity, the uncertainty of rewards and punishments in the after life, and the activities of the clergy. The conclusion is that natural religion produces more misery than happiness and that religion enhanced by revelation makes things even worse. The author points out that present day proponents of "scientific creationism" use the same kind of fallacious reasoning that was used against Bentham in his day.

The second work, Not Paul, but Jesus, is the longest work included in the book and is the source of the book's title. Originally published under a pseudo-name, it was deemed "to do infinite injury to the Establishment." Here Bentham carefully analyzes accounts of Paul's teachings, travels and activities from several sources and points out many inconsistencies. He also explores the differences between the teachings and ministry of Paul and those of Peter and James. Bentham also attributes the invention of the antichrist to Paul.

The third work of Bentham, The Church-of-England Catechism Examined, is a question by question logical analysis of the catechism in which Bentham applies his theory of fictions, points out inconsistencies with biblical texts, and subtlely ridicules the proscribed responses.

Dr. McKown has amassed a wealth of information in this book, and has presented it in a way that makes it very enjoyable and enlightnening for the reader. His long experience as a very effective and popular university professor is clearly evident in Dr. McKown's erudite and often witty commentary.

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