Title
God & Human Beings: First English Translation,New
Sold by Ergodebooks, an authorized reseller.
Returns accepted within 30 days | support@ergodebooks.com
Shipping Information
- Free Standard Shipping — United States only
- Processing Time: 1–3 business days
- Estimated Delivery: 3–5 business days after dispatch
- Double-boxed, fully insured & discreetly packaged
- Tracking number sent via email once dispatched
- Orders over $250 require signature upon delivery. Taxes calculated at checkout.
Returns & Refund
Returns accepted within 30 days of delivery.
Damaged or Defective Item
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Wrong Item Received
Free return shipping + replacement or full refund
Change of Mind
Return shipping at customer's expense · 25% restocking fee applies
Payment Option
In this littleknown work by Voltaire (16941778)now available in English for the first time the famous French philosophe and satirist presents a wideranging and acerbic survey of religion throughout the world. Written toward the end of his life in 1769, the work was penned in the same decade as some of his more famous worksthe Philosophical Dictionary, Questions on Miracles, and Lord Bolingbroke's Important Examinationall of which questioned the basic tenets of Christianity.Voltaire called himself a deist and thus he professed belief in a supreme deity. But he was always sharply critical of institutional Christianity, especially its superstitions, the hypocrisy of its clergy, and its abuse of political power. Both his deism and his critical attitude toward Christianity are manifest in God and Human Beings, which is, in effect, one of the first works of comparative religion. Comparing Christianity to the more ancient belief systems of the Jews, Hindus, Chinese, Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Babylonians, Phoenicians, and Arabs, he notes a common tendency to worship one supreme god, despite the host of subordinate deities in many of these religions. He also critiques the many superstitions and slavish rituals in religion generally, but he emphasizes that in this respect Christianity is no better than other faiths. Thus, the clergy's claim that Christianity is God's supreme revelation to humanity has no basis from an objective perspective. This first English translation of a classic critique of religion includes an introduction by writer, scholar, and editor S. T. Joshi, who wrote the article on Voltaire in The New Encyclopedia of Unbelief (edited by Tom Flynn). Anticipating many of the themes of the later Higher Criticism and rationalist critiques of religion, this incisive, witty treatise by the great French skeptic will be a welcome addition to the libraries of anyone with an interest in the philosophy of religion, intellectual history, or the Enlightenment.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures six inches in length, zero point eight seven inches in width, and nine point zero two inches in height.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: The book contains one hundred eighty-three pages, providing a thorough exploration of its themes.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is available in paperback binding, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
- Q: What is the genre of this book? A: The book falls under the genre of Comparative Religion, examining various belief systems.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of this book is Voltaire, a prominent French philosopher and satirist.
- Q: Is this book suitable for all readers? A: Yes, the content is suitable for readers interested in philosophy, religion, and intellectual history.
- Q: How can I use this book for study? A: You can use this book for academic study, personal reflection, or as a resource for understanding different religions.
- Q: Is there any introduction or commentary included? A: Yes, the book includes an introduction by writer and scholar S. T. Joshi, enhancing its context.
- Q: Can this book be used for a comparative religion course? A: Yes, it is an excellent resource for comparative religion courses due to its critical analysis.
- Q: How should I store this book to keep it in good condition? A: Store the book in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and damage.
- Q: What care does the paperback binding require? A: The paperback binding requires minimal care; simply avoid exposing it to moisture or extreme temperatures.
- Q: Is this book easy to read and understand? A: Yes, the writing style is accessible, making complex ideas understandable for a wide audience.
- Q: What should I do if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the seller for return or exchange options as per their policy.
- Q: Does the book come with a warranty? A: No, books typically do not come with warranties, but check the seller’s return policy for any issues.
- Q: Is this book a good choice for beginners in philosophy? A: Yes, this book is suitable for beginners as it introduces key themes in religion and philosophy.
- Q: What if I have questions while reading this book? A: Feel free to look for supplementary resources or discussion groups to enhance your understanding.