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371st out of 381 books
—
440 voters
Godless Morality: Keeping Religion Out of Ethics
Richard Holloway's highly acclaimed analysis of contemporary morality has met with great success in the U.K., while causing a great deal of controversy with its broadminded and refreshingly unhypocritical and honest views on life in modern society. Godless Morality tackles issues that affect us all -- it is a book with which every member of our society should engage. "Holl...more
Paperback, 163 pages
Published
February 9th 2002
by Canongate Books
(first published January 1st 2000)
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Yet another case where a person with expertise in one field, thereby feels entitled to propound his ill-formed opinions on a wide range of matters.
This series of essays are based on the typical liberal fallacy - the assumption that everyone really wants everyone to be happy, and all conflict and cruelty arise out of misconceptions, which 'enlightened' thinking should be able to straighten out.
A brief look at the last century should demonstrate the foolhardiness of this assumption - there are alw...more
This series of essays are based on the typical liberal fallacy - the assumption that everyone really wants everyone to be happy, and all conflict and cruelty arise out of misconceptions, which 'enlightened' thinking should be able to straighten out.
A brief look at the last century should demonstrate the foolhardiness of this assumption - there are alw...more
It created a stir when first published. Of course, most rational people know that it is entirely possible to lead a good moral life without having to believe in religion, any deity or defined set of dogmas or superstitions brought from on high by people who wear funny clothes and consider themselves beyond criticism, but when the idea is being expounded by a former Anglican Bishop, it was bound to ruffle a few feathers. Richard Holloway was the Bishop of Edinburgh until his retirement and today...more
cover-judging, i figured this was going to be a treatise in praise of secular humanism by a secular humanist - also an outside chance it'd sound dawkinsy.
actually, it's a musing on an inclusive notion of morality by a retired scottish bishop. christian, liberal and interestED (in how the world operates, about how his moral opposites feel and why, and in the possibilities for engaged debate rather than divisive animosity). welcome stuff for sure.
the basic premises:
--neither the religious nor th...more
actually, it's a musing on an inclusive notion of morality by a retired scottish bishop. christian, liberal and interestED (in how the world operates, about how his moral opposites feel and why, and in the possibilities for engaged debate rather than divisive animosity). welcome stuff for sure.
the basic premises:
--neither the religious nor th...more
This was pretty much my first foray into ethics/philosophy (and even, in an absent sort of way, theology), certainly since my teens. I found it fascinating, thought-provoking and will definitely be reading it again.
Lots of quotable stuff I will be sticking provocatively in my Facebook status, I think.
I would love to read more by this man whose faith (I have none) is so comfortably unfettered by random collections of interesting old writings cobbled together nearly 2000 years ago.
Lots of quotable stuff I will be sticking provocatively in my Facebook status, I think.
I would love to read more by this man whose faith (I have none) is so comfortably unfettered by random collections of interesting old writings cobbled together nearly 2000 years ago.
Treat life as an Art as opposed to a science.
Music art and playfulness in all forms are spiritual experiences. Artistic creativity and ethics.
Adapt, evolve, take risks – play in life like you were a child.
Young skip to school, get fully absorbed in the now.
Humor smile fun enjoy jokes sports
Enjoy and ground yourself with nature.
Music art and playfulness in all forms are spiritual experiences. Artistic creativity and ethics.
Adapt, evolve, take risks – play in life like you were a child.
Young skip to school, get fully absorbed in the now.
Humor smile fun enjoy jokes sports
Enjoy and ground yourself with nature.
Thought-provoking. Wide-ranging discussions of several moral topics, including homosexuality, drugs, abortion and cloning, with the overall position that "command morality" no longer works. Instead, the author offers the metaphor of an improvised jazz composition as the modern approach to defining morality.
I think I bought this book because it was 99p in a Kindle sale... it didn't really tell me anything new, although it was refreshing to see common sense and wisdom coming out of a former Bishop, and I have no doubt it will be a revelation to some readers, which is a very good thing indeed. Sadly though, the crazies who really need to learn from this book will probably never read it, so its positive effect will be limited to those who already have a brain.
A refreshing and lucidly written book. An intelligent and considered standpoint crafted from not a focus on right or wrong but opposing 'goods'. Bishop (yes, Bishop) Richard Holloway just made it onto my 'which-five-influential-people-dead-or-alive-would-you-invite-to-dinner?' list. "Welcome, Richard, would you like a starter?" Excellent.
Godless Morality is one of my all-time favorite theological/philosophical pieces. Holloway's differentiation between morals and ethics is classic. He is one of the most deeply empathetic religious leaders of our time.
A brilliant and courageous book. Goes to the heart of the 'ethical dilemma" that arises when religion and ethics are allowed to interact.
Vic and I are going for a cuppa with Richard Holloway one day
Extremely intelligent book
The start of this book is excellent. The author discusses difference between human morals and institutional morals. The later chapters where he discusses ethical approaches to reproductive sciences seemed a bit unfocused.
Worth reading for the ideas presented though.
Worth reading for the ideas presented though.
Rationally and succinctly expressed. A interesting look at the world, as we enter an age of morality without authority.
May 14, 2013
beeswax
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John Ellis
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Earthboundmisfit
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review of another edition
Shelves:
philosophy-religion,
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Richard F. Holloway (born 26 November 1933) is a Scottish writer and broadcaster and was formerly Bishop of Edinburgh in the Scottish Episcopal Church.
Holloway was educated at Kelham Theological College, Edinburgh Theological College and the Union Theological Seminary, New York City. Between 1959 and 1986 he was a curate, vicar and rector at various parishes in England, Scotland and the United Sta...more
More about Richard Holloway...
Holloway was educated at Kelham Theological College, Edinburgh Theological College and the Union Theological Seminary, New York City. Between 1959 and 1986 he was a curate, vicar and rector at various parishes in England, Scotland and the United Sta...more
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