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50 Things You're Not Supposed To Know: Religion
If you're waiting for the world's "Holy Men" to tell you the truth about their religions, do you suppose they'll mention The Tao Te Ching was only created because Lao Tzu was thrown in jail by a disciple who didn't want to let him leave town without writing down his teachings?"Passover" celebrates God killing all firstborn Egyptian kids while Jewish homes were "passed over" by the angel of death?Shinto, a nature-loving, mellow religion, was transformed by the Japanese government into a nationalistic ideology promoting "holy" war? Adding to its popular 50 Things You're Not Supposed To Know series, Disinformation has teamed with Daniele Bolelli—writer, professor of comparative religion, and renowned martial arts practitioner and philosopher—to tackle an ever more serious and important popular misconceptions about religion. Among other Carpocrates, an early Christian, argued that sex orgies were a key to heaven.Prostitution was a religious duty in Mesopotamian temples.The two major Chinese religions (Taoism and Confucianism) are completely at odds with each other and yet are often practiced together.Despite having persecuted Jews for 2,000 years, Christian fundamentalists are Israel's biggest supporters. Capturing just the right balance of in-depth knowledge, respect, humor and irreverence, Bolelli takes an ecumenical approach to the task, revealing surprising, shocking, and little-known facts about the "big three" religions but also many more, including Zen Buddhism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and, of course, the increasingly popular atheism.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2011
19 people are currently reading
368 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 26, 2016
Do ya like books that make you think about things? Books that you have to read just parts at a time and walk away and wonder about what you read that day. Well if so then this book is for you. 50 thought provoking entries about all different religions. I read an entry a day and then spent the day researching and learning new things about what I was pondering on. Fantastic mind altering book. Very recommended for those looking to expand their mind
August 17, 2016
With great wit and humor, the author gives us 50 unusual facts about the world of religion. I was not expecting much from this little book, but I'm glad I read it. At first I thought it was going to be another attack on religion, it turns out it really is not. The author is a teacher of religion, and although he does warn the lovers of their chosen religion they might get upset by some of the things reported here, the only believers who walk away badly scathed are fundamentalists, and not just the Christian type. Let's just say Bolelli is not a fan!
Otherwise this little tome simply gives us some unusual historical and legendary tales from the world of religion. Many of these stories and theories are on the origins of many of the world's great religions. For example, Zarathustra first became recognized as a valuable profit only after he cured the emperor's favorite horse. It was only then that his new religion, Zoroastrianism, could get some traction. It went on to greatly influence Judaism and Christianity. These religions then went on to influence Islam. If this new religion would not have taken hold, who knows what Western religions today would be like.
This book is part of the Disinformation series. A maverick series of books that tackle issues that are off the beaten path and challenging. However, the book looks a little cheap with it's small size, plain white cover and little devil/saint logo. That's okay for those who know the value of these books, but for those who don't, I'm afraid this book will be passed over. I feel it deserves a deluxe hard cover edition, with a preface from a distinguished author. Maybe Stephen King! Some items in this book are definitely scary enough. Try reading how Sinead O'Conner was so demonized for tearing a picture of the pope in half on live tv, only for us to find out years later that she was right concerning the Church's coverup of the priestly pedophile scandal.
Otherwise this little tome simply gives us some unusual historical and legendary tales from the world of religion. Many of these stories and theories are on the origins of many of the world's great religions. For example, Zarathustra first became recognized as a valuable profit only after he cured the emperor's favorite horse. It was only then that his new religion, Zoroastrianism, could get some traction. It went on to greatly influence Judaism and Christianity. These religions then went on to influence Islam. If this new religion would not have taken hold, who knows what Western religions today would be like.
This book is part of the Disinformation series. A maverick series of books that tackle issues that are off the beaten path and challenging. However, the book looks a little cheap with it's small size, plain white cover and little devil/saint logo. That's okay for those who know the value of these books, but for those who don't, I'm afraid this book will be passed over. I feel it deserves a deluxe hard cover edition, with a preface from a distinguished author. Maybe Stephen King! Some items in this book are definitely scary enough. Try reading how Sinead O'Conner was so demonized for tearing a picture of the pope in half on live tv, only for us to find out years later that she was right concerning the Church's coverup of the priestly pedophile scandal.
August 21, 2016
Many of these I already knew about long before reading this book. It is good for a quick read though and still a bit informative.
January 8, 2024
Great fast read on the bizarre of the world of religion. Obviously it will offend any dogmatic follower. This is the third of fourth book I have read recently that I can't post a review on Amazon through the kindle app and also won't link to goodreads. It's too bad, as I had some great highlights and notes from these.
August 14, 2023
This is a very quick read with 2-3 page chapters that cover snippets of the wacky, weird, wild, and/or disturbing features of many world religions. The author approaches the topic with some humor and irreverence, and it delivers what it promises - a fun, fast read about weird religious stuff. If that's what you're looking for, there's nothing wrong with the book. I give it only 3 stars not because it's a bad book, but because there just isn't a lot of depth or substance to it - but that's really just an intentional function of what this book was trying to do. It was well-executed for what it was, it just doesn't get more than a 3 because what it was is more a light entertainment than a really informative work.
July 10, 2024
I’m this is actually a 0 star book.
Debilitating, disgusting, and depressing are the words to describe it.
I was forced to read this book by my atheist professor of a world religion course. I respect the freedom of speech and, therefore, i respect the author for writing down his thought. Nonetheless, I hope he finds some sort of joy in life bc hating so much on every single religion (except for atheism)/way of life must be depressing.
There was not a single ounce of respect in the book. He calls God perverted when the author himself is perverted.
No wonder this book isn’t being sold anymore.
Debilitating, disgusting, and depressing are the words to describe it.
I was forced to read this book by my atheist professor of a world religion course. I respect the freedom of speech and, therefore, i respect the author for writing down his thought. Nonetheless, I hope he finds some sort of joy in life bc hating so much on every single religion (except for atheism)/way of life must be depressing.
There was not a single ounce of respect in the book. He calls God perverted when the author himself is perverted.
No wonder this book isn’t being sold anymore.
February 6, 2018
Daniele is an entertaining pod caster and frequent guest of Joe Rogan's. That's how I found out about this book and its a fun, quick read.
Read a couple of "chapters". Wash your hands. Go back to work. 😜
Leaned a bit and laughed a bit.
Read a couple of "chapters". Wash your hands. Go back to work. 😜
Leaned a bit and laughed a bit.
December 18, 2023
At one point, the author tells the reader they should binge watch all of "Lost," so it is hard to take this book seriously.
January 31, 2013
Any book titled with a list usually ends up as a poorly thought out Christmas present to a relative as a joke, not this book however (even though I did get it for Christmas). Unlike the others of it's kind, it doesn't end up as "toilet reading" because of it's stellar record of useful and often illusory information. Although many of the things you may gain knowledge about from this book may not be something that you're not supposed to know about religion, it will certainly be something that not many people do know about the specified religion. Many tales of religious leaders and texts with an unusual spin on them, or even just cold hard facts that most likely haven't been brought to your attention in such a well thought out prose before. Enjoy weirdness? Enjoy the hypocrisy in religions weirdness? This book is for you. Danielle did a great job, go out and support a great dude by picking up his book!
April 11, 2013
This amusing little book will get a lot of people angry, since Bolelli finds things in every religion that people would sooner forget. He discusses, among 49 other things, Lakota religion. Well, that's got a limited audience for indignation. But he also tears into Christianity, Islam and Judaism, and also Hinduism and Buddhism (though I think he has a soft spot for Buddhism, actually). These really short pieces, with cues usually for further reading, should be absorbed in relatively short doses.
August 20, 2013
Brilliant! I was introduced to Daniele Bolelli through the Joe Rogan podcast. He has been on there a few times and each time, I am fully enveloped in the episode.
This book covers almost every form of religion and all the juicy sordid details that you weren't told in church on sunday.
I would highly recommend this book to pretty much anybody. If anything it should teach us not to take life so seriously and to loosen up a little bit.
This book covers almost every form of religion and all the juicy sordid details that you weren't told in church on sunday.
I would highly recommend this book to pretty much anybody. If anything it should teach us not to take life so seriously and to loosen up a little bit.
August 12, 2016
You won't be an expert on world religions after reading this book, but you will have learned some fascinating tidbits and factoids about them.
I really enjoy books like this (many short chapters) especially for reading as I fall asleep. It's not easy to lose my place and serves as a good counter-balance for the heavier tomes I find myself slogging through (both in terms of reading difficulty and length).
The reading is light, simple, and fun.
I really enjoy books like this (many short chapters) especially for reading as I fall asleep. It's not easy to lose my place and serves as a good counter-balance for the heavier tomes I find myself slogging through (both in terms of reading difficulty and length).
The reading is light, simple, and fun.
April 24, 2015
I loved this book! Bolelli explores the story behind world religion. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Taoists, Atheists, Shamans...even Pastafarians get a mention. Some stories are cute. Others are just disturbing. All of them enlightening. Highly recommended for those who don't take religion seriously. Another great feature is Bolelli provides suggestions for further reading at the end of the book for those who want to dig deeper.
February 6, 2015
The book is definitely worth reading - it has a lot of fantastic insight to different spiritual texts around the world and has a lot of genuinely funny content. It starts off very strong, wanes a bit in the middle, then finishes well. I think if he was writing 25 Things You're Not Supposed To Know, then it wouldn't miss a beat.
April 13, 2014
Funny insights about religion. Didn't find the research subject I wanted, as the head librarian of Russian Services at SF Library suggested I might, but still, I didn't know about "Zombie Pope" before reading this!
April 22, 2014
Subject matter: excellent
Research and background: exquisite
Syntax: god-awful
Overall, the author seems vastly educated but had poor grammar and an even worse attitude. Though, I would read it a second time for the content despite it's form.
Research and background: exquisite
Syntax: god-awful
Overall, the author seems vastly educated but had poor grammar and an even worse attitude. Though, I would read it a second time for the content despite it's form.
August 7, 2014
A book with excellent planning and research, but poor execution. The 'witty' comparisons and one liners grow old quickly. But I did learn a number of things, and appreciated that it wasn't Christianity-centric, but also made rounds to Taoism, Buddhism and more.
February 8, 2012
Hear a review of this great book on Skepticality, Episode #175: http://www.skepticality.com/religious...
May 12, 2012
Entertaining look at trivia, fact, opinion, philosophy, history, lore and mythology of religions in 50 short lessons. Could be the basis of a Ripley's Believe It or Not collection.
June 15, 2012
Very entertaining.
September 5, 2012
A very entertaining and blasphemous look at religion. Fun stuff to know, trivia to share!
March 20, 2013
"Truth is a pathless land."
Want to read
March 17, 2013Sounds interesting... Gives one something to think about for sure.
June 3, 2013
a book about religion shouldn't be this funny !
June 1, 2013
One of my few 5star reviews. Bolelli perfectly skewers his subject, without being biased. Not an anti-anything tome, but more a look at some of the more interesting facets of world religions.
May 28, 2014
Ok book. Kinda knew some of the stuff written in it. Didn't like his style at all as it made the discussion of religion way too casual.
September 20, 2014
Terrible book, which talks about bad behavior as evidence for hating religion.
May 1, 2015
Quick easy read
August 1, 2016
Pretty good snippets of why organized religion is pretty messed up. And that's ALL kinds of religions not just a few. Good quick read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews