
In this incisive collection, a 19th‑century orator turns his keen wit toward the ancient laws and stories traditionally ascribed to Moses, exposing glaring inconsistencies and moral quandaries that have long been glossed over by reverent scholars. He treats the Pentateuch not as divine revelation but as the product of a primitive culture, questioning miraculous accounts, punitive edicts, and the logic of ancient rituals. The tone is simultaneously scholarly and conversational, inviting listeners to reconsider familiar passages with a skeptical eye.
The essays unfold like a series of lectures, moving from critiques of religious education and political authority to reflections on gender roles, slavery, and the nature of faith itself. Each chapter is anchored in vivid examples—such as the paradox of a flood narrative that defies natural law or the cruelty hidden in ancient legal codes—yet always circles back to the central claim that truth survives the erosion of dogma. Listeners will find a compelling blend of historical insight, rhetorical flair, and an unapologetic call for intellectual freedom that still resonates today.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (292K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Widger
Release date
2011-11-22
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1833–1899
A dazzling 19th-century speaker known as “the Great Agnostic,” he packed lecture halls with sharp wit, fearless criticism of orthodox religion, and a deep faith in reason and human dignity. Lawyer, Civil War veteran, and political voice all at once, he became one of the most famous public lecturers of his age.
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