
In a bold opening that frames the 19th‑century clash between religious orthodoxy and free‑speech advocates, the author sets out to dissect the creed that once sanctioned imprisonment and moral coercion. She invites listeners into a spirited debate, positioning herself on the side of rational enquiry while exposing the social forces that once punished dissent.
The narrative then turns to the Bible itself, scrutinizing the grand claims of divine authority that demand believers reject scientific understanding. From the description of a solid firmament holding the sun, moon and stars, to the chronological oddities of creation, each scriptural assertion is measured against contemporary geology and astronomy. By juxtaposing literal interpretations with observable fact, the work highlights the tension between faith‑based mandates and empirical knowledge, encouraging the audience to question how much belief must be set aside to obey ancient texts.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (106K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2012-03-12
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1847–1933
A bold Victorian reformer who became one of the most visible voices in both the Theosophical movement and India’s push for self-rule. Her life moved from radical social activism in Britain to spiritual writing, public speaking, and political leadership on an international stage.
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by Annie Besant, C. W. (Charles Webster) Leadbeater

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