
The author opens with a striking claim—“Not to deceive is to deceive”—and uses it to launch a thoughtful, if provocative, investigation into how the Bible came to be the revered text it is today. By treating the scriptures as a human‑crafted document, the book invites listeners to consider the ways tradition, power, and silence have shaped its formation. It weaves historical anecdotes, philosophical reflections, and vivid analogies—such as a deceptive jewel—to illustrate how believers may be asked to protect cherished myths.
Throughout the first act, the narrative challenges the idea that questioning faith is a sin, urging listeners to examine the tension between honest inquiry and the comfort of unquestioned belief. The author’s tone is conversational yet rigorous, encouraging a respectful dialogue about the origins of sacred stories. This opening sets the stage for a deeper look at the forces that have molded religious texts and the implications for modern seekers.
Full title
How the Bible was Invented A Lecture Delivered Before the Independent Religious Society
Language
en
Duration
~57 minutes (55K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
2011-07-05
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1859–1943
A former Presbyterian minister who became a prominent rationalist speaker, he spent decades challenging orthodox religion and writing for readers curious about faith, reason, and ethics. His books on Jesus, the Bible, and independent religion made him a well-known secular voice in early 20th-century America.
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