Books matching: religious hypocrisy
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'Tartuffe' by Moliere is a play that delves into the themes of religious hypocrisy, manipulation, and deceit. The story revolves around the character Tartuffe, a fraudulent and hypocritical houseguest who gains the trust of a wealthy family through his false piety. The play highlights the dangers of blind faith and the consequences of falling prey to deceitful individuals. Moliere's writing style, characterized by rhyming couplets and comedic elements, effectively conveys the timeless message of the play.
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"Elmer Gantry" by Sinclair Lewis is a satiric indictment of fundamentalist religion, focusing on the journey of the title character, Elmer Gantry, from a greedy, shallow Baptist minister to a leader of a large Methodist congregation. The novel explores themes of hypocrisy in the ministry and among parishioners, with Gantry encountering fellow religious hypocrites and becoming romantically involved with some of them. Despite being exposed as a fraud multiple times, Gantry remains a compelling and enduring character in the book.
The story of "Elmer Gantry" is a scathing commentary on evangelical Christianity, small-town America's hypocrisy, and the manipulation and abuses prevalent in organized religion. Sinclair Lewis expertly portrays Elmer Gantry as a narcissistic, unethical, and womanizing individual who rises to power as a preacher, using his charisma to control and exploit others. The novel delves into the dark side of religious institutions, highlighting the falseness and hypocrisy not only in Gantry but also in those around him, making it a relevant and thought-provoking read even in modern times.
Elmer Gantry was drunk. He was eloquently drunk, lovingly and pugnaciously drunk. He leaned against the bar of the Old Home Sample Room, the most gilded and urbane saloon in Cato, Missouri, and reques... - #3
'The Relic' by Eca de Queiros is a humorous tale about Teodorico, a Portuguese playboy who is determined to inherit his pious aunt's fortune. To achieve this, he embarks on a quest to the Holy Land to bring back a relic worthy of her esteem, all while hiding his true nature. The book combines elements of comedy, satire, and religious commentary, with a unique narrative style that includes dreamlike sequences and historical reconstructions.
The story follows Teodorico's escapades as he navigates between his hypocritical facade of piety in front of his aunt and his indulgent lifestyle in secret. The plot takes unexpected turns, including a vivid depiction of the events surrounding Jesus Christ's crucifixion and a humorous reckoning towards the end. Eca de Queiros blends humor with social commentary, portraying Teodorico's character as a satirical critique of Portuguese society in the 19th century.
My grandfather was Father Rufino da Conceição, graduate in Theology, author of a devout Life of St Filomena and prior at Amendoeirinha. My father, a protégé of Our Lady of the Assumption, was called R... - #4
'The Monk' by Matthew Gregory Lewis is an 18th-century gothic horror novel that delves into the dark and twisted world of a highly respected monk, Ambrosio, whose vanity and pride lead him down a path of debauchery and heinous crimes. Set in Spain, the story unfolds around a monastery and convent in Madrid, where supernatural elements, ghosts, and demons play a significant role. The plot weaves together various storylines involving Ambrosio's fall from grace, the attempts of noble characters to rescue their loved ones, and the shocking events that culminate in rape and murder.
The writing style of 'The Monk' is described as a mix of beautifully crafted language typical of the 18th-century gothic genre, with elements of confusion due to the dated style of writing. The novel is praised for its ability to keep readers engaged with its suspenseful build-up, unexpected twists, and a sinister tone that is occasionally lightened by moments of humor and unexpected surprises.
SCARCELY had the Abbey-Bell tolled for five minutes, and already was the Church of the Capuchins thronged with Auditors. Do not encourage the idea that the Crowd was assembled either from motives of p... - #5
A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb is a unique tale of two souls, Helen and James, who are trapped between earth and heaven and fall in love. They inhabit human bodies, unraveling their past identities and forming a deep connection. The novel is a fast-paced and engrossing read that delves into themes of life, death, religion, and love, with a poetic and lyrical writing style that captures the emotions and struggles of the characters. The plot revolves around the impossible love affair between two spirits from different generations inhabiting modern-day teen bodies, dealing with typical teen issues alongside their haunting past lives.
The story unfolds as Helen, the protagonist, navigates being a ghost for 130 years and finds solace in her love for James, leading to a poignant exploration of the enduring nature of love. The book beautifully blends supernatural elements with themes of redemption, loss, and first love, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with readers. The author's prose is described as ethereal, atmospheric, and intense, with references to poets and writers adding depth to the storyline, making it a haunting and emotional journey.
SOMEONE WAS LOOKING AT ME, a disturbing sensation if you’re dead. I was with my teacher, Mr. Brown. As usual, we were in our classroom, that safe and wooden-walled box—the windows opening onto the gra... - #6
Untouchable by Mulk Raj Anand is a poignant portrayal of a day in the life of Bakha, a young Untouchable in India, exploring his struggles, emotions, and interactions in a society plagued by caste discrimination. The book delves into the harsh realities faced by Untouchables, shedding light on their dehumanizing treatment, societal norms, and the impact of figures like Mahatma Gandhi. Through nuanced characters and vivid descriptions, the narrative captures the complexities of Bakha's world, offering a thought-provoking insight into the challenges of social hierarchy and the quest for change in Indian society.
Some years ago, I came across a copy of a book by myself, A Passage to India, which had apparently been read by an indignant Colonel. He had not concealed his emotions. On the front page, he had writt... - #7
'God and His Demons' by Michael Parenti is a thought-provoking inquiry about the role of religion in society, challenging readers to examine their beliefs and question established norms. Parenti's writing style is engaging, clear, and intelligent, providing a well-researched and humorous exploration of the failings of organized religion. Through debunking untouchable figures like Mother Theresa and questioning the perfection of the human form, Parenti encourages readers to think critically about theological faith and societal constructs.
Since time immemorial, human beings have sought relief from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune and the brutish uncertainties of a seemingly indifferent universe. Keenly aware of their vulnera... - #8
The Book of Essie by Meghan MacLean Weir is a novel that follows the story of 17-year-old Essie, who has grown up in front of cameras as part of a reality TV show centered around her evangelical family. When Essie finds out she is pregnant, she devises a plan to escape her oppressive family by manipulating her mother into arranging a marriage with a boy from her high school. The book explores themes of manipulation, family secrets, and the desire for freedom, all while shedding light on the world of reality television and conservative Christian communities.
On the day I turn seventeen, there is a meeting to decide whether I should have the baby or if sneaking me to a clinic for an abortion is worth the PR risk. I am not invited, which is just as well, si... - #9
In "The War Prayer" by Mark Twain, the author creates a scathing indictment of war, criticizing the hawks who promote war and the people who blindly follow their bloodlust and patriotism. The short work highlights the consequences of war through powerful imagery and poignant language, urging readers to reflect on the true cost of conflict. Twain's writing style is direct and impactful, delivering a strong anti-war message that remains relevant across different time periods and conflicts.
The book presents a poetic protest against unjust wars, with Twain's words accompanied by powerful and chaotic line drawings by John Groth. Through the story of a church service praying for victory in war, Twain challenges the reader to consider the harsh realities of warfare and the human cost of violence. The combination of Twain's words and Groth's illustrations creates a thought-provoking narrative that encourages readers to question the glorification of war and its consequences.
'Letters from the Earth: Uncensored Writings' by Mark Twain is a collection of satirical essays and short stories that provide a humorous and critical perspective on religion, humanity, and society. Twain's writing style in this book is characterized by biting sarcasm, sharp wit, and dark humor as he explores themes such as the human condition, religious beliefs, and the absurdities of the world. The book includes letters from Satan to other archangels, fictional memoirs of biblical figures like Adam and Eve, and critiques of various aspects of human behavior and beliefs.
The Creator sat upon the throne, thinking. Behind him stretched the illimitable continent of heaven, steeped in a glory of light and color; before him rose the black night of Space, like a wall. His m...