19AR24-40

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AR 24:40 - The 'lunacy' of Hindu-nationalist 'science'

In this issue:

CHINESE RELIGION - a 'masterful guide through the foundations of classical Chinese philosophical and spiritual thought'

HINDUISM - India's government funding pseudo-scientific 'lunacy?'

JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES - evidence of destroying evidence?

WILLIAMSON, MARIANNE - a conclusion we can all share?

Apologia Report 24:40 (1,448)

October 9, 2019

CHINESE RELIGION

Ways of Heaven: An Introduction to Chinese Thought, by Roel Sterckx, professor of Chinese history at Cambridge University [1] -- according to the "starred" review in Publishers Weekly (Jul 29 '19), Sterckx "masterfully guides readers through the foundations of classical Chinese philosophical and spiritual thought in this splendid work. He focuses primarily on Confucian, Daoist, and legalist thought as the three main philosophical strands with origins in ancient China that are still identifiable in modern times. Sterckx begins with a historical summary and introduction to the concept of Dao, before dividing the rest of the work into thematic chapters including government, ritual behavior, the relation of individuals to one another and their ancestors, the natural world, and economic behavior. Sterckx is at his best explicating the philosophy of Confucius, clearly showing how the philosopher "argued that human relationships thrive better when human conduct is regimented and shielded by a phalanx of rituals, ceremonies, courtesies and conventions." Sterckx grounds the book in the buildup to China's Warring States period, which reinforces his idea that Chinese philosophies arose from political and social events which strikes a contrast to Greek philosophies of a similar era which strove for an ideal of thought outside of the bounds of everyday human interaction. The firm historical grounding and Sterckx's clear, concise writing make this an excellent volume."

Further, publisher Basic Books notes how Sterckx "shows that to comprehend China today we must learn to think Chinese," and calls Ways of Heaven an "introduction to classical China's world of ideas. Drawing on evocative examples from philosophical texts, literature, and everyday life over centuries of Chinese history, Sterckx introduces major thinkers and traditions, illuminates key concepts like the dao, qi, yin, and yang, and examines questions of leadership, social order, death, nature, and more. He also reveals how these ideas shape contemporary China, from table manners at a traditional banquet, to the Chinese obsession with education and family, to the rhetoric of political leaders and the nation's grand strategy."

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HINDUISM

"Lunacy" (The Economist, Sep 14 '19, p38) considers scientific research in India, particularly its government funding. Even though it recently launched a lunar probe that was Indian-designed and built, the shoestring budget involved was extraordinarily pinched. The piece discusses the stingy investment in research and development common to India - with the exception of state funding "increasingly driven by ideology."

"A particular focus, since the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janta Party took power in 2014, has been on promoting ancient Indian science and medicine." Examples include "medical astrology" and the potential benefits of panchagavaya (a mixture which includes cow's urine and dung) "to win funding from a recently created government board tasked with 'validating' the beneficial qualities of all things bovine. ... A newly created National Cow Commission has pledged to fund up to 60% of startup capital for businesses that commercialise panchagavaya."

Concluding remarks mention entrepreneurial options in which "retailers happily flog dung-based soaps and urine-based medicines promising to cure cancer. The benefits of the [failed] lunar mission are less clear."

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JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES

"Leaders of the Jehovah's Witnesses ordered to destroy confidential records" by George Wilkins -- "In a letter obtained by INQ, dated August 28, a body called the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses (Australasia) instructs elders to destroy so-called judicial hearing records and certain congregation notes.

"'We ask that each elder check his personal computer, or hard copy files, and even his meeting bag, to ensure that no confidential correspondence is retained outside the congregation's confidential file,' the letter states.

"It also directs elders to destroy information aired against so-called 'wrongdoers': 'If this 'wild talk' is recorded in detail, it may not be accurately assessed when reviewed out of context,' it says. 'If it is determined that some brief personal notes need to be taken during a hearing, they should be destroyed once a summation of the hearing has been prepared.'

"A spokesperson for the Jehovah's Witnesses declined to answer questions. In a statement he said records relating to child abuse were 'retained in harmony with all legal requirements'." INQ, Sep 10 '19 <www.bit.ly/2MfXofv>

Given the seriousness of these instructions, we'd be surprised if local Watchtower affiliates worldwide did not receive similar edicts. See also: "Compensation claims against Jehovah’s Witnesses could be jeopardized" <www.bit.ly/31XOBpf>

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WILLIAMSON, MARIANNE

While Williamson's candidacy for the nation's Democratic presidential nomination has been mentioned in AR before, this time we are not going to review her New Age activity and involvement as might be expected. You can find that in our early issues <www.bit.ly/2nzapbP> and not much since then - as has been the case with New Age coverage in general. Interest has dried up.

Instead, we've observed the unexpected regarding Williamson. What stands out is the attitude identified by Julia Duin for GetReligion (Sep 8 '19), who asks <www.bit.ly/2mHmOtM> "Is Marianne Williamson being sidelined as a serious candidate because of her spirituality?"

Even more unexpected is Williamson's disillusionment over the Left's apparent scorn for her (well documented <www.bit.ly/2mGN7jK> by Tim Pool).

"The Gospel According to Marianne Williamson" by Taffy Brodesser-Akner hits home. It's yet another reason not to ignore the New York Times (Sep 3 '19, p49). Instead of indulging in subtle mockery, the author gives her subject serious attention.

Williamson's sincerity and conviction comes through despite her religion's bizarre origins and background. Also unexpected is the author's conclusion - something we should all ask ourselves: "I wondered if it was possible for America to ever become a country that prioritized love. I didn't understand, if the only complaint I ever heard was that there was so much hate, why love was so hard to swallow." <www.nyti.ms/2nEYn0q>

Also see: <www.53eig.ht/2IqH3DK> and <www.bit.ly/2Io5K3t>

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SOURCES: Monographs

1 - Ways of Heaven: An Introduction to Chinese Thought, by Roel Sterckx (Basic, 2019, hardcover, 512 pages) <www.amzn.to/2ok6kZ0>

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