Beyond Religion by Alexander Penman. Metaphysical nonfiction. Free e-book. Published and copyright 1999 by Alexander Penman To download or request purchase of printed copy. Abbey Homepage.

---

Book Description (Author):

Beyond Religion is... a work of theology which promotes Religious Freedom and Tolerance. It could also be catergorized as metaphysical, spiritual, philosophical, or new age.

Beyond Religion was written for non-religious people and/or open-minded religious people who believe in almost any form of God. The book is largely based upon the original Hebrew and Greek text of the Bible, but the theology does not "at all" reach a religious conclusion. In fact, neither the book, nor this site support or promote any specific religion or any specific religious beliefs. NOTE: Any biblical references are from the NIV translation.

Abbey Reviews, (copyright 1-22-00):

"For a work on theology, Alexander Penman's new book distinguishes itself with but one reference in its bibliography--the Bible. In addition, his words can be understood by anyone. Simply, step by step, and with common sense, he sifts through the important strands of God's revelation through that book. The law of Moses is found to to be for those inclined not to care for their fellow man, a missive of God's judgment. The law of Christ is for those who care, and is a law of freedom. 'Love thy neighbor as thyself' takes the long person beyond the dead rigor of beliefs--beyond religion. To fulfill this law of Christ leads the aspiring human to become a Christ, essentially an angel, for he sees no distintinction between the two. For this purpose it is better to have no other beliefs, he claims, for they only lead to division between those who care. Dogma has been the reason for wars, persecutions, murder, and hatred.

"In examining this simple conclusion, Penman comes to an understanding of the nature of angels and fallen angels, God and the devil, caring man and corrupted man. He sees the nature of good and evil on two levels. He suggests that it is possible that 'the devil' is a particular angel fallen from perfection, but that the real enemy is not him but the tendency not to care within ourselves. This is a refreshing point of view, as other theologies tend to make it one way or the other. Either the devil is some being to feared, and controlling the earth, or he only exists within ourselves and there is no such 'person'. Though this in itself is a belief system, he is careful to indicate that it is less important than the 'law of love'.

"Without religion, and with adherence to that law, he believes humankind will reach a plateau where the right to individual belief is respected, and tolerance and cooperation supreme. Penman gives us a vision of the new world evolving beyond religion as caring becomes a more and more powerful force. This is theology from the heart, eloquently simple and impelling, a must read for those seeking a new perspective for spirituality in the new millennium."

Excerpt ((c) 1999 Alexander Penman):

"... if Christ did live on earth today he would likely be opposed by religious people. This is true because most of these people are far more committed to their belief systems then they ever have been to the son of God. If Christ did not align himself with these belief systems the loyalties of these people would very quickly be revealed just as they were when Christ did live on earth. With their mouths these people pledge allegiance to the son of God, but with their actions they demonstrate a tremendous lack of understanding."

Abbey Reviews Homepage.