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Dear Mr. de Grasse-Tyson,
Recently you offered an “ask me anything” thread on Reddit, “The Front Page of Satan’s Internet.” One anonymous poster asked about your reading list.
Which books should be read by every single intelligent person on planet?
I’d like to take this opportunity to discuss your so-called, “must reads,” and the sophomoric reasons you offer. I’d also like to provide you with some information that would correct your misunderstandings, and hopefully inspire you to open your heart to the Love of God. In order, you suggested the following books:
1.)
The Holy Bible, King James Version, by God
You suggest reading this book “to learn that it’s easier to be told by others what to think and believe than it is to think for yourself.”
This may feel true, that it’s easier to be told by others what to think and believe, but a True Christian™ doesn’t listen to just anyone. A mature, True Christian™ will conform his will only to that of the LORD. (Ezra 10:11; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 5:17; Colossians 1:9-10)
Further, this can be anything but "easy" for the person who has cast his lot with Christ in a culture that seeks only to persecute True Christians™. For example, do you think a mother who instinctively loves her children, who would lay down her life to protect her children without hesitation, would feel no emotional distress the first time she has to apply Godly Discipline?
Do you think a True Christian™ who finds himself inexplicably attracted to the love an affection of a dear and intimate friend of the same sex, has a particularly easy time giving up the dream of a life of intimacy and mutual support with one they love just because God hates anal sex just about more than any other disgusting thing ever?
2.)
The System of the World by Isaac Newton
You suggest reading this book “to learn that the universe is a knowable place.”
The world is indeed a knowable place, but Mr. Newton’s book won’t illuminate this knowledge. The Holy Bible alone can do this. This is because the LORD Himself created the entire universe, and who would know better about His own Creation than the Creator Himself? It’s folly to think another person, a silly deist at that, could explain better than He who created everything (Genesis 1:1-2:24; Isaiah 45:7; Amos 3:6; John 1:3).
3.)
On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin (Audio Book)
You suggest reading this book “to learn of our kinship with all other life on Earth.”
The only reason one should read “On the Origin of Species” is for the same reason one should read, “The Communist Manifesto” by Karl Marx. As the chinaman once said, "So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss." (The Art of War, Sun Tzu)
Our enemy is of course Satan. He seeks to destroy our lives, but more importantly, to destroy our souls. One needs to know how he works in order to identify his tactics and be prepared to resist temptation.
4.)
Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift (Audio Book) – “to learn, among other satirical lessons, that most of the time humans are Yahoos.”
Friend, one need read only the Holy Bible to comprehend the nature of humanity. The concept you so haphazardly refer to as “humans are Yahoos,” can be found in the Holy Bible. In this, the most perfect literary work in history, one will learn the real nature of humanity, from creation to the end of time. One will learn the problem of Sin, and the One and Only Solution (Salvation©).
We read in Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.." A correct view of man, his historical setting and problem, and God's resultant relationship to man is tied up with the Biblical presentation of man's Fall and God's response to it.
Throughout history Satan has tempted God's people to rebell, whether by intermingling in ungodly marriages (Gen. 5:2), or being tolerant (Joshua 23:11-13; Judges 1:21,27-36; Ps 106:34-35), or by committing spiritual adultery with other gods (e.g. Ps. 106:36,39; Hosea 2:2-13, 4:12; Exek. 16:15-25). History is the story of Satan vying for the affection of man, and man’s struggle between what is easy and what is right.
5.)
The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine
You suggest reading this book “to learn how the power of rational thought is the primary source of freedom in the world.”
This is patently untrue, dear. The fact is, without Christ, one is helplessly in bondage to sin, and the only freedom is through Christ (Romans 6:20; Galatians 5:1; John 8:32; John 8:36 ; 2 Corinthians 3:17).
The unbeliever's war with the Word will lead them to be at war with the world. Because they reject the transcendent Word of God, Jesus, who is the very Truth of God, they are naturally inspired to reject rationality, truth, and logic. Without Truth©, one is held in bondage to sin. The cold hard fact is, the only response that an atheistic worldview can offer is despair and silence. This is birthright of those in bondage to sin.
6.)
The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith (Audio Book)
You suggest reading this “to learn that capitalism is an economy of greed, a force of nature unto itself.”
The only “force of nature unto itself” is the LORD (Jeremiah 51:15; Jeremiah 27:5; Exodus 13:22). The only reason capitalism is misused today is because of man’s sinful nature. True Christians™ apply the ideology perfectly, as it is as perfect ideology (2 Thessalonians 3:10; ). The fact is, every other economic system has been created by unsaved peoples who are incapable of experiencing true joy, real hope, genuine morals and ethics. Only capitalism, as created in the west under the auspices of Christ the King, has offered an environment in which God can reign supreme and therefore bless nations as well as individuals.
7.)
The Art of War by Sun Tsu (Audio Book)
You suggest reading this book “to learn that the act of killing fellow humans can be raised to an art.”
Capital punishment is not meant to be an "art,: friend, but a corrective measure for the protection of the innocent. Consider the Problem of the Midianites (Numbers 31:7-18). One would be hard-pressed to argue the "artfulness" of this event, and yet the function of this milestone was of infinite importance to all creation. Without the advancement of the Israelites in the land the LORD had promised to snatch away from the inhabitants so the descendants of Abraham could move in and take over (Genesis 17:8), the Golden Age of Israel would never have happened. No Golden Age, no King David. No King David, no Jesus Christ ( Matthew 1:1–17), no Jesus Christ, no Sacrifice Through Temporary Death, Resurrection, Ascension into Heaven to prepare a place for those who love Him (John 15:10; John 14:2)
In fact, the Holy Bible explains in detail many references to the importance of capital punishment, and the idea of it being "artful" is not to be found:
The LORD commands capital punishment for people who don't listen to church authority (Deuteronomy 17:12); witches (Exodus 22:17); homosexuals (Leviticus 20:13;Romans 1:24-32); fortunetellers (Leviticus 20:27) kids who hit their dads (Exodus 21:15); kids who curse their parents (Proverbs 20:20; Leviticus 20:9); adulterers (Leviticus 20:10); non-Christians (Exodus 22:19; Deuteronomy 13:7-12; Deuteronomy 17:2-5;Romans 1:24-32); atheists (2 Chronicles 15:12-13); false prophets (Zechariah 13:3); the entire town of one who worships another god (Deuteronomy 13:13-19); non-virgin brides (Deuteronomy 22:20-21); and blasphemers (Leviticus 24:10-16).
8.)
The Prince by Machiavelli (Audio Book)
You suggest reading this book “to learn that people not in power will do all they can to acquire it, and people in power will do all they can to keep it."
Mr. de Grasse-Tyson, as a so-called "science celebrity," your power to influence the youth of this world is great, but with great power comes great responsibility (Matthew 25:14-30). You have the opportunity to share with countless impressionable youth just why "people not in power will do all they can to acquire it, and people in power will do all they can to keep it." This is due to Sin. It is a fact of human nature, and to gloss it over is to omit the truth, something I thought scientists were fond of.
Finally, you conclude by saying: "If you read all of the above works you will glean profound insight into most of what has driven the history of the western world." What you seem to refuse to consider is the actual Truth©. The reality is, sin drives the history of the world, western and especially eastern, and only through the temporary sacrifice of Christ can one hope to be free from its bondage.
I thought scientists were supposed to follow the evidence wherever it leads, but you disappoint me, dear. Nevertheless, I shall keep you in my prayers.
Recently you offered an “ask me anything” thread on Reddit, “The Front Page of Satan’s Internet.” One anonymous poster asked about your reading list.
Which books should be read by every single intelligent person on planet?
I’d like to take this opportunity to discuss your so-called, “must reads,” and the sophomoric reasons you offer. I’d also like to provide you with some information that would correct your misunderstandings, and hopefully inspire you to open your heart to the Love of God. In order, you suggested the following books:
1.)
The Holy Bible, King James Version, by God
You suggest reading this book “to learn that it’s easier to be told by others what to think and believe than it is to think for yourself.”
This may feel true, that it’s easier to be told by others what to think and believe, but a True Christian™ doesn’t listen to just anyone. A mature, True Christian™ will conform his will only to that of the LORD. (Ezra 10:11; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 5:17; Colossians 1:9-10)
Further, this can be anything but "easy" for the person who has cast his lot with Christ in a culture that seeks only to persecute True Christians™. For example, do you think a mother who instinctively loves her children, who would lay down her life to protect her children without hesitation, would feel no emotional distress the first time she has to apply Godly Discipline?
Do you think a True Christian™ who finds himself inexplicably attracted to the love an affection of a dear and intimate friend of the same sex, has a particularly easy time giving up the dream of a life of intimacy and mutual support with one they love just because God hates anal sex just about more than any other disgusting thing ever?
2.)
The System of the World by Isaac Newton
You suggest reading this book “to learn that the universe is a knowable place.”
The world is indeed a knowable place, but Mr. Newton’s book won’t illuminate this knowledge. The Holy Bible alone can do this. This is because the LORD Himself created the entire universe, and who would know better about His own Creation than the Creator Himself? It’s folly to think another person, a silly deist at that, could explain better than He who created everything (Genesis 1:1-2:24; Isaiah 45:7; Amos 3:6; John 1:3).
3.)
On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin (Audio Book)
You suggest reading this book “to learn of our kinship with all other life on Earth.”
The only reason one should read “On the Origin of Species” is for the same reason one should read, “The Communist Manifesto” by Karl Marx. As the chinaman once said, "So it is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you can win a hundred battles without a single loss." (The Art of War, Sun Tzu)
Our enemy is of course Satan. He seeks to destroy our lives, but more importantly, to destroy our souls. One needs to know how he works in order to identify his tactics and be prepared to resist temptation.
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
2 Corinthians 2:11
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour
1 Peter 5:8
2 Corinthians 2:11
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour
1 Peter 5:8
4.)
Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift (Audio Book) – “to learn, among other satirical lessons, that most of the time humans are Yahoos.”
Friend, one need read only the Holy Bible to comprehend the nature of humanity. The concept you so haphazardly refer to as “humans are Yahoos,” can be found in the Holy Bible. In this, the most perfect literary work in history, one will learn the real nature of humanity, from creation to the end of time. One will learn the problem of Sin, and the One and Only Solution (Salvation©).
We read in Genesis 3:15 "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.." A correct view of man, his historical setting and problem, and God's resultant relationship to man is tied up with the Biblical presentation of man's Fall and God's response to it.
Throughout history Satan has tempted God's people to rebell, whether by intermingling in ungodly marriages (Gen. 5:2), or being tolerant (Joshua 23:11-13; Judges 1:21,27-36; Ps 106:34-35), or by committing spiritual adultery with other gods (e.g. Ps. 106:36,39; Hosea 2:2-13, 4:12; Exek. 16:15-25). History is the story of Satan vying for the affection of man, and man’s struggle between what is easy and what is right.
5.)
The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine
You suggest reading this book “to learn how the power of rational thought is the primary source of freedom in the world.”
This is patently untrue, dear. The fact is, without Christ, one is helplessly in bondage to sin, and the only freedom is through Christ (Romans 6:20; Galatians 5:1; John 8:32; John 8:36 ; 2 Corinthians 3:17).
The unbeliever's war with the Word will lead them to be at war with the world. Because they reject the transcendent Word of God, Jesus, who is the very Truth of God, they are naturally inspired to reject rationality, truth, and logic. Without Truth©, one is held in bondage to sin. The cold hard fact is, the only response that an atheistic worldview can offer is despair and silence. This is birthright of those in bondage to sin.
6.)
The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith (Audio Book)
You suggest reading this “to learn that capitalism is an economy of greed, a force of nature unto itself.”
The only “force of nature unto itself” is the LORD (Jeremiah 51:15; Jeremiah 27:5; Exodus 13:22). The only reason capitalism is misused today is because of man’s sinful nature. True Christians™ apply the ideology perfectly, as it is as perfect ideology (2 Thessalonians 3:10; ). The fact is, every other economic system has been created by unsaved peoples who are incapable of experiencing true joy, real hope, genuine morals and ethics. Only capitalism, as created in the west under the auspices of Christ the King, has offered an environment in which God can reign supreme and therefore bless nations as well as individuals.
7.)
The Art of War by Sun Tsu (Audio Book)
You suggest reading this book “to learn that the act of killing fellow humans can be raised to an art.”
Capital punishment is not meant to be an "art,: friend, but a corrective measure for the protection of the innocent. Consider the Problem of the Midianites (Numbers 31:7-18). One would be hard-pressed to argue the "artfulness" of this event, and yet the function of this milestone was of infinite importance to all creation. Without the advancement of the Israelites in the land the LORD had promised to snatch away from the inhabitants so the descendants of Abraham could move in and take over (Genesis 17:8), the Golden Age of Israel would never have happened. No Golden Age, no King David. No King David, no Jesus Christ ( Matthew 1:1–17), no Jesus Christ, no Sacrifice Through Temporary Death, Resurrection, Ascension into Heaven to prepare a place for those who love Him (John 15:10; John 14:2)
In fact, the Holy Bible explains in detail many references to the importance of capital punishment, and the idea of it being "artful" is not to be found:
The LORD commands capital punishment for people who don't listen to church authority (Deuteronomy 17:12); witches (Exodus 22:17); homosexuals (Leviticus 20:13;Romans 1:24-32); fortunetellers (Leviticus 20:27) kids who hit their dads (Exodus 21:15); kids who curse their parents (Proverbs 20:20; Leviticus 20:9); adulterers (Leviticus 20:10); non-Christians (Exodus 22:19; Deuteronomy 13:7-12; Deuteronomy 17:2-5;Romans 1:24-32); atheists (2 Chronicles 15:12-13); false prophets (Zechariah 13:3); the entire town of one who worships another god (Deuteronomy 13:13-19); non-virgin brides (Deuteronomy 22:20-21); and blasphemers (Leviticus 24:10-16).
8.)
The Prince by Machiavelli (Audio Book)
You suggest reading this book “to learn that people not in power will do all they can to acquire it, and people in power will do all they can to keep it."
Mr. de Grasse-Tyson, as a so-called "science celebrity," your power to influence the youth of this world is great, but with great power comes great responsibility (Matthew 25:14-30). You have the opportunity to share with countless impressionable youth just why "people not in power will do all they can to acquire it, and people in power will do all they can to keep it." This is due to Sin. It is a fact of human nature, and to gloss it over is to omit the truth, something I thought scientists were fond of.
Finally, you conclude by saying: "If you read all of the above works you will glean profound insight into most of what has driven the history of the western world." What you seem to refuse to consider is the actual Truth©. The reality is, sin drives the history of the world, western and especially eastern, and only through the temporary sacrifice of Christ can one hope to be free from its bondage.
I thought scientists were supposed to follow the evidence wherever it leads, but you disappoint me, dear. Nevertheless, I shall keep you in my prayers.
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