Which book would you base your religion on, if you had to pick one?:

You can have books that have already had religions based on them if you want.

I think I'm going to read Moby Dick, and then say Moby Dick. Not that you have to have read a holy text cover-to-cover to join a religion based on it, but there you go.

 

Darn. I was going to say Moby Dick. Great minds...

The original manuscript for Moby Dick was lost at sea. It was rewritten from memory.

Second choice would be any book on mirrors.

What is a religion if not a reflection of who you believe yourself to be?


x

 

Kafka on the shore by Haruki Marukami (I believe that's the authors name...)

 

The "Hardy Boys" series. Actually I don't believe in religion so it may as well be based on somthing a bit more lighthearted then the bible.

 

winnie the pooh.

 

A blank exercise book would be good.

 

Well, The Torah is pretty good. I am also a big fan of the Tao Te Ching, The Bhagavad Gita and The Book of Matthew. Of course, all of these are already the bases of religion.

If I had to pick a secular book, It would have to be Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and Lila by Robert Pirsig. One can create an entire universe based on the Metaphysics of Quality.

On the other hand, I could fully embrace my geekdom and suggest The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, or The Foundation Series by Isaac Asimov. In no way are these useful as complete religious texts, but there is considerable meaning to be found both in their stories and in their composition.

 

Steppenwolf by Herman Hesse has mirrors.

Mine would be Be Here Now!

 

Tibetan Book of the Dead

 

Black Elk Speaks

 

People write books about mirrors?

 

The Metaphysics of quality allows for a unified understanding of reality, without altering or denying any of the facts of reality. It offers a way to completely readjust anyone's understanding of reality for the better.

Yeah, the more I think about it the more I agree.

I am very impressed, however, by the way Asimov keeps expanding the frame of reference. Each development presents the story as a small part of a much greater whole, which then becomes the next part of the story. It would be merely impressive if he had only done this once, but to repeat this feat is, well, masterful.

My point was simply that this expanding frame of reference is one vital feature of any healthy religion or spiritual tradition. Asimov illustrates it nicely in the Foundation Series.

Stranger in a Strange Land does have an an abundance of greater meaning. I haven't read it in a long time, thanks for reminding me.

And thanks for the tip. I've never read Child of Fortune.

 

Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy

 

I'm gonna recommend Diaspora by Greg Egan as well. Just as an interesting perspective on where the human race might find itself in time.

 

When i read the forum title I was about to come in and say my own book. But somebody already beat me to that punch line.

Good to see your still sharp X

 

Jefferson's edition of the Bible.

 

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