Elaine Pagels' new book, "Heretic," reviewed in The New Yorker, revisits the enduring fascination with Jesus, even amidst declining Christian belief. Pagels argues that Jesus's radical message of love, forgiveness, and inclusivity, initially appealing to the marginalized, continues to resonate today, divorced from traditional church structures and doctrines. This enduring power stems from the human need for meaning and connection, offering a model for ethical living and social justice that transcends specific religious dogma. The review highlights how Pagels contrasts Jesus's teachings with the evolving, often exclusionary, interpretations imposed by the early Church, particularly Paul, suggesting the original message has been obscured and even betrayed over time.
This paper examines Project Whitecoat (1954-1973), a biodefense medical research program involving Seventh-day Adventist conscientious objectors. Motivated by their religious beliefs against bearing arms, these volunteers participated in studies at Fort Detrick, Maryland, focusing on infectious diseases like Q fever, tularemia, and plague. The research aimed to understand disease mechanisms, develop vaccines, and enhance defensive biological warfare capabilities. The project, while raising ethical questions about human experimentation, offered Adventists an alternative form of national service aligned with their faith. The paper highlights the complexities of balancing scientific advancement, national security, and individual religious freedom during the Cold War.
Hacker News users discuss the ethical implications of Operation Whitecoat, focusing on the informed consent of the Seventh-day Adventist volunteers. Some debate the degree of coercion involved, given the alternative of military service during wartime. Several commenters highlight the potential for subtle pressure and the power dynamics inherent in the doctor-patient (or researcher-subject) relationship, questioning whether truly free consent was possible. Others express admiration for the Adventists' commitment to their beliefs and their willingness to serve their country in a non-combatant role. The lasting impact of these experiments and the potential for long-term health issues are also raised, along with the broader question of whether such research, even with apparent consent, is ethically justifiable.
Summary of Comments ( 3 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43467847
Hacker News users discuss the complex legacy of Christianity, largely agreeing with the review's premise that its influence is still felt today. Some highlighted the enduring power of religious narratives, even for non-believers. Others pointed out the irony of dismissing Christianity while simultaneously being shaped by its values. Several comments explored the cyclical nature of history, with one user suggesting that humans are inherently drawn to belief systems, even if those systems change over time. A few questioned the reviewer's framing of early Christianity, suggesting it was more diverse than portrayed. There's also a thread examining the role of power structures in shaping religious narratives and their impact on societies throughout history.
The Hacker News post titled "We're Still Not Done with Jesus," linking to a New Yorker review of Elaine Pagels' book "Heretic," has generated a modest number of comments, primarily focusing on the historical impact of Christianity and its relationship with other belief systems.
Several commenters discuss the complex relationship between early Christianity and Gnosticism. One commenter highlights the historical suppression of Gnostic texts and the ongoing scholarly efforts to understand their significance. Another notes the diversity of beliefs within early Christianity, emphasizing that Gnosticism wasn't a monolithic entity but rather a collection of different perspectives. A different user adds context by mentioning the Nag Hammadi library's discovery and its impact on understanding early Christian thought, contrasting the canonical gospels with Gnostic texts.
The idea of "heresy" itself is discussed. One commenter points out the inherent subjectivity in labeling something as heretical, emphasizing that it depends on who holds the power to define orthodoxy. Another expands on this, observing how evolving interpretations of scripture have led to significant shifts in what's considered acceptable belief within Christianity throughout history.
There's some discussion about the broader implications of religious belief and the role of institutions. One commenter questions the overall utility of organized religion, pointing to historical conflicts and suggesting a focus on individual spirituality instead. Another suggests that the appeal of Christianity lies in its message of hope and the promise of an afterlife, especially during times of hardship.
A few comments focus on the specific book and author. One commenter expresses interest in Pagels' work, praising her ability to make complex theological topics accessible to a wider audience. Another mentions reading the book being reviewed and offers a brief personal reflection on its themes.
Finally, a couple of comments offer tangential observations. One user briefly mentions the influence of paganism on Christian practices, while another makes a more humorous remark about the persistent relevance of religious topics, even in a technologically advanced society.
While the discussion doesn't reach any definitive conclusions, it provides a range of perspectives on the historical and contemporary significance of Christianity, Gnosticism, and the concept of heresy. The comments are generally thoughtful and contribute to a nuanced understanding of the topic, even without delving into highly specific theological debates.