Author
J. M. (John Mackinnon) Robertson
1856-1933
J. M. (John Mackinnon) Robertson (1856-1933) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by J. M. (John Mackinnon) Robertson
A Short History of Freethought Ancient and Modern, Volume 2 of 2 Third edition, Revised and Expanded, in two volumes
"A Short History of Freethought Ancient and Modern, Volume 2 of 2" by J. M. Robertson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the evolution of freethought through various significant periods and events, particularly focusing on England, Germany, France, and other European contexts from the Reformation through to the 19th century. This volume highlights the struggles, persecution, and intellectual developments surrounding the rise of rationalism and secular thought in the face of prevailing religious dogmas. The opening portion of the work discusses the transition to modern freethought in England during a turbulent historical period that included the reigns of Henry VIII, Mary, and Elizabeth. It highlights the harsh penalties faced by those expressing heterodox beliefs, such as Anabaptists and Unitarians, emphasizing the severity of religious persecution. Additionally, the text documents various notable freethinkers from this era, their philosophical explorations, and the cultural conditions that fostered skepticism, as well as the tensions between belief and criticism within the literary and scientific communities of the time. This early discussion sets the stage for a broader examination of the development of freethought and rationalism across Europe in subsequent chapters.
A Short History of Freethought Ancient and Modern, Volume 1 of 2 Third edition, Revised and Expanded, in two volumes
"A Short History of Freethought Ancient and Modern, Volume 1 of 2" by J. M. Robertson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work delves into the evolution of freethought across different cultures and time periods, tracing its origins, developments, and influence on modern thought. It navigates through the frameworks of ancient religions, the rise of skepticism, and the interplay between rationalism and belief, presenting a narrative that emphasizes the importance of critical inquiry throughout human history. The opening of the book sets the stage by exploring the origin and meaning of "freethought" and the various terms historically associated with it, such as "deist" and "infidel." Robertson highlights the developments in the English language regarding these concepts, particularly in the late 17th century, and discusses previous historiographical attempts to address freethought, pointing to a lack of comprehensive treatment by freethinkers themselves. Through this groundwork, he prepares readers to understand the psychological and social dynamics behind freethinking—positing that it constitutes a reaction against conventional doctrines and an assertion of intellectual freedom—paving the way for a detailed exploration of freethought's history across different civilizations in subsequent chapters.
A Short History of Christianity Second Edition, Revised, With Additions
"A Short History of Christianity" by J. M. Robertson is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the origins and development of Christianity, exploring its roots in Judaism, the various sects that emerged, and the socio-political influences that shaped its trajectory over centuries. It aims to provide a critical and condensed view of Christian history, positing that the narrative of Christianity has been heavily influenced by myth-making and the blending of different religious traditions. The opening of the book begins with Robertson discussing the challenges of succinctly presenting the complex history of Christianity. He highlights the nature of early Christian documentation, noting that the earliest texts, such as the Epistles of Paul, show a lack of knowledge of the gospel narratives and seem to focus more on the cult of a crucified Jesus rather than his teachings. He emphasizes that there was likely a significant gap between the alleged life of Jesus and the development of the narratives surrounding him, suggesting that these accounts were shaped by myth rather than strict historical fact. The author sets the stage for an exploration of how Christianity evolved from primitive beliefs into the established religion it is today, shaped by various cultural and intellectual currents over time.
The Jesus Problem: A Restatement of the Myth Theory
"The Jesus Problem: A Restatement of the Myth Theory" by J. M. Robertson is a scholarly work that engages with religious and mythological analysis, written in the early 20th century. The book investigates the idea that the figure of Jesus as depicted in the Gospels is largely a mythical construct rather than a historical person. It aims to restate and clarify the myth theory in relation to Jesus and Christianity while critiquing previous attempts to establish the historicity of Jesus. The opening of the text presents an overview of the author's approach to the "myth-theory," which posits that the Gospel narratives are not based on historical accounts of Jesus's life but rather on earlier religious myths and narratives. Robertson outlines the critical failures of past scholarship in establishing any historical basis within the Gospels. He explains that the book will succinctly compile various mythological perspectives regarding Jesus's story, arguing against the notion that a historical figure underpinned the myth. Throughout this opening section, the author's intention to engage with both historical criticism and comparative mythology is made clear, setting the stage for a thorough examination of how religious narratives are constructed and perpetuated over time.
The Evolution of States
"The Evolution of States" by J. M. Robertson is a scholarly historical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the complex dynamics that shape political forces throughout history, particularly focusing on ancient civilizations such as Rome and Greece. Robertson seeks to illuminate how socio-political forces influence states' development and evolution over time. The opening of the text establishes a foundational understanding of politics as a struggle of wills in social contexts, emphasizing the importance of analyzing political history beyond surface-level narratives of national character. It critiques the simplification of history through collective abstractions, advocating instead for a sociological perspective that acknowledges the intricate interplay of various forces, including economic conditions and class struggles, that drive political change. By examining the early political systems of Rome and the nature of social cohesion through strife and conflict, Robertson sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the evolution of political entities and the lessons they offer for modern governance.
The Historical Jesus: A Survey of Positions
"The Historical Jesus: A Survey of Positions" by J. M. Robertson is a critical examination of the historicity of Jesus Christ, likely written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the various scholarly debates surrounding the life and teachings of Jesus, challenging traditional assumptions and scrutinizing the evidence presented in the Gospels. Robertson aims to clarify the complexities surrounding historical perspectives and the myth-theory related to Jesus' figure and legacy. At the start of the work, the author sets the stage for a rigorous analysis of historical assumptions in understanding Jesus, drawing parallels to significant scientific discoveries that faced skepticism in their time, such as the Copernican theory. He emphasizes the necessity of a critical examination of the Gospel narratives, cautioning against blind acceptance of their accounts as historical fact. The opening chapters introduce key arguments against the presuppositions that underpin contemporary Christian orthodoxy, highlighting how many of these ideas have not undergone the same level of critical scrutiny as other historical events. Through this approach, Robertson invites readers to reconsider the foundational ideas of Christian belief in light of historical analysis and scholarly critique.
Montaigne and Shakspere
"Montaigne and Shakepere" by J. M. Robertson is an analytical work written in the late 19th century. This book explores the influences that the essays of Michel de Montaigne had on the works of William Shakespeare, specifically citing textual parallels and thematic connections between the two influential figures of literature. Robertson seeks to unravel the complexities of Shakespeare's growth as a playwright and philosopher through Montaigne's ideas. The opening of this work discusses the resurgence of Shakespearean studies and the noticeable gap in substantial examination of Montaigne's influence on Shakespeare's plays. Robertson notes that while traces of Montaigne’s ideas can be observed in Shakespeare's works, deeper systematic explorations have been limited and underappreciated. The author references previous scholars and their observations about specific passages in plays such as "The Tempest" and "Hamlet," positing that the philosophical undercurrents found in these texts are enriched by Montaigne's essays. He establishes a foundation for a more comprehensive exploration of how Montaigne’s insights might have shaped Shakespeare's reflections on themes such as human nature, existence, and morality.
Rationalism
"Rationalism" by J. M. Robertson is a philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the evolution and implications of rationalism as a philosophical stance, contrasting it with various forms of religious belief and traditional authority. It examines the intellectual commitment to reason and critical thinking, addressing the challenges and critiques that rationalism faces from religious perspectives. The opening of "Rationalism" establishes the foundation of the term 'rationalism,' which has taken on varied meanings over the past three hundred years. Robertson discusses how the term has been applied historically to different philosophical perspectives and how it has evolved to denote a tendency towards private judgment against established beliefs, especially in the realm of religion. He also highlights the critical role of reason in evaluating beliefs and the potential biases that come into play in these judgments, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of rationalism's relationship to ethics, religion, and science throughout the rest of the work.