God and My Neighbour

In Short

A polemical defense of agnosticism and secular humanism, this book examines the logical inconsistencies, historical errors, and moral shortcomings of traditional Christian theology. Writing as a self-described "notorious infidel editor," the author dismantles the doctrines of original sin, divine inspiration, and free will by contrasting them with evolutionary theory, ancient mythology, and social determinism. The work has endured as a classic text of popular secularism because it translates complex theological and scientific debates into lively, direct, and accessible prose aimed straight at the everyday reader.

The Story

The argument begins with a personal and ironic reflection on the labels cast against freethinkers. Pausing during an autumn walk through London, the author embraces the title of "infidel" given to him by religious critics, presenting himself not as a bitter enemy of morality, but as a comfortable, quiet citizen whose conscience simply cannot accept church dogma. He outlines his central platform: he cannot believe that the God of the Hebrew Scriptures created the cosmos, that biblical characters were historical figures rather than mythical constructions, or that humanity ever "fell" from a state of original perfection.

Moving into historical and textual critique, the treatise argues that the Bible is a collection of human writings compiled over centuries. Drawing on modern scholarship and ancient history, the author shows how central biblical narratives—such as the Creation, the Flood, the Tower of Babel, and even the infant Moses in the reeds—were borrowed directly from older Babylonian and Egyptian myths, such as the legend of King Sargon I. He further examines the harsh commands and violent massacres attributed to God in the Old Testament, arguing that treating brutal historical figures as holy heroes degrades human morality.

Turning to the natural world, the text contrasts the vastness of the cosmos and the complexity of microscopic life with the narrow worldview of tribal theology. The author attacks the idea of a loving "Heavenly Father," arguing that a truly merciful deity would not permit leprosy, cancer, war, and poverty, nor would such a God design a natural order based on the ruthless law of prey. In examining the New Testament, he scrutinizes the accounts of the Resurrection, pointing out internal discrepancies and noting the total absence of independent, firsthand historical evidence.

The argument culminates in a critique of human responsibility and moral philosophy. The author rejects the doctrine of free will, arguing that human thoughts and choices are entirely shaped by heredity and environment. Because individuals do not choose their initial conditions or their mental faculties, holding them eternally accountable for their actions is logically unsupportable. He demonstrates that non-Christian civilizations, such as the ancient Buddhist empire under King Asoka, achieved high ethical standards, abolishing slavery and practicing religious tolerance centuries before Christianity. Finally, he outlines a secular vision for society where poverty, crime, and war are eliminated through environmental reform rather than religious threat, declaring that he would rather work to relieve human suffering in the world than enjoy an exclusive salvation.

How It Unfolds

The infidel in the Strand Reflecting on his public reputation as a dangerous radical, the author walks through London, noting the everyday sights of the city and warmly accepting his critics' label of "infidel."

Rejecting the tribal deity The treatise outlines core reasons for unbelief, asserting that the God of the Bible is a man-made idol, that humanity has evolved rather than fallen, and that a loving Father would not allow widespread suffering.

Tracing the ancient myths Using comparative mythology and biblical criticism, the author demonstrates that famous stories like the Flood, Babel, and the floating infant Moses were borrowed from much older Babylonian and Egyptian traditions.

Exposing the moral contradictions The narrative turns to the ethics of Old Testament stories, highlighting brutal conquests and harsh curses to argue that ancient figures are inappropriate models for modern morality.

Looking at the real cosmos Contrasting traditional beliefs with astronomical discoveries and microscopic biology, the text points out that the natural world operates through fixed laws and fierce competition rather than divine favoritism.

Scrutinizing the gospel claims An analysis of the Resurrection narratives reveals contradictory statements, a lack of eyewitness testimony, and reliance on unproven assertions rather than historical evidence.

Dismantling the illusion of free will The author argues through logic and philosophy that human choice is the product of brain structure, heredity, and environment, making the concept of divine punishment inherently unjust.

Praising ancient secular ethics Examining historical figures like King Asoka, the text proves that high moral principles, charity, and the abolition of slavery existed in non-Christian societies centuries before the New Testament.

A humanist apology The author concludes by defending a life grounded in practical kindness, choosing to fight real-world injustice and poverty over chasing promises of personal heavenly reward.

The People

While the work is a treatise of philosophy and religion, it centers its analysis around key figures from theology, history, and modern scholarship to drive its argument forward.

• Jehovah (The Bible God)
• Desire: Demands total obedience, worship, and sacrifice from his chosen people while punishing dissenters with severe afflictions and destruction.
• Obstacle: Constrained by the historical evidence showing his origins as a local, man-made tribal idol.
• Transformation: Revealed through textual analysis to be an evolving, mythical construct rather than the ruler of the universe.

• Moses
• Desire: Serves as the legendary lawgiver and leader tasked with guiding his people under divine command.
• Obstacle: Challenged by historical records showing his story mirrors older figures like the Babylonian ruler Sargon I.
• Transformation: Shifted from an inspired historical author to a composite, mythological figure drawn from ancient traditions.

• King Asoka
• Desire: Sought to govern his empire with mercy, purity, and universal goodwill following his adoption of Buddhist principles.
• Obstacle: Governed centuries before the Christian era in a world accustomed to warfare, slavery, and religious division.
• Transformation: Emerges as a historical proof that profound moral leadership, religious tolerance, and social welfare flourished independently of Christian doctrine.

• The Determinist (The Freethinker)
• Desire: Wants to eliminate human ignorance, crime, and poverty by improving societal conditions and education.
• Obstacle: Blocked by a religious majority that attributes all human suffering and wrongdoing to an imaginary "free will."
• Transformation: Remains a hopeful reformer who seeks practical social justice on Earth rather than personal salvation in Heaven.

In Its Own Voice

"INFIDEL! The name has been bestowed on me by several Christian gentlemen as a reproach, but to my ears it has a quaint and not unpleasing sound." — The author reflects with good humor on the hostile titles given to him by religious opponents while walking through London.

"Will is a symbol for the balance of motives. Motives are born of the brain. Therefore will depends upon the action of the brain." — The text explains how human decisions are determined by physical cause and effect rather than an independent spiritual force.

"I know I shall be happier so. I think I was made for that kind of work, and I fervently wish that I may be allowed to do my duty as long as ever there is a wrong in the world that I can help to right, a grief I can help to soothe, a truth I can help to tell." — The author closes his treatise by declaring his dedication to relieving human suffering on Earth rather than seeking a secluded paradise.

What It's Really About

Beneath its critique of religious texts, the book is a defense of rationalism, scientific inquiry, and social reform. It addresses fundamental questions regarding the nature of morality and human responsibility: Can ethics exist without divine command? Is a person truly culpable for actions dictated by heredity and poverty? By examining ancient history and biological science, the author argues that morality is an evolutionary and social tool developed to promote human cooperation. The core argument insists that true ethics require attacking the environmental causes of human suffering—such as disease, bad sanitation, and economic injustice—rather than condemning individuals through doctrines of sin and eternal punishment.

Why Read It Today

This book will appeal to readers interested in the history of freethought, secular humanism, and late-Victorian intellectual debates. It offers an engaging look at how nineteenth-century discoveries in evolution, astronomy, and archaeology were brought directly to the general public. Rather than reading like a dry academic text, the book maintains the lively, conversational, and often humorous tone of a working journalist speaking directly to his fellow citizens.

Readers should be aware that the book reflects the debate style of its period, relying heavily on lengthy block quotes from contemporary scholars, historians, and biblical commentators. It also uses period terminology when discussing historical cultures and ancient legends. Yet despite its age, the text retains a striking clarity and warmth. What stays with the reader is not bitterness or malice toward believers, but a sincere, joyful dedication to earthly life and an optimistic belief in humanity's ability to build a more merciful world through reason and practical compassion.

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