What Was the Religion of Shakespeare?

Name: What Was the Religion of Shakespeare?
Author: M. M. Mangasarian

By M. M. Mangasarian

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Philosophy & Ethics Religion/Spirituality

About This Book

A lecture that reads recurring expressions in the plays to infer the author's religious stance, arguing that he treats the supernatural skeptically and portrays human life in naturalistic terms. It distinguishes dramatic apparitions from authorial belief, points to characters who doubt ghosts and witches, and emphasizes a preference for reason, truth, beauty, and goodness over revealed doctrines. The speaker disputes claims that the author lacked any religion, proposing that agnosticism and a rationalist devotion to ethical and aesthetic ideals function as a non-supernatural religion, and critiques scholars who equate absence of orthodox faith with absence of religious sentiment.

About the Author

M. M. Mangasarian

M. M. Mangasarian was an American lecturer and writer known for his critical examination of religion and morality. His works often challenge traditional beliefs, advocating for rationalism and secular ethics. Among his notable lectures is "How the Bible was Invented," where he explores the origins of biblical texts and their implications on faith. Mangasarian's writings, such as "Is Life Worth Living Without Immortality?" and "The Truth About Jesus: Is He a Myth?", reflect his commitment to questioning established religious doctrines. He was a prominent figure in the Independent Religious Society, where he engaged audiences in discussions about morality and the role of religion in society.