Tag: Annie Besant

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My Path to Atheism by Annie Besant

A more descriptive title for this book for today might be My Path from Christianity to a New Age Religion.pathatheism_1311

Ms. Besant had a well documented intellectual journey from evangelical Christianity to Victorian Atheism to Theosophy.  Quoting from Wikipedia defining theosophy:

“Theosophy refers to systems of esoteric philosophy concerning, or investigation seeking direct knowledge of, presumed mysteries of being and nature, particularly concerning the nature of divinity.

Theosophy is considered a part of the broader field of esotericism, referring to hidden knowledge or wisdom that offers the individual enlightenment and salvation. The theosophist seeks to understand the mysteries of the universe and the bonds that unite the universe, humanity, and the divine. The goal of theosophy is to explore the origin of divinity and humanity, and the world. From investigation of those topics, theosophists try to discover a coherent description of the purpose and origin of the universe.”

Reading her book I was never convinced she was an atheist in the modern sense of the word, a rejection of belief in deities.  What she was rejecting was Christianity, Continue reading “My Path to Atheism by Annie Besant”

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Annie Besant (her autobiography)

Annie_Besant_1301I had not heard of this woman before I stumbled across her autobiography on LibriVox.org.   I suppose that is a reflection of a lack of knowledge of the historical roots of the Labor movement and modern Atheism. The blurb associated with the book convinced me to try it.  I am glad I did.

While the book details her life, it is more a record of her intellectual journey from Christianity to Atheism to Theosophy.  The book ends as she is embracing Theosophy so the later part of life in India is not included.

To call Annie Besant complex is to but scratch the depth and passions of her nature. From an early education strong on Evangelical Christian principles she became one of the best know atheist of her era.

She fought for the poor and working classes in the end embracing Socialism.

She and Charles Bradlaugh published a pamphlet on birth control.  This was a hugely controversial thing to do in Victorian England.  She knew before they did it that it could have all sorts of implications to her life.  Continue reading “Annie Besant (her autobiography)”