Criticism of religion developed from the 17th century onwards. For example, in Asia, no one before the 19th century self-identified as a "Hindu" or other similar identities. With the existence of diverse modern categories of religion such as monotheism, polytheism, pantheism, nontheism and diverse specific religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Taoism, Buddhism and many others, it is not always clear to whom the criticisms are aimed at or to what extent they are applicable to other religions. Some criticisms of monotheistic religions have been: Dennett and Harris have asserted that theist religions and their scriptures are not divinely inspired, but man made
Society for Promoting the Knowledge of the Scriptures Society for Promoting the Knowledge of the Scriptures The Society for Promoting the Knowledge of the Scriptures was a group founded in 1783 in London, with a definite but rather constrained plan for Biblical interpretation. While in practical terms it was mainly concerned with promoting Unitarian views, it was broadly based. The founding group included John Disney, the initial Secretary, and John Jebb.(ODNB). The membership was 30 to 40, of varied denominations. Among them were Dr. John Calder, Michael Dodson, Andrew Kippis, Theophilus Lindsey and Richard Price in London. Those in the provinces giving at least financial support included Joseph