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A History of God summary
The 4000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam
27 mins
Brief summary
"A History of God" by Karen Armstrong explores how humans have understood and experienced the divine throughout history. It traces the evolution of religious beliefs and practices from prehistoric times to the present day.
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A History of God
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A distinctive concept of God emerged among the Israelites in the Levant.
How do you see God? Perhaps as the creator of the world, as the Almighty or as a spiritual presence? Different conceptualizations of God have existed for millennia, and the best way to understand them is to trace them as they emerge in the related histories of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths.
The journey starts 14,000 years ago in the Middle East. There, pagan tribes developed their own notions of deities.
Take Mesopotamia, in modern-day Iraq, the cradle of Western civilization. People living there saw society as a fragile thing; they worshipped gods that countered the forces of disorder and quelled chaos.
The Babylonian creation myth, Enuma Elish, tells the story of the first gods emerging from a primeval wasteland. These deities were associated with water, earth and heaven. The god Marduk then created humankind by mixing his blood with dust, which meant humans were thought of as semi-divine in nature.
But one group stood out for their ideas about the divine: the Israelites. They had settled in Canaan in the Southern Levant in around 1850 BCE and claimed descent from Abraham and his grandson Jacob, who was also known as Israel.
The Israelites initially had a similar view of divine power but started worshipping a single God, one that had developed from a version of a pagan heavenly High God or Sky God.
In the earliest books of the Bible, Genesis and Exodus, written in the eighth century BCE, God is referred to as both “Elohim” and “Yahweh.”
Elohim was the Israelite High God, while Yahweh means “the God of our fathers.”
It is thus quite possible that two separate pagan gods, each with a specific local domain, were merged.
In fact, after the Israelites’ return from their enslavement in Egypt, they swore to make Yahweh their only god. In return, it is said that Yahweh promised to protect the Israelites.
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What is A History of God about?
A History of God (1993) traces the related histories of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim concepts of God. From the jealous God of the ancient Israelites to the revelations of Allah, and from the life of Jesus through to theological doctrinal discussions and God’s status in the modern world, these blinks tell the story of how conceptualizations of God in these three related religions have developed and changed over time.
A History of God Review
A History of God (1993) by Karen Armstrong is an enlightening exploration of the concept of God and its evolution throughout human history. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With detailed historical research and in-depth analysis, it provides a comprehensive understanding of how different civilizations have perceived and worshiped God.
- By examining multiple world religions and their theological traditions, the book offers a broad and inclusive perspective of the human quest for meaning and spirituality.
- Challenging conventional beliefs and delving into the complexities of faith, it prompts readers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and invites open-minded dialogue.
Best quote from A History of God
All religions change and develop. If they do not, they will become obsolete.
—Karen Armstrong
Who should read A History of God?
- Jewish people, Christians, Muslims and all people of faith
- Historians and philosophers
- Atheists interested in the role of God in monotheistic religions
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A History of God FAQs
What is the main message of A History of God?
A History of God explores humanity's understanding and perception of the divine across different religions and eras.
How long does it take to read A History of God?
The reading time for A History of God varies depending on the reader. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is A History of God a good book? Is it worth reading?
A History of God is worth reading as it provides a comprehensive overview of religious history, offering insights into diverse perspectives and beliefs.
Who is the author of A History of God?
The author of A History of God is Karen Armstrong.
What to read after A History of God?
If you're wondering what to read next after A History of God, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Islam by Karen Armstrong
- A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
- Bedtime Biography: Isaac Newton by James Gleick
- Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari
- Cosmos by Carl Sagan
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
- Religion for Atheists by Alain de Botton
- Why I Am a Hindu by Shashi Tharoor
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- The Most Important Thing by Howard Marks