- A History of God
"A History of God" is a best-selling book by
Karen Armstrong . It details the history of the three greatmonotheistic traditions:Judaism ,Christianity andIslam . The evolution of the idea ofGod is traced from its ancient roots in theMiddle East up to the present day. The book has been praised for its "astounding research" and deft storytelling.ummary
Armstrong begins with the rise of the cult of
Jahweh , one of the pagan deities ofCanaan . She then examines the sources of thePentateuch by way of the four supposed authors, or groups of authors, known as "J", "E", "P" and "D". There follows an examination of the majorIsraelite prophets , includingIsaiah , second Isaiah,Hosea andEzekiel , and the contribution each made to theJewish conception ofGod .Armstrong then turns to the life of
Jesus . She identifies his roots in the Pharisaic tradition ofRabbi Hillel and his effect on the Jewish conception of God. The death of Jesus and its attendant symbolism are examined, including the various constructions others, most notably Paul, have placed upon these events.The book explores the rise of
trinitarianism , leading to theNicene creed , and traces the evolution of the Christian conception of God and thetrinity in the respective Eastern and Western traditions.The rise of
Islam and its appreciation of the nature of God are examined. Armstrong analyses how modernShia Islam , with its emphasis upon social action in the service ofAllah was a key factor that brought about theIranian Revolution of 1978.Subsequent chapters examine respectively both philosophical approaches to the idea of God, and the mystical relationship with God.
Armstrong discusses the rise of modern Christian religiosity, in particular the
Protestantism ofMartin Luther andJohn Calvin .The final chapters examine the notion of the "
Death of God " and the idea of God in the post-modern world.The book concludes with a useful annotated bibliography.
ources
*Armstrong, Karen. "A History of God." Ballantine Books. 1994. ISBN 0-345-38456-3
*Hudson, Gail. [http://www.amazon.com/dp/0345384563 Amazon Reviews]
* [http://www.helium.com/tm/587439/karen-armstrong-former-catholic Book Review: A History of God]
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