A History of God

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A History of God: The 4000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam is a best-selling book by author Karen Armstrong. It describes the history of the three major monotheistic religions in detail. The book has been praised for its "astounding research" and "deft storytelling." The book traces the evolution of the idea of God as interpreted by the great thinkers of the three monotheistic traditions or "God religions", Judaism, Christianity and Islam, from their roots in pagan traditions of the Middle East up to the modern day.

[edit] Summary

Armstrong begins with the rise of the cult of Jahweh among the pagan deities of Canaan. She also examines the sources of the Pentateuch in the figures of the four supposed authors (or groups of authors) known as J, E, P and D. After this, she examines the philosophical careers of some of the major Israelite prophets, including Isaiah, second Isaiah, Hosea and Ezekiel and examines the contribution that each made to the Jewish conception of God. Armstrong turns next to the life and career of Jesus, including his roots in the Pharisaic tradition of Rabbi Hillel, and the his effect on the Jewish conception of God. His death and its attendant symbolism are then examined, including the interpretations various authors, most notably Paul, brought to these events. After Christ's death, the book explores the rise of trinitarianism leading to the Nicene creed. Armstrong traces the evolution of the contrasting Eastern and Western Christian conceptions of God and the trinity. The rise of Islam and its subsequent take on the nature of God are examined next with Armstrong analysing how Shia Islam, with its' emphasis on direct political action in service to Allah, led to the 1978 Iranian Revolution Armstrong continues her narrative through the rise of philosophical and mystical traditions in Islam, Christianity, both Eastern and Western, and Judaism, up until the pre-modern era. Armstrong discusses the rise of modern Christian religiosity, in particular the Protestantism of Martin Luther and John Calvin. Armstrong concludes with a speculative discussion of the place of God in the post-modern world.