Robert Wright traces how the concept of God changed from the time of early hunter-gatherer spirits, to ancient polytheism, to the monotheism of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He argues that the changes followed the economic and political conditions of each era, and that the idea of God has moved in a direction that reflects expanding human cooperation, a trend he sees as a sort of moral progress. He does not dismiss belief, but suggests that the evolution of the idea might point to something larger.
It suits readers interested in comparative religion, history, and evolutionary psychology. Those who want a thoughtful, nonpolemical take on how scripture and belief developed, from a writer who is neither a believer nor a hostile atheist, will find it engaging.
Deep, outward-looking and contemplative; a moderate read.
Best for readers like The Deep Diver. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2009
- Language
- EN
