A History of God (Hardcover) Karen Armstrong

Why does God exist? How have the three dominant monotheistic religions-- Judaism, Christianity, and Islam-- shaped and altered the conception of God? How have these religions influenced each other?  In this stunningly intelligent book, Karen Armstong, one of Britains foremost commentators on religious affairs, traces the history of how men and women have perceived and experienced God, from the time of Abraham to the present.

The epic story begins with the Jews' gradual transformation of pagan idol worship in Babylon into true monotheism--a concept previously unknown in the world. Christianity and Islam both rose on the foundation of this revolutionary idea, but these religions refashiioned "the One God" to suit the social and political needs of their followers.

From classic philosophy and medieval mysticism to the Reformation, the Enlightment, and the modern age of skepticism, Karen Armstrong performs the near miracle of distilling the intellectual history of monotheism into one superbly readable volume.

March 2024