A History of God

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A History of God
OCLC
150223350

A History of God is a book by

monotheistic traditions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, along with some details on Buddhism and Hinduism. The evolution of the idea of God is traced from its ancient roots in the Middle East
up to the present day.

Summary

Judaism

Armstrong begins with the rise of the cult of Yahweh (Jahweh), one of the deities of Canaan. According to Armstrong, the cult of Yahweh consisted of a variety of ethnic groups that migrated to Canaan in three waves. These groups were united by their loyalty to Yahweh.[1] Yahweh was unique in the ancient Middle East in that he actually participated in the profane lives of his worshipers.[2]

She then examines the sources of the

anthropomorphic."[3]

There follows an examination of the major

Jewish conception of God
.

Christianity

Armstrong then turns to the stories attributed to the life of Jesus. She identifies his roots in the Pharisaic tradition of Hillel the Elder and his effect on the Jewish conception of a 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 the Nicene Creed, and traces the evolution of the Christian conception of God and the Trinity in the respective Eastern and Western traditions.[4]

Armstrong discusses the rise of modern Christian religiosity, in particular the Protestantism of Martin Luther and John Calvin.

Islam

The rise of

Shia Imams, was a key factor that brought about the Iranian Revolution
of 1979.

Subsequent chapters examine respectively both philosophical approaches to the idea of God, and the mystical relationship with God.

Conclusion

The final chapters examine the notion of the

Death of God and the idea of God in a post-modern
world.

Sources

  1. ISBN 0-345-38456-3
    .
  2. ISBN 0-345-38456-3
    .
  3. ISBN 0-345-38456-3
    .
  4. ^ Logic and Reason
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