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A History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam Paperback – August 9, 1994

by Karen Armstrong (Author)

497 customer reviews

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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 Armstrong, one of Britain's 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 refashioned 'the One God' to suit the social and political needs of their followers. From classical philosophy and medieval mysticism to the Reformation, Karen Armstrong performs the near miracle of distilling the intellectual history of monotheism into one superbly readable volume, destined to take its place as a classic.

Praise for History of God

“An admirable and impressive work of synthesis that will give insight and satisfaction to thousands of lay readers.”—The Washington Post Book World

“A brilliantly lucid, spendidly readable book. [Karen] Armstrong has a dazzling ability: she can take a long and complex subject and reduce it to the fundamentals, without oversimplifying.”—The Sunday Times (London)

“Absorbing . . . A lode of learning.”—Time

“The most fascinating and learned study of the biggest wild goose chase in history—the quest for God. Karen Armstrong is a genius.”—A.N. Wilson, author of Jesus: A Life

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Armstrong, a British journalist and former nun, guides us along one of the most elusive and fascinating quests of all time--the search for God. Like all beloved historians, Armstrong entertains us with deft storytelling, astounding research, and makes us feel a greater appreciation for the present because we better understand our past. Be warned: A History of God is not a tidy linear history. Rather, we learn that the definition of God is constantly being repeated, altered, discarded, and resurrected through the ages, responding to its followers' practical concerns rather than to mystical mandates. Armstrong also shows us how Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have overlapped and influenced one another, gently challenging the secularist history of each of these religions. --Gail Hudson

Review

“An admirable and impressive work of synthesis that will give insight and satisfaction to thousands of lay readers.”—The Washington Post Book World

“A brilliantly lucid, spendidly readable book. [Karen] Armstrong has a dazzling ability: she can take a long and complex subject and reduce it to the fundamentals, without oversimplifying.”—The Sunday Times (London)

“Absorbing . . . A lode of learning.”—Time

“The most fascinating and learned study of the biggest wild goose chase in history—the quest for God. Karen Armstrong is a genius.”—A.N. Wilson, author of Jesus: A Life

See all Editorial Reviews

Product details

Paperback: 496 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books (August 9, 1994)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780345384560
ISBN-13: 978-0345384560
ASIN: 0345384563
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.1 x 8.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 497 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #25,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #25 in Books > History > World > Religious > Judaism
- #31 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Worship & Devotion > Ritual
- #32 in Books > History > World > Religious > General

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Her writing style is by far the best. Previous attempts at reading other authors discussing this ...

February 11, 2018

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This was the first book that I had read by this author. I was so impressed with the way she presented the historical data that I found myself--for the first time--actually understanding the major religions of the world. Her writing style is by far the best. Previous attempts at reading other authors discussing this subject were dry, complicated and frankly left me with absolutely no desire to pursue reading about the history of the different religions. Because of all the chaos and fighting amongst those of different religions of the world, I thought that I should still try to understand the religious background information and be able to discuss, with some intellect, the issues facing the problems in this country and in the East. I now feel that I can discuss some of the issues---ever since reading this book. I have also read Karen Armstrong's "In the Beginning," which I also feel was very well written. Karen Armstrong comes across as a very knowledgeable individual in the field of world religions and with her writing style, she can help people like me to better understand this subject.

27 people found this helpful

Comment

March 4, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

For me, this book is a slow read, not because it is not well written (in fact, it is beautifully written), but because I find myself stopping after several pages, thinking about what I have just read, going back for a re-read, comparing that to what I read a few days ago, making a margin note, and so on. In other words, for me this book is an experience. If you have a genuine interest in the world's spiritual traditions, a willingness to be flexible as regards what you think you already know about them, and the time to grow, you will almost certainly like this book.I love it.

16 people found this helpful

Comment

January 14, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Not for the light reader, or those who have made up their mind. But, if you want to understand how religious leaders, theologians, or philosophers have understood God across eras of society, this is a good resource. Plan to read a chapter, or section of a chapter, at a time, then set it down to contemplate.

19 people found this helpful

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Jeffrey P. Schaffer

Since I've read quite a bit on the origin and ...

January 3, 2016

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Since I've read quite a bit on the origin and evolution of religions, I had not expected to learn anything new from this 1993 book. I was wrong. Chapter 7: The God of the Mystics, in particular was fascinating. What I had not realized was how advanced the theology of Sufi mystics was in the 12th and 13th centuries. From my perspective, which is theology in the light of relativity, quantum mechanics, consciousness, and cosmology, these Sufi Mystics would not only fit in with today's leading Christian theology, but they actually would surpass it, even without the benefit of 20th century science. Think of what they could do today, in the early 21st century.

26 people found this helpful

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Armstrong is magical

December 31, 2013

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

My copy of this book is full of highlights, annotations, exclamation marks, and dog-eared pages. For anyone who is interested in the idea of God, Western religion tradition, and the history of how we got to where we're at now and where it all came from... well, there could not be a better book for it!!!!
Full of facts and sources, writing and literature, and crammed with history and information, this book is THE source for the history of the monotheist God. From pre-Judaic concepts of God in Babylon to the formation of the nation of Israel and Abraham, through the Jewish periods (Mosaic, Temple Judaism, Prophets, etc) and into Jesus of Nazareth.. then early Christianity, the formation of the Catholic church as we recognize today, and into Muhammad and the start of Islam. It gets better: Armstrong continues into depth with the God of the philosophers, the mystics and their divine wisdom, and then into the death of God and the future of God.
I bought this book for a college course titled "The Idea of God" and we used the text as a reference for our study, as it took us gently through the history of this monotheist idea of God.
One thing worth noting: It is recommended to have a search engine on hand, as Armstrong tends to assume that readers are already on top of this kind of knowledge. Sometimes it can be a little dense in the beginning, but once you get into it you may find yourself reading it for pure enjoyment and knowledge, as well as wisdom.
There is much to gain in this book and I recommend it for anyone who is Jewish, Christian, Islam, any other religion, or considers themselves spiritual. If you're looking for the stuff you don't learn in church, Armstrong has it all. Prepare to be amazed at all the things you never knew and have your idea of God change, for the better.

22 people found this helpful

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