The Evolution of God by Robert Wright

The Evolution of God

by Robert Wright

In this sweeping narrative that takes us from the Stone Age to the Information Age, Robert Wright unveils an astonishing discovery: there is a hidden pattern that the great monotheistic faiths have followed as they have evolved. Through the prisms of archaeology, theology, and evolutionary psychology, Wright's findings overturn basic assumptions about Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and are sure to cause controversy. He explains why spirituality has a role today, and why science, contrary to conventional wisdom, affirms the validity of the religious quest. And this previously unrecognized evolutionary logic points not toward continued religious extremism, but future harmony.

Nearly a decade in the making, The Evolution of God is a breathtaking re-examination of the past, and a visionary look forward.

Reviewed by jamiereadthis on

4 of 5 stars

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The level-headed, grounded, balanced, articulate, intelligent treatise on religion— specifically, how the many Abrahamic ones came to be— that I’ve been waiting to read for years. In the hands of Robert Wright, the (to put it mildly) divisive subject is treated with remarkable aplomb, reserve, and respect, with honesty and unflinching diligence.

The backdrop against which religion and the God, Allah, and Yahweh preached today was formed is fascinating stuff. The appendix alone is well worth the read.

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  • Started reading
  • 1 June, 2010: Finished reading
  • 1 June, 2010: Reviewed