Summary

In "A History of God," Karen Armstrong traces the 4,000-year evolution of the concept of God in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. She begins by exploring the origins of religious belief in the ancient Near East, where humanity first grappled with the unseen forces surrounding them. Armstrong reveals that the earliest conceptions of God differed significantly from our modern understanding, often existing as remote Sky Gods or powerful goddesses associated with nature's rhythms. These deities were not always benevolent, and their worship involved rituals and myths intended to express wonder and connect with the sacred power inherent in life.

A pivotal moment in God's history was the emergence of monotheism, attributed to Abraham. Armstrong explains that Abraham's god, El, likely began as the High God of Canaan, gradually developing into the more personal and demanding Yahweh of the Israelites. She examines the significance of the covenant between Yahweh and his chosen people, a relationship characterized by intense loyalty and the rejection of other gods. This concept of God as actively involved in human history, revealed in both triumphs and disasters, marked a significant departure from earlier, more passive deities. The prophets, such as Isaiah, Amos, and Hosea, played a critical role in shaping this new image of Yahweh, emphasizing his justice, compassion, and demands for social righteousness, even when this brought uncomfortable truths to the Israelites.

Armstrong then delves into the development of Christianity, tracing how Jesus of Nazareth, initially seen as the Messiah within a Jewish context, came to be regarded as divine. She carefully unpacks the complex evolution of the doctrines of the Trinity and the Incarnation, revealing their roots in Greek philosophical thought and the challenges they posed to traditional monotheism. She explores the differing understandings of Christ's divinity, from the early Jewish interpretations of his 'powers' to the later Greek and Western theological formulations. Armstrong highlights the tension between the human and divine natures of Christ and the various attempts to reconcile them. She also emphasizes the ways in which early Christian communities modeled their practices and beliefs on those of Jewish synagogues, gradually evolving their own distinctive spirituality and identity.

The rise of Islam is explored as another major turning point in God's history. Armstrong reveals how the Prophet Muhammad brought a new scripture, the Quran, to the Arabs, reasserting the unity and transcendence of God. She examines the Quran's emphasis on God's presence in nature, its unique literary form, and its profound impact on the Arab people. Armstrong also highlights the tolerance within early Islam towards other religions of the book, contrasting this with the more exclusive views that emerged later. She explores the development of Islamic mysticism (Sufism) and its focus on personal experience of the divine, contrasting this with the rationalist approach of Muslim philosophers.

The book concludes by examining how the concept of God has been challenged by modern science, philosophy, and the rise of secularism. Armstrong explores the impact of thinkers like Newton, Descartes, Kant, and Freud, who sought to understand God through reason or dismissed him as an illusion. She discusses how various forms of atheism and agnosticism emerged, challenging traditional beliefs. Armstrong also analyzes the rise of fundamentalism in all three religions, arguing that this represents a retreat from God rather than a resurgence of faith. Finally, she reflects on the future of God, suggesting that the idea may fade away if it ceases to be effective. However, Armstrong also notes that humanity's inherent need for meaning and transcendence persists, raising the question of what will replace God if he truly disappears. She explores the possibility that a more mystical and imaginative understanding of God, emphasizing his immanence and presence in the world, may offer a path forward for those seeking spirituality in the modern age.