A history of god : the 4000-year quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Why does God exist? How have Judaism, Christianity, and Islam shaped the conception of God and influenced one another? In this insightful book, Karen Armstrong, a leading commentator on religious affairs, explores the evolution of humanity's perception of God from Abraham to today. The narrative begins with the Jews' transformation of pagan idol worship in Babylon into true monotheism, a groundbreaking concept at the time. Christianity and Islam emerged from this revolutionary idea, each adapting 'the One God' to meet the social and political needs of their adherents. Armstrong skillfully distills the intellectual history of monotheism, spanning classical philosophy, medieval mysticism, and the Reformation, into a compelling and accessible volume destined to become a classic. Praise for the work highlights its synthesis of complex ideas, offering insight and satisfaction to readers. Critics commend Armstrong's clarity and ability to simplify intricate subjects without losing depth. The book is described as absorbing and a rich source of knowledge, with one reviewer calling it the most fascinating study of the quest for God, praising Armstrong's genius in tackling such a profound topic.