Creating God : The Birth and Growth of Major Religions / Robin Derricourt.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Derricourt, Robin M., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Religions--History.

Religions.

Archaeology and religion.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (303 pages)

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Manchester, UK : Manchester University Press, [2021]

Summary:

"What do we really know about how and where religions began, and how they spread? In this bold new book, award-winning author Robin Derricourt takes us on a journey through the birth and growth of several major religions, using history and archaeology to recreate the times, places and societies that witnessed the rise of significant monotheistic faiths. Beginning with Mormonism and working backwards through Islam, Christianity and Judaism to Zoroastrianism, Creating God opens up the conditions that allowed religious movements to emerge, attract their first followers and grow. Throughout history there have been many prophets: individuals who believed they were in direct contact with the divine, with instructions to spread a religious message. While many disappeared without trace, some gained millions of followers and established a lasting religion. In Creating God, Robin Derricourt has produced a brilliant, panoramic book that offers new insights on the origins of major religions and raises essential questions about why some succeeded where others failed"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Introduction : approaching religions' history

Frontiers of place and belief : Mormon origins and journeys

Vision, faith and conquest : the source and power of Islam

Rural Galilee to imperial cities : the beginnings and spread of Christianity

Scribes, priests and exiles under foreign rule : the emergence of monotheistic Judaism

Ahura Mazda and the enigmas of Zoroastrian origins

Prophets, religions and history : some conclusions.

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-5261-5618-0

1-5261-5619-9

OCLC:

1255850067