God Is Not One: A Study of Religious Diversity and Doctrinal Differences

I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in religions, but i especially recommend it to anyone who has a hatred of any religion or anyone who thinks that their religion is the "one true religion". Atheists and Christians alike should check this one out. This book debunks the common misconception that "all religions are different paths leading to the same place". The author does his best to remain unbiased and does not place any one religion as more "right" than any other. Stephen Prothero's simple, easy to read, matter of fact approach simply seeks to inform readers about the goals and solutions of the top eight religions of the world, while at the same time acknowledging that there are good and bad things that come from religion. Overall, I think this book helps to promote understanding about religions as a whole and as a result promotes religious tolerance.

Honestly it’s a really good book if you’re into other religions and unlike other religious books, this one grabs your attention with relatable scenarios and information.

Stephen Prothero's book God is not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World--and Why Their Differences Matter provides a wealth of interesting information about eight of the world's religions. The book is well written, and is worth reading. However, it does not make the case for concluding that God is not One, omits several religions, and does not explain why only differences, and not similarities as well, matter. The world's religions are not the same, and indeed are very diverse. Prothero covers the differences very well. Most chapters provide all kinds of detailed information, and draw attention to what Prothero considers the religion's central "problem" and its corresponding "solution". Fortunately, each chapter goes beyond simplistic one-dimensional themes, and provides a broader view of the multifaceted complexity and diversity of the religion. On the negative side, I noticed some unevenness of substance and tone. For example, treatment of the three Abrahamic religions does not follow a consistent pattern. The religions' respective scriptures are appropriately emphasized, but the sacred texts are accessed very differently. In discussing the diversity of views within Islam, Prothero buttresses his case by extensively quoting what seem to be contradictory verses from the Holy Qur'an; but the chapters on Christianity and Judaism rarely quote their respective Bibles, which too include apparent inconsistencies. In other chapters, though lots of useful information is provided, the language is sometimes disrespectful. For example, the story of the Buddha's enlightenment is termed a "fairy tale" (p. 169), and his devoted monks and nuns--the equivalent of Christ's apostles and early followers--are called "a motley crew of wandering beggars" (p. 172). Similarly, the chapter on Hinduism opens with an unflattering reference to "the fat and happy Ganesha, the most popular god in this god-besotted tradition," who is also termed a "pot-bellied god of good luck" (p. 131). Many such examples could be given. One wishes such language had been avoided, even if it reflects Prothero's dim view of some aspects of these religions, for it detracts from the overall positive impression of the book. I do not believe Prothero has provided convincing reasons for the book's general conclusion, reflected in its title, that God is not One, the religions are rivals, and [only] differences matter. The book's nine chapters distinguish one religion from another, but they do not provide a satisfactory basis for questioning our belief in the One God, the sole Creator. Prothero provides no evidence for his claim that "God is not One"; and, on the contrary, notes that belief in the One God is at the core of world religions that together constitute over two-thirds of the world population. Also, he does not explain why he believes that accepting the uniqueness of every religion is incompatible with belief in the One God who has created or inspired admittedly-different religions. Furthermore, since most religions primarily seek to provide a pathway to their own spiritual goal, and only Christianity and Islam actively seek to convert others, it is difficult to accept the view that all religions are "rivals" that seek to increase market share so that they can "run the world." Nor is it clear why the book focuses primarily on religious differences, and gives far less attention to what they have in common. As in other aspects of human life, wouldn't recognition of similarities as well as differences be essential for gaining a fuller appreciation of our own religion, as well as of the religions of others? The complete omission of some religions is surprising too. It represents missed opportunities for gaining a better understanding of all world religions. For example, Prothero excludes Sikhism, which is a distinct religion, the fifth largest in the world. Had the book covered this religion, it could have noted that Sikhism believes in the One God who treats everyone equally, irrespective of race, gender, caste, or religion. Overall however, despite these concerns, I believe Prothero has written a valuable book that complements other books on world religions, some of which more-adequately appreciate all religions in a balanced and respectful manner.

If you are a person that loves to learn and grow and therefore contribute more in life. Then this book will not only equip you but empower you too. This book tries and succeeds in reporting and describing the different religions in a factual adoring way. In how they are similar and different. In how they all have extremes and extremist and how they all have the mystical and ephemeral aspect. He dos a marvelous job talking about the values and beliefs, way of being exemplars in each one in a compare and contrast format but also in a high light manner as this book would be way too long otherwise. He succeeds in dice ting the different religions in terms of these term eloquently. He also points out that heaven, for some, is in the here and now and being human and doing human is the end goal. But also points to what some religions emphasize that here and now only matter to get to a different place. R that good conduct, social behavior, is in itself the key. There is a religious way of talking about religions which in a late night conversation at a bar can turn into a fight and then there is the secular an reporting way which this book exemplifies that allows one to not only experience and learn but also to question and evolve. Stephen is articulate and witty through out the book. I would highly recommend this book to only those that care about humanity and want to explore. Thank you for the brilliant book Jorge Henriquez Mexico City

Stephen Prothero's "God is Not One" clearly lays out the key factors, development, and affects of each of the major religions in the world, including a brief note on Atheism. As a lapsed catholic constantly seeking understanding of different faiths both for personal and academic reasons, this book has been the most helpful I've read. Before reading, I had a fairly firm grasp of most Monotheistic religions and a beginners understanding of far eastern practices (mostly from "Tao of Pooh" and videos of the Dali Lama). This book stated as clearly as possible what divides and defines each of these religions and how they each interact with one another and affect our global relations. While extremely informative, it read much like a novel and everything was delivered in a flowing manner that was easy to follow which kept me turning the pages. I highly recommend this book to anyone with any interest in theology out of academic curiosity or personal spiritual development.

The initial premise is intriguing: Prothero want to disabuse us from the notion that all great religions are essentially the same--i.e., that Allah/God/Yahweh are just different names for the same deity, and "believers" are simply ascending different sides of the same mountain, but with the same ultimate goal). The book does give a reasonably good overview of eight major religions, and I am thankful for some of his insights. For example, he discusses why a "Godless" religion (like Confucianism) deserves to be thought of as a religion and not just a systems of ethics. He also points out that someone can be deeply religious but in a quiet manner: A fire-and-brimstome evangelical preacher isn't necessarily *more* religious than, say, a quietly devoted Methodist. But the book feels superficial. It reads like a professor giving an overview of religions for college freshmen, and wanting to keep it fun and fast paced: hoping to become their favorite professor. After each chapter, I found myself needing to turn to the Internet to read up on each religion for more information on the basic beliefs and practices of each. Prothero writes in a chatty, "witty" tone which some may find charming, but I found annoying: as if he's worried the material will be too dry or too impenetrable for his audiences, so he funs-it-up and dumbs-it-down. Here are the first two sentences of the chapter on Buddhism: "Buddhism begins with a fairy tale. Unlike Cinderella or Rocky, however, this is no underdog fantasy of someone who has nothing and gains the whole world." Really? That's how we're going to begin an overview of Buddhism? And does he mean that Buddhism themselves think of the story of The Buddha as a fairy tale, or is that just his opinion? The final chapter on atheism seems dashed off and dismissive. Take this sample sentence: "After all, atheism is a religion of sorts, or can be. Many atheists are quite religious, holding their views about God with the conviction of zealots and evangelizing with verge." After writing in depth about three non-theistic religions (Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism), it's odd that he then writes a "coda" about atheism at all, and then jumbles up theism and religion as analogous concepts. He also tends to weigh the merits of each religion against his own personal experience, as if he's shopping for the best religion and trying to figure out which is the best fit. I feel like I know more about Stephen Prothero now than I do about the major religions.

As mentored by Huston Smith from a young age, I felt it was time to look again. I was in high school in the second half of the 1950's and Huston was teaching at Washington University (an early period in his illustrious life's work). His passing from this life (age 92) which he loved has not diminished my admiration or finding knowledge in his words and writings. His life was full of light and it enriched his positive view that he shared with others; but he was not unaware of the darker side that historically existed but never clouded his belief that he should focus on the common good of all the world's religions. This book lays bare the major problems inherent in following Islam, Christianity, Judaism -- the three major "Abrahamic" faiths, As well, there is an analysis of the inherent problem of suffering taught by The Buddha. Less you think this book is totally negative, the author shares the solution to each so that followers may seek growth in their own spiritual life's Journey.

This is an enlightening and entertaining book. It would be a pleasure to be one of Professor Prothero's students. The thesis underlying the title, "God Is Not One", is spot on and conforms to my own experiences and observations as I've traveled around the world. Although some reviewers have taken exception with this thesis, it is one that is easily confirmed by simply asking people what they believe. In India, for example, I found many if not most Hindus believe in many gods and according to some as many as 330 million. In Hindu temples you often find Buddha and several of the Hindu gods worshipped side by side. In Indochina spirit houses abound alongside Buddhist temples. In Thailand, King Bhumibol is worshiped as a god. In Central Asia, Muslims pray to the sky god while warding off evil spirits through various rituals. Prothero aptly demonstrates how various gods are invoked throughout the major religions of the world. I found the chapter on the Yoruba religion, of which I knew very little, to be quite illustrative of his "God Is Not One" Hypothesis. Prothero is also spot on when he denies that differences among religions are likened to taking different paths up the same mountain. The Buddhist goal of nirvana, the Hindu goal of moksha, the Confucian goal of harmony, and the Christian goal of everlasting life are not the same. I agree with Prothero, that we are better off to recognize these differences so we can find ways to live in peace with one another. Prothero is also quick to point out, and I would agree, that in spite of the differences there is generally little to separate religions with respect to their ethical standards. The golden rule seems to apply across religious differences. So far so good, but to get to this point Prothero finds it necessary to reject the traditional definition of religion as the belief in a supernatural power and instead posits a four-step approach to defining religion: (1) a problem, (2) a solution, (3) a technique, and (4) exemplars. This allows him to include groups as diverse as Christians who believe in a god and a hereafter and the billion plus "Confucianists" who don't believe in a god, a hereafter, or wouldn't even think of calling themselves "Confucianists." He goes further to include also atheism as a religion although ironically, here he uses the term "religion" pejoratively, as some religious people are prone to do, to minimize and dismiss Atheism's contribution to the world's cultural and intellectual history. He alleges, "Atheisim is not a great religion. It has always been for elites rather than ordinary folk. And until the twentieth century, its influence on world history was nonexistent as Woody Allen's god." Wow, can he actually be serious. Where's the scholarship behind this outrageous statement. For those interested in some excellent scholarship in this area, I would recommend "Doubt - a History" by Jennifer Michael Hecht. If Prothero can define Confucianism and Atheism as religions, why not Capitalism, Communism, Maoism, Hedonism, American Elitism or any other -ism. They all identify a problem, a solution, a technique, and have exemplars up the yin yang. In fact, it's hard for me to imagine what human enterprise would fall outside his four-step definition of religion and, I guess, Prothero may be suggesting the same when he has his students create their own religions, supposedly following his criteria. It's not just that his definition of religion is too broad; it also leads to the wrong conclusions. By defining Confucianism and Atheism as religions, he's throwing a deaf ear to the billions of non-believers and doubters and the tremendous influence they have had throughout world history. He literally cuts this line of inquiry off when he states in his introduction, "...nine out of every ten Americans believe in God, and, with the notable exception of Western Europe, the rest of the world is furiously religious." Of course, the world is "furiously" religious if any definition of god or human activity can be assumed by his four-step criteria. I want to ask, are the nine out ten Americans surveyed referring to the god of Thomas Jefferson who as a professed Epicurean saw god as not having an active role in our lives or the god of crusading Evangelists who see God's handiwork everywhere? Having been brought up in a fundamentalist family, it often surprised me to encounter Christians who do not believe in miracles, Christ's resurrection, or his virgin birth. Like Jefferson, to us these were non-believers, deists, or in the technically correct parlance of today atheists. In China where the majority of people I met did not seem comfortable referring to themselves as atheists, they had no problem stating that they did not belong to a religion or believe in a god. Here, it should be pointed out, as Prothero himself acknowledges, not even the Chinese government considers Confucianism a religion. So then, why has he? One final example, in the former Central Asian soviet countries where about 80% of the population is Muslim I saw little evidence during the month of Ramadan of the Muslim faith in practice. "Muslim light" is what some called it. Are these non-practicing Muslims actually Muslims? Prothero has no qualms in assuming that they are although he acknowledges that each religion has its non-believers, but then fails to plumb the depth and breadth of this phenomenon and as a result ends up drawing the wrong conclusions. I submit that had he used the traditional definition of religion, he would have found that the world is largely non-religious and that this has had a positive moderating influence on the religious extremism that continues to threaten the world today. This criticism aside, I feel obligated to give the book four stars because it moves the discussion of world religions in the direction of understanding and self-examination. Professor Prothero should be applauded for that.

Die Lieferung erfolgte aus New Jersey, US, innerhalb von 6 Tagen. Das Buch war ein Geschenk an meine Freundin, die sehr glücklich darüber ist. Ihrer Aussage nach hat das Buch so einiges zu bieten. Wer ein Buch sucht, welches sich kritisch mit den verschiedensten Religionen unserer Welt auseinandersetzt, um sich über jene zu bilden, der scheint hier an der richtigen Stelle. Auch optisch macht das Buch etwas her. Im Umschlag ist es ein wirklich schöner Blickfänger, den man gerne im Bücherregal präsentiert und im bloßen Hardcover-Einband kommt es elegant und unauffällig daher. Für den Stil eines jeden Bücherregals findet sich hier also das passende Gewand.

It's an amazing book; I use it as an aid to teach my world religion lessons in my high school.

宗教見取り図！分かりやすいです。

A good book but very thick so hard to read all in one go. I have taken to reading just the sections I want at the time I need to and going from there.

Für das Thema interessieren sich viele Menschen. Deshalb ist dieses aufschlussreiche Buch so wichtig. Es bringt in verständlicher Sprache umfassende Einblicke in die Ausrichtung und Ziele aller Hauptreligionen. Es rückt jeden Kuschelkurs, jede naive Einstellung zurecht und gibt Ausblicke, auf das was möglich ist und realistischer Weise erwartet werden kann - oder eben auch nicht.