The Evolution of Religions: A History of Related Traditions

The diversity of religions is due to evolutionary factors and historical interrelationships, as demonstrated by Lance Grande's book. It highlights the formation, extinction, and diversification of religions, including Asian cyclicism, polytheism, and monotheism, and rejects colonialist and hierarchical views of evolution. The book promotes greater tolerance and understanding of cultural diversity for the future survival of humanity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 688 pages
Publication date: 13 February 2024
Publisher: Columbia University Press

The sheer number of religions that exist today, as well as the countless others that have come and gone throughout history, is truly astounding. What accounts for this remarkable diversity? In his groundbreaking book, The Evolution of Religions, Lance Grande, a renowned evolutionary systematist, delves into the intricate processes that have shaped the development of organized religion. Through a comprehensive examination of the growth and diversification of hundreds of religions across time, Grande highlights the historical interconnectedness of these faiths. By integrating evolutionary theory with a wealth of cultural records, he explores the formation, extinction, and diversification of various world religions, including the diverse branches of Asian cyclicism, polytheism, and monotheism.

Grande employs an illuminating graphic system of evolutionary trees to illustrate the historical interrelationships among the world's major religious traditions, challenging the colonialist and hierarchical "ladder of progress" views of evolution. Extensive and informative illustrations serve as a clear and vivid guide, facilitating readers' understanding of the complex historical developments and the vast interconnectedness across eras and cultures.

The book's central argument is that all major belief systems are related, despite the many conflicts that have arisen between them. By emphasizing these broad historical interconnections, Grande promotes the importance of greater tolerance and a deeper, unbiased understanding of cultural diversity. Such traits may be crucial for humanity's future survival.

In conclusion, The Evolution of Religions is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the complex processes that have shaped the development of organized religion. Through a rigorous scientific approach and a wealth of cultural insights, Grande offers a profound exploration of the origins, evolution, and diversification of the world's major religious traditions. This book not only expands our understanding of human religious behavior but also highlights the need for greater tolerance and cultural understanding in our increasingly interconnected world.

Weight: 2050g
Dimension: 187 x 262 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231212304