The Political Economy of Indo-European Polytheism: How to Deal with Too Many Gods

This book provides a political economy perspective on the evolution and transformation of Indo-European polytheistic religions, modeling the rivalry between multiple gods and the monotheistic solution. It highlights the role of the priestly class in driving religious change and offers case studies on the demise and resilience of various polytheistic religions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This groundbreaking book delves into the intricate evolution and transformative journey of polytheistic religions. By employing economic models to analyze religious history and interpreting religious events as the outcome of rational choices within specific environmental constraints, it presents a novel political economy perspective on the study of Indo-European polytheism. The book intricately models the dynamics of rivalry or competition among multiple gods within a polytheistic system and explores the monotheistic solution to this predicament. Through comprehensive case studies, it highlights the pivotal role of the priestly class in driving religious change and proposes a unified explanation for the decline of Greco-Roman religion alongside the resilience of Hinduism and Zoroastrianism. This captivating work appeals to scholars of economics of religion and religious history, as well as those seeking fresh perspectives on the origins, demise, and emergence of religions, particularly the birth of monotheism.

Introduction:
This book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the evolution and transformation of polytheistic religions. By employing economic models to analyze religious history and interpreting religious events as the result of rational choices within specific environmental constraints, it presents a novel political economy perspective on the study of Indo-European polytheism. The book intricately models the dynamics of rivalry or competition among multiple gods within a polytheistic system and explores the monotheistic solution to this predicament. Through comprehensive case studies, it highlights the pivotal role of the priestly class in driving religious change and proposes a unified explanation for the decline of Greco-Roman religion alongside the resilience of Hinduism and Zoroastrianism. This captivating work appeals to scholars of economics of religion and religious history, as well as those seeking fresh perspectives on the origins, demise, and emergence of religions, particularly the birth of monotheism.

Theoretical Framework:
The book adopts a theoretical framework that combines economic principles with religious analysis. It recognizes that religious beliefs and practices are shaped by a complex interplay of economic factors, such as resource scarcity, trade, and political power. By applying economic models to the study of religious history, the book seeks to understand how these factors have influenced the development and transformation of polytheistic religions. The book also emphasizes the role of rational choice in religious behavior, recognizing that individuals and communities make decisions based on their perceived benefits and costs.

Rivalry and Competition among Gods:
One of the central themes of the book is the rivalry and competition among multiple gods in a polytheistic system. The book argues that the competition for divine favor and the control of sacred resources can lead to conflicts and tensions within religious communities. It explores how different gods may compete for the loyalty of worshippers, the sacrifice of animals, and the construction of temples and shrines. The book also examines the monotheistic solution to this competition, which involves the worship of a single god who is believed to be the supreme creator and ruler of the universe.

The Priestly Class and Religious Change:
The priestly class plays a crucial role in driving religious change and transformation. The book argues that priests are often the intermediaries between gods and worshippers, and they have the power to shape religious beliefs and practices. Through their authority. The book explores how the priestly class has influenced the transformation and demise of various polytheistic religions, including the decline of Greco-Roman religion and the resilience of Hinduism and Zoroastrianism. The book suggests that the priestly class has played a significant role in promoting monotheistic beliefs and practices, particularly through the establishment of religious institutions and the dissemination of religious texts.

Case Studies:
The book presents comprehensive case studies on the transformation and demise of various polytheistic religions, including the ancient Greek and Roman religions, the ancient Egyptian religion, the ancient Indian religions, and the ancient Chinese religion. These case studies provide valuable insights into the factors that contributed to the decline and resilience of these religions. The book highlights the role of political, social, and economic factors in shaping religious change and transformation, including the rise and fall of empires, the development of trade networks, and the emergence of new technologies.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this groundbreaking book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the evolution and transformation of polytheistic religions. By employing economic models to analyze religious history and interpreting religious events as the outcome of rational choices within specific environmental constraints, it presents a novel political economy perspective on the study of Indo-European polytheism. The book highlights the pivotal role of the priestly class in driving religious change and suggests a unified explanation for the decline of Greco-Roman religion alongside the resilience of Hinduism and Zoroastrianism. This captivating work appeals to scholars of economics of religion and religious history, as well as those seeking fresh perspectives on the origins, demise, and emergence of religions, particularly the birth of monotheism.

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030979454
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022