Stephen ProtheroGod Is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World

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 bookJorge HenriquezMexico City

God is NOT one! Not all religions are striving for the same thing! Religious tolerance has condensed all of religious ideology into one format, and it has wrongly assumed that we are all climbing some imaginary mountain but taking different paths. The trouble is that we aren't all striving for the same goal. We aren't taking different paths to the same end! We are climbing different mountains! Prothero acknowledges that religions are DIFFERENT. Hallelujah! If there is going to be understanding and cohabitation, we need to grasp the fundamental differences in our world views and in what we believe happens at the end of life. That has everything to do with how we live, and how we live alongside others. This is a well-written book with very few biases. Where Prothero has opinions he openly states his self-perceived biases. It's easy reading and well, well worth the time.

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.

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.