I recently got to review the book God is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World–and Why Their Differences Matter 
In the book, Prothero discusses the eight major religions of the word (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Yoruba, Confucianism, and Hinduism) and what each of them states is the “human problem” and the “solution” to the problem. For example, in Christianity, Prothero states, the problem is sin and the solution is salvation. I would give you the problem and solution for Paganism, or since it’s obviously a specific religion, Wicca, but Prothero didn’t actually bother with it (even though many consider it to be the fastest growing religion in the world). That isn’t all he discusses, of course, but it’s the gist of it: Prothero trying to show that all the world’s religions are different because they have different teachings and themes. By accepting that all religions are different, we can start to learn to build understanding and coexist.
Personally, I doubt any amount of delving into each other’s religious views is going to turn any of the fundie heads around to seeing a different point of view, though I do recommend this book to anyone who has a real interest in studying different religions and delving into different points of view on religious topics. For those who really do believe that “God is One”, you might want to give it a pass.
Personally, I found this book slightly frustrating for it’s lack of reference to any Pagan traditions, as one of the primary tenets of so many I’ve studied has been the idea that all gods are one god – and that he/she comes to everyone in the fashion that is best for the individual at that particular time in their life. When discussing if God is One, wouldn’t it be prudent to discuss the religious traditions that actually really do believe that fact?
I've been living under a rock lately and this just proves it because I haven't read Jason's blog lately. *sigh* I will take a look at this. You would think he would at least give a passing nod to a fast growing religion. Although paganism is so eclectic that is is hard for people to grasp that WE all think we are related.
Well, it's not really all gods are one God, but more that all religions are one religion. In studying other peoples' myths one comes upon the realization that they all come to the same spiritual conclusions no matter what routes they may take. To speak of a God or gods in any external sense is to 'eat the menu instead of the meal' as a great man once suggested.
Hmm…I've always wanted to take a theology course to better understand the religious beliefs of those around me. This could prove helpful in that vein. Thanks for sharing!
Some believe that all gods are one god and some believe that there are multiple gods. Being a Polytheist, I believe in the latter. However, I do think that each pantheon is just the same individuals seen through the eyes of a particular culture. It's no surprise that Paganism isn't featured as one of the "major" religions…it isn't. Yet. And when the day comes that it is listed among the "biggies" people trying to write about it will have a hard time making general statements such as "all gods are one god" because not all Pagans adhere to that philosophy. As for the myths: it seems each religion/culture shares some core stories (like a big flood for instance). I think this is a collective human memory that has been past down through the generations first through oral traditions and then finally written down as "gospel truth". In the thousands of years, we have forgotten the origin of the story, yet its impact can still be felt. All in all, the book sounds interesting, and perhaps will help some to see and understand that *no one* has the sole claim on a deity.
Strictly speaking, Paganism is more of an umbrella term, like Christianity than a religion – and it can actually encompass the Yoruba religions and even Hinduism. Buddhism isn't even considered a religion by many Buddhists – more of a philosophy.I know several people who consider themselves Santeria or Lukumí who also consider themselves Pagan, though both these religions also fall under Yoruba.And, technically, the Yoruban religion is not, in of itself, one of the top 8 religions, if falls under the term "African Traditional & African Diasporic Religions", which includes Voodoo. Many of those who fall under this category also consider themselves Christians or Pagans.Left out also from the top 8 religions was "primal-indigenous" religions, which include animists, shamans and some pagans (and technically most of those African Traditional religions).And what about the Baha'i faith, which is considered one of the twelve "classic" religions of the world?Basically, Prothero just picked and chose the 8 religious he wanted to represent, not the "top 8" or the "biggest 8" and classified them as he personally saw fit.
Great review Kris! I have to agree with you too that Buddhism and Confucianism aren't religions so him listing them as the top major religions of the world make his credibility sink right there-at least in my opinion. My husband's family is Buddhist (they are from China) and they do not consider it a religion, but a philosophy. They kind of make fun of Americans for always calling it a religion
Many pagans and wiccans follow Buddhist teachings-some Christians even. Thanks for the review!Blessings,Bex
Interesting book . . . I do believe all Gods are one but can manifest is many forms . . . more than our puny human brains can understand or comprehend. But I know many fundamentalists who will say that their "God" is different than another religion . . . which I always find strange because I would think it would break their law of only worshiping one god. Anyways, we can say that our Pagan beliefs are not in that book BUT who did many of them get their ideas from . . . US! Have you seen the documentary Zeitgeist? If not, watch it. The whole thing is available on YouTube.
I'll have to read this, thanks for the heads up. I think it's important to learn about a religion before you decide it is not right for you. As a side, I see what you were doing with the labels now…the Etsy shop looks great!
Agreed….but that shouldn't come as a surprise. Don't most people who write on this subject do just that and leave out the word "Pagan" because in some weird way they feel it discredits them? Perhaps one day an author will have the stones to delve into the true beliefs of Pagans across the board and offer an enlightened view. I, for one, would love to read more about people who are not Wiccan (no offense. It's just, most things are on Wicca and the rest gets left to the side) and who have adopted a philosophical approach to religion.
"When discussing if God is One, wouldn't it be prudent to discuss the religious traditions that actually really do believe that fact?"Nah, that's just crazy talk.
You make an interesting point when you say, "When discussing if God is One, wouldn't it be prudent to discuss the religious traditions that actually really do believe that fact?" I'd love to hear the author's thoughts on this! I'm so glad you were on this tour! You brought a perspective that hasn't been broached in any of the other reviews.
Interesting point about Paganism not being mentioned. I think he gives a good explanation for why he picked the religions he did, though I definitely want to know more about other religions as well that weren't mentioned. Great to hear your point of view on the book!
I see it as there is One Divine who is beyond us, unknowable…but the Energies of this One Divine CAN be known, loved, worked with, etc. I believe these Energies can express themselves to us as masculine and feminine, and that my ancestors called them by names they gave them, and that I might call them different names today…but they would be the same Energies.