ePub God Against The Gods: The History of the War Between Monotheism and Polytheism by Jonathan Kirsch in History

Review

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A Short History of Spiritual IntoleranceBy ImmerGod Against the GodsJonathan Kirsch has provided a short; but powerful historical look at the rise of monotheism and the fall polytheism; that depending on one’s perspective; might lead one to believe we would be better off with a tolerant form of polytheism versus the forms of monotheism that are the movers and shakers of continued unrest in the world. His book spans the time of the ancient Hebrews and Egyptians; the classical world of the Greeks; and through the immediate heirs of Constantine. Kirsch makes it clear that both forms of “worship” have held their periods of persecution; which continue to this day. Most of these persecutions are/were perpetrated by extremes; yet polytheism has tended to be the most tolerant of any of the forms of worship of the God(s).An interesting fact from Kirsch is that the Christians were the first accused as being atheists. The Romans appeared to be excepting of the Christian God; and were willing to accept the Christian God into their legion of gods; but could not understand why the Christians would not accept the existence of the Roman gods; thus; the derivation of the term atheists. The Emperor Nero capitalized on this an as excuse for the first of the Christian persecutions.Much time is spent on the schisms and heresies within the Christian philosophies; in particular the Arian controversy. Were God and Jesus of the same “stuff”; or were they of different “stuff”. It is a bitter irony that Christians persecuted each other because of this; and other dogmatic differences in worshipping their one God.My summary will include a few quotes from the book.“Begin now to cast aside the causes of that disunity which has existed among you; for by so doing; you will with one stroke be acting in the manner most pleasing to the Supreme God; and confer an extraordinary favor upon me.” - Constantine to the bishops at the council of Nicaea.“No wild beasts are so hostile to mankind;” Ammianus famously remarked; “as are most of the Christians in their savagery to one another.”From Kirsch: “Indeed; all the excesses of religious extremism in the modern world can be seen as the latest manifestation of a dangerous tradition that began in the distant past.”Kirsch’s book is well documented; relying on an extensive bibliography; that includes many Biblical quotations. Perhaps someone more experienced with Biblical interpretations may find ground for disagreement with Kirsch; but this is the crux of the problem with Christian monotheism. Which interpretation; if any; is correct? Would we not all be better served with toleration for how one; if they chose; to worship (a) particular deity or deities? If Kirsch’s book can serve one productive purpose; it can serve as a foot in the door; to promote tolerance among those who choose to worship.One wonders if humanity will exit existence with a whimper; or will our ultimate demise be upon one another’s “swords” as we declare God is on our side.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A must read for anyone interested in Theology. The ...By GregulusA must read for anyone interested in Theology. The perspective seems to be highly objective.This is refreshing compared to the mostly whitewashed; slandered; changed and/or completely falsified information coming from a the perspective of either of the 3 Abrahamic ( monotheistic) religious perspectives. 7 stars out of 5 if I could...1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A new view of paganismBy Sharon RobideauxPaganism is a misunderstood and much-maligned belief system. In antiquity; it was the pagans who tolerantly allowed worship of any and all gods. Monotheists; in contrast; have engaged in intolerance and persecution of even other Monotheists. This is the premise of this book; one which the author successfully presents and argues.