God Against The Gods - History Of The War Between Monotheism And Polytheism

By Jonathan Kirsch

Book Overview

"Lively... points out that the conflict between the worship of many gods and the worship of one true god never disappeared." --Publishers Weekly"Jonathan Kirsch has written another blockbuster about... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0965916774
• ISBN13: 9780965916776
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Viking Compass
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.99 lbs.

Customer Reviews

For Pagans and Christians alike...

This book was certainly enlightening. I felt the author provided a genuine and fascinating grasp on a subject I constantly long to know more about: the schism between the Pagan and the Christian world view. The author's pace is perfect, it flows, the story begins in Egypt and ends with an epilogue about our own modern world. We are indebted to the Pagan world for the liberal viewpoints we cherish but there are aspects of Christianity that permeate our culture and offer guidance. It continually amazes me how often human beings have murdered and maimed for the sake of their 'faith'. How zealots darken the world by trying to order and destroy those who oppose their one-sided viewpoints. I believe Christian tenets offer us guidance as much as Paganism offers us self-exploration. Sadly, the politics of man continually interrupt the progress of goodness. An excellent read for those who want insight into a vast study. The reader will learn about Judaic as well as Christian martyrdom, the rise of Constantine the Great, about the Emperor Julian and his longing to re-establish paganism in the dying days of the Roman Empire. For those who are a little shaky with their ancient history, it provides some interesting background on the religious cults of the Greeks and Romans. For the history buffs... definitely and for those passionate about trying to understand man's inhumanity to man.

Repeating a theme

Paganism, Kirsch reminds us, has been far distorted beyond its original meaning. Even our common dictionaries use only pejorative words to describe it - "heathen", "hedonist", "non-religious". Kirsch wants us to understand that "no self-respecting pagan" would apply such definitions to his own forms of worship. "Paganism" has been the subject of harsh propaganda by the monotheistic "faithful". These agents of repression viewed worship of deities other than the "One True God" as just cause for the vilest forms of curtailment, cruelty and murder. Although we've suffered many centuries of Christian propaganda against the "pagans", Kirsch is able to sift through the evidence to provide a more reasonable picture. The pagan world had its blemishes, but in his view, there's no match for the destructive record of Christianity. Kirsch's opening subject may surprise most readers. He examines the effort of Egyptian pharaoh Akehnaton to establish a monotheistic faith. Akhenaton's project was to replace the pantheon of Egyptian deities with a "One True God" in the figure of Aton, the sun god. Given Egypt's environment, it was a logical choice. In true monotheistic style, one that would be followed by other monotheists, Akhenaton destroyed the images, references and temples of the previous corps of deities. Naturally, there was resentment among the populace, but a pharaoh's power was too absolute for a successful counterrevolution. Although unsuccessful in establishing a lasting monotheistic empire, Akehnaton is recorded as the first ruler to make the attempt. The next attempt was the half-hearted endeavour by the Roman Emperor Constantine. Kirsch closely examines the myth of Constantine's "vision" at the battle of Milvian bridge and the emperor's actions after the victory. Remaining unbaptised until shortly before his death, Constantine is shown as using Christianity to enhance his own power as a ruler. Skillfully playing many factions like political pawns, Constantine was able to keep himself aloof from religious strife. As Kirsch notes, more Christians killed each other than were lost during the "Persecutions" of previous emperors. Christianity bogged down over the "essence" of its founder. The "important dipthong" of Edward Gibbon became the basis for innumerable slaughters, burnings and suppression of dissenting views. It was a portent with continuous repetition. Adolph Hitler's motto of "Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Fuerher" was presaged by Constatine's "One God, One Empire, One Emperor". Almost in response to Constatine's vague conversion was the career of his nephew, Julian. Kirsch explains how Julian, a survival of the slayings of his relatives as Christian pretender challenged his Christian rivals, was raised in exile. In his training, he encountered classical philosophers. With the "heresy wars" besetting his times, Julian looked with longing at the domestic peace of paganism. The empire might have contended with competitors

Fascinating History

This book was as enjoyable to read as it was eye-opening. Because of 9-11, we are well familiar with the faction in Islam that believes in killing the so-called infidels. What I did not know was how deeply entrenched in killing non-believers that the original Jews and Christians were, as well; often under the supposed encouragement and blessing of The One and Only True God. The point of God against the Gods is not to condemn either Christianity or Judaism. Far from it. Rather, it makes the compelling point that the victory of monotheism over paganism in many respects may not have been a good thing; largely because of the tendency toward intolerance and persecution that the belief--my God is the One and Only True God--tends to breed in the minds of believers. This is a novel, provocative point to ears that have grown so used to hearing that monotheism is superior to paganism, and that paganism is nothing more than a superstitious hodgepodge whose defeat was a blessing to the world. But the author makes his point in a calm, reasoned, and balanced manner. In many respects, I found myself persauded. However, he certainly does not claim that paganism is totally innocent in world history either. It has its share of dark moments, too. This book is written in an easy, almost conversational manner, which allows it to provide a lot of fascinating history in a very interesting manner. I thoroughly enjoyed every page. At the same time, I also acquired insights and facts about the history of the three major monotheistic religions and paganism that I was not aware of before. The chapters on the Roman Empire and its Caesars, especially Julian, were fascinating. God against the Gods is highly recommended.

History explains the real truth behind religion

I am so happy there are people like Jonathan Kirsch writing about religious history because there is a true history to all religions and it is hard for religious people to accept. When you study the beginings of religion you quickly realize that it's more about humanity than God or gods. And when you get down to it the only difference between 'God' and 'Gods' is an "S". Mr. Kirsch has done alot of hard research and developement for this book and he should be commended highly for it. Thank-you Mr. Kirsch. Randy