I'd like to connect as many dots as I can... I've heard lots of interesting tidbits on this board regarding ancient religious traditions that borrowed from each other. I went to Amazon.com and there were quite a few choices on books that cover this. Does anyone here have any recommendations?

For a great read on the emergence, growth, and persistence of the Jews from a secular perspective, I recommend "Jews, God, and History" by Max Dimont.

http://www.amazon.com/Jews-History-50th-Anniversary-Edition/dp/0451529405

A History of God by Karen Armstrong. This (long) book is more about the evolution of the three monotheistic religions, but it gives evidence of what was borrowed and why. One thing I thought was especially interesting is how the beliefs trended from literal to mystical back and forth over time.

Anything by Joseph Campbell (world mythology). Once you see the patterns in mythology, you can't help but recognize what they have in common and why. He has done much work in comparative mythology. Most libraries have his audio lectures for great listening.


Age of Reason by Thomas Paine- this is mostly about the Bible but it is a classic. Short and sweet- in every library and free online.

Even though recently J.Campbell has been knocked by intellectuals, I think he is incredibly insightful.

Karen Armstrong belongs to the "all religions are equally good" mindset. She's a little too politically correct for my taste, but fairly informative.

...not a book, but I'm halfway into the HBO/Netflix series "Borgia." It's a sick sucker, and I don't know if I can watch much more.......too many LDS parallels.

The Borgias series is more fiction than fact although the family were not exactly role models. Lucretzia, particularly,was misrepresented.Takeit with a large.grain of salt.

...I read most of Alexander's bio, and yes, the series makes stretches, but there seemed to me anyway, similarities with the secrecy, vindictiveness, and drama that has been alluded to in the historic LDS church... a bit of artistic license for sure.. At least they cast Lucretzia's part close to the period painting!........

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Alexander_VI#mediaviewer/File:Bartolomeo_Veneto_001.jpg

http://oidnes.cz/10/111/org/TT36e77c_Borgia_Dychauk_3.JPG

Many of these works are uninspired, but if you live longer than most:

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/952.1001_Books_You_Must_Read_Before_You_Die

google your question..... you'll get tons of good answers.

the Karen Armstrong book is excellent plus there are many

others that I read so long ago and no longer remember.

You want the history of religion , you'll have a merry

time reading all of it. Good Luck, you will learn alot.

Here is the "Cliff Notes" version.......

God created (insert your churches name here). All the others were created by Satan.

ANYTHING by Joseph Campbell

A History of God, by Karen Armstrong is very good. Highly recommended reading. Here's a great video too https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJkNs512Lsk

The Evolution of God

You might try "The World's Religions" by Huston Smith. It has been used as a textbook for decades. It covers several major religious paths. It doesn't go to great depths on any one of them, but it serves as a good starting point.

escapedfromzion Wrote:
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> You might try "The World's Religions" by Huston
> Smith.

Yes, good recommendation.

I know you asked about books but while you are at it..

Dr. Robert Sapolsky's lecture about Biological Underpinnings of Religiosity (terrific series! If you listen to the lectures you will come away with a changed brain or at least a challenged brain.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WwAQqWUkpI

As for books, google The Golden Bough.

Thanks everyone! I've loaded up my Amazon.com "Wish List".