To Serve Other Gods: An Evangelical History of Religion

(Paperback)

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Description

In this volume, Harbin addresses two main ideas in relation to the larger issue of the origin and development of religion. First is the issue of historicity of key events in the founding of major religions. The author specifically addresses the exodus and the resurrection of Judaism and Christianity, respectively, as the historical foundations of those beliefs, and the lack of such historical events in "all" other world religions. Secondly, Harbin explores the virtually universal observation of a "primitive high God" present in various cultures throughout the world, suggesting an early monotheism. In the process of these explorations, the author repudiates the prevalent view that religion evolved from a primitive polytheism to the " higher revealed" religions, and demonstrates instead that it evolved from an early monotheism into increasingly complex polytheisms.
Contents: EARLY RELIGION; The Source; Polytheism Runs Rampant; THE SURVIVAL OF MONOTHEISM; The World's Old Organized Religion: Judaism; Hope Fulfilled: Christianity; THAT TRAGIC CENTURY; Avoiding Death by Dying; Under the Bohdi Tree: Buddhism; Mystics Galore: Other Eastern Religions; REVELATIONS OF ANGELS AND MEN; The Step Brother Resurgent: Islam; New Gods or Old: Modern Religious Movements; The Right Road or a Rabbit Trail

Reviews

A concise and fair description of the historical development of religions, from a conservative evangelical Christian viewpoint. His thesis that religion has degenerated from an original monotheism is adequately supported. -- Richard Rood, Probe Ministries
Well done! This book cuts through the fluff of empty relativistic phrases. I recommend it for collateral reading. -- Winfried Corduan, Taylor University
Well done! This book cuts through the fluff of empty relativistic phrases. I recommend it for collateral reading. -- Winfried Corduan, Taylor University
A concise and fair description of the historical development of religions, from a conservative evangelical Christian viewpoint. His thesis that religion has degenerated from an original monotheism is adequately supported. -- Richard Rood, Probe Ministries

Author Bio

Michael A. Harbin is Visiting Professor of Biblical Studies at Taylor University in Indiana.