Book Reviews: Books on Ancient Religions, Religious Beliefs, History
The religions we see today didn't pop out of nowhere - they evolved gradually from more ancient faiths which have largely, it not entirely, died away. What are some of these religions and how have their beliefs survived down through today? Learn about some recent books on ancient religious beliefs and what they have to offer.
Mirror of the Gods: How Renaissance Artists Rediscovered Pagan Gods
Most people probably know that the Renaissance was a rebirth of scholarship and learning derived from ancient history. Most people are unaware, however, just how the reclamation of Europe's religious heritage occurred. It wasn't inevitable and it didn't occur independent of contemporary political, social, and religious considerations.
Most people probably know that the Renaissance was a rebirth of scholarship and learning derived from ancient history. Most people are unaware, however, just how the reclamation of Europe's religious heritage occurred. It wasn't inevitable and it didn't occur independent of contemporary political, social, and religious considerations.
First Democracy: The Challenge Of An Ancient Idea
Democracy is very important to America. It’s a fundamental component of America’s politics, America’s culture, and most importantly America’s self-identity. America is defined less by ethnicity or religion like other nations and more by a political ethic of democratic self-governance. Is America truly democratic, however? Does it understand what democracy is and is it ready for democracy?
Democracy is very important to America. It’s a fundamental component of America’s politics, America’s culture, and most importantly America’s self-identity. America is defined less by ethnicity or religion like other nations and more by a political ethic of democratic self-governance. Is America truly democratic, however? Does it understand what democracy is and is it ready for democracy?
The Romans: From Village to Empire
The rise and fall of the Roman empire has fascinated not just historians but others as well for hundreds of years. Why did a small village on the Italian peninsula grow to dominate not only the region, but even much of western world? Once on top, why did that same empire then collapse and disappear except for ruined buildings and roads as a reminder of who might have once been there?
The rise and fall of the Roman empire has fascinated not just historians but others as well for hundreds of years. Why did a small village on the Italian peninsula grow to dominate not only the region, but even much of western world? Once on top, why did that same empire then collapse and disappear except for ruined buildings and roads as a reminder of who might have once been there?
The Ancient Olympics: A History
What connection do the modern Olympics have with the Olympics of ancient Greece? The ancient Olympics were not the graceful, iconic displays of physical ability which people have idealized them as - but then again, neither are the modern Olympics. Both are rooted in our humanity, which means that both have involved more suffering, corruption, and base motives than most would admit.
What connection do the modern Olympics have with the Olympics of ancient Greece? The ancient Olympics were not the graceful, iconic displays of physical ability which people have idealized them as - but then again, neither are the modern Olympics. Both are rooted in our humanity, which means that both have involved more suffering, corruption, and base motives than most would admit.
In Search of Zarathustra: The First Prophet
Obscured by time, history, and overlays of conflicting religious dogmas lies a religion which few people understand, but which has arguably had a profound affect upon the lives of a large percentage of the people who have lived during the past couple of millennia: Zoroastrianism. Is it possible to cut through all of the interference and learn more?
Obscured by time, history, and overlays of conflicting religious dogmas lies a religion which few people understand, but which has arguably had a profound affect upon the lives of a large percentage of the people who have lived during the past couple of millennia: Zoroastrianism. Is it possible to cut through all of the interference and learn more?
Strange Birds from Zoroaster's Nest: An Overview of Revealed Religions
It is unlikely that religion will ever disappear from human culture, so it has a long future ahead of it - but it also has a long past, and we can learn quite a lot about religions by taking a closer look at where they come from and at some of the sources for a religion's diverse traditions.
It is unlikely that religion will ever disappear from human culture, so it has a long future ahead of it - but it also has a long past, and we can learn quite a lot about religions by taking a closer look at where they come from and at some of the sources for a religion's diverse traditions.
The Ancient Gods Speak: A Guide to Egyptian Religion
Ancient Egypt produced one of the most fascinating religious systems the world has ever seen. That religion is, however, now dead - a part of history, just like the ancient monuments which can still be found along the Nile. This does not mean, however, that it had no influence upon subsequent religious developments in the Near East.
Ancient Egypt produced one of the most fascinating religious systems the world has ever seen. That religion is, however, now dead - a part of history, just like the ancient monuments which can still be found along the Nile. This does not mean, however, that it had no influence upon subsequent religious developments in the Near East.
Restoring the Goddess: Equal Rites for Modern Women
Is traditional religion inherently patriarchal and hence damaging to women? Is it possible to reconstruct a female-centered religious system? Would such a religion be free of superstition and damaging imagery, making it inherently better than a traditional religion centered on a male god?
Is traditional religion inherently patriarchal and hence damaging to women? Is it possible to reconstruct a female-centered religious system? Would such a religion be free of superstition and damaging imagery, making it inherently better than a traditional religion centered on a male god?