The Evolution of God

By: Robert Wright

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

Length: 18 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

In this sweeping narrative, which takes us from the Stone Age to the Information Age, Robert Wright unveils an astonishing discovery: there is a hidden pattern that the great monotheistic faiths have followed as they have evolved. Through the prisms of archeology, theology, and evolutionary psychology, Wright's findings overturn basic assumptions about Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and are sure to cause controversy.

He explains why spirituality has a role today and why science, contrary to conventional wisdom, affirms the validity of the religious quest. And this previously unrecognized evolutionary logic points not toward continued religious extremism but to future harmony. Nearly a decade in the making, The Evolution of God is a breathtaking reexamination of the past and a visionary look forward.

©2009 Robert Wright (P)2009 Tantor

Critic reviews

"[An] in-depth approach yields original insights." ( Kirkus)

Superb

The best theory on how our ideas about God and truly moral ethics evolved that I have read. I will reread it many times and read his other books. Cuts through scientism and gives coherent scientific reasons for believing progressive implementation of the Golden Rule is necessary for our long term survival and built into the very fabric of reality. I look forward to exploring the connections between his view and the views of process theologists I have read, like Charles Hartshorne.

A center point in a new discussion on religion.

Provides a center reading and view point for the discussion of religion among the secular. Could be on a par with William James and The Varieties of Religious Experience. Makes me want to learn about Philo of Alexandria and the divine logos. I first encountered the distinction between personal and social salvation in this book, which appears to me to be a useful way to organize some important religious ideas.

A direct question for theists in this book is the basis for their singular conception of god and a historical weight of evidence showing gradual development of a singular conception as opposed to an instantaneous revelation and change. A silent question for theists in this book is the basis of a singular conception of the divine living in a world which on the surface is a plurality of concepts and cultures. Perfection is conceivable in many forms... perfect circles, perfect squares, perfection could come in as many forms as can adapt to different niches, and in the exciting discovery of new niches leading to new forms.

Another step for a constructive engagement on this profound subject.

Fantastic, compelling and sweeping

This book brings it all together- literally.
His quantum mechanics=Deist thesis is a little out there, but he explains it that way.
Otherwise it is an amazing book- should be required reading

Life changing experience?

It certainly was for me. It is so important to understand the origins of cultural and social elements of our lives. This book should be required reading for every adult human being. It is so thoroughly informative that I intend to immediately listen again and study it like a college course. get it. If you regret reading it will probably be for the right reasons. truth can sometimes be hard to accept.

Great book. Well read.

A well written book with some compelling ideas. The narrator, Arthur Morey, was so natural and convincing, it was though the book was being read by the author himself. Well done.

An amazing synthesis of ideas and history

Even if you disagree with Wright's presuppositions, his analysis of history, science, and religion is both compelling and challenging. I wish there were more writers who could write accessibly without sacrificing depth and complexity of thought. I will be thinking about this book for years to come.

Best argument I've ever heard for belief in God.

Granted, I'm still an atheist, however, Wright does an excellent job of walking readers through his argument for the evolution of God into something approaching scientific plausibility. Chapter 19, the Afterward, and the Appendix are must listens.

Worthwhile reading - but not great

What made the experience of listening to The Evolution of God the most enjoyable?

While the book was informative and for the most part well constructed, I did find my mind wandering off a bit. For me - it seemed a bit dry in parts and took too long to make some of the points, but overall, I still enjoyed the book.

An Education

This is not for the fundamentalist, but essential to those who have an open mind and want an intellectual inquiry into development of religion. I'd give it five stars all around except for repetition. The author clearly knows his stuff.

Excellent !

This book is a must read for anyone seeking the elusive realm of God. It is both abstract and concrete in it's exploration of man and his religious and spiritual quest. I have listened to it several times and will continue to go back to it as it is a pleasure to listen to the narration by Arthur Morey, and for the clear, well researched and well written information that Robert Wright has so wonderfully given us. Thank you Robert Wright for such a great work!