Publisher's Synopsis
Conservative estimates establish that there approximately 22 major religions with over 6,000,000,000 total followers. More liberal estimates calculate approximately 5000 religious groups exist on the Earth as of 2016 and over 60,000 religious groups in recorded human history. It is estimated that among these groups they have worshiped 2000 to 1 million gods at present and over 20 million since recorded history. There have been the gods of the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, Hindus, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, Celts, Norse, Egyptians, Polynesians, Huns, Africans, Aborigines, Native Americans, Mayans, Incans, Aztecs, Chinese, Japanese, Shintos, Jews, Christians and Muslims to name some.The following conditions have always prevailed in the evolution of religion and the belief in deities or gods.1.)Humans have been subject to 'unknown' forces outside their control such as droughts, floods, storms, earthquakes & death to name a few since the beginning of their existence.2.)The human mind has a fundamental propensity or need to find security through explanation and control of these forces including answers to questions such as why we exist, where we come from and where we are going. The lack of answers to these questions can cause a fundamental existential angst in our lives.3.)In the absence of science - myths and belief systems have been created to seek security and a sense of well-being.4.)These myths and belief systems have evolved into legends, the supernatural and religions with gods, deities and supreme beings.5.)Many of the religions have common themes such as a savior, a resurrection, an eternal afterlife, a heaven and hell, an apocalypse, a code of morals, dogma, rituals and many other similarities.6.)These belief systems have been the source of an abundance of conflict, judgment and condemnation in the name of their god or gods, from the crusades, witch trials, genocides, religious cleansings, wars, feuds, sacrificial offerings and terrorism all in the 'name of god'.7.)Neuroscience shows us that the brain has an instinctual or inherent propensity to seek a 'higher purpose'.8.)While much good comes from believing in a virtuous loving parental supreme being it is not mutually exclusive with the bond that can be formed over our common humanity.This book discusses the major themes of the deities, gods and supreme beings that have been worshiped throughout history. The commonalities are profound and should not be ignored.The purpose of this series of books on religion, mythology and theology is designed to illuminate the necessity to emphasize our common humanity and eliminate the battles and divisiveness that exist in the ongoing religious struggles.This book is designed to be a reference and provide an overview of the topic and give the reader a structured knowledge to familiarize yourself with the topic at the most affordable price possible.The accuracy and knowledge is of an international viewpoint as the edited articles represent the inputs of many knowledgeable individuals and some of the most current knowledge on the topic, based on the date of publication.
