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A Little History of Religion

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A Little History of Religion

By: Richard Holloway
Narrated by: James Bryce
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About this listen

In an era of hardening religious attitudes and explosive religious violence, this book offers a welcome antidote. Richard Holloway retells the entire history of religion - from the dawn of religious belief to the 21st century - with deepest respect and a keen commitment to accuracy.

Writing for those with faith and those without, and especially for young listeners, he encourages curiosity and tolerance, accentuates nuance and mystery and calmly restores a sense of the value of faith.

Ranging far beyond the major world religions of Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism, Holloway also examines where religious belief comes from, the search for meaning throughout history, today's fascinations with Scientology and creationism, religiously motivated violence, hostilities between religious people and secularists and more.

Holloway proves an empathic yet discerning guide to the enduring significance of faith and its power from ancient times to our own.

©2016 Richard Holloway (P)2016 Audible, Ltd Christianity Philosophy Religious Studies Spirituality World Middle East Judaism Thought-Provoking Middle Ages Mormon

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All stars
Most relevant  
Excellent short book contemplating the nature and purpose of religion in human societies.

The book covers the history of major world religions but also offers, en passant, interesting insights into how and why particular religions operate in particular ways, how fear and other powerful forces were co-opted as the means to recruit or retain followers, and the role and purpose of religious leaders. Packed usefully with historical insights and interesting anecdotes it is surprisingly engaging and informative.

Nicely read and philosophical in its approach encouraging listeners to keep questioning their own beliefs and their origins and bases.

Philosophical and informative

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It’s the first book on history of religion I’ve come across and enjoyed the narration very much. It covers all of the major religions along with some minor ones and sects too. I liked the way the story is jumps from place to place in various parts of the world where new events or movements in religions are taking place. As an introduction it doesn’t go into too much depth in each religion but the details and context is deep enough to go to further study if so inclined. I would like to listen at once more to the topics that are of interest to me especially reformation in Europe and it’s impact on modern day Europeans, perhaps a subject of another book altogether.

Excellent intro to history of religion

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This was absolutely brilliant. A lovely reading voice and fascinating book. I highly recommend it to anyone religious or not. More than anything I feel it gives you food for thought about humans, what it is to be human. As soon as it finished I wanted to start again !

BRILLIANT

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Really great book nice journey through religion I 100% recommend This for anybody interested in religion. Also like the narrator James Bryce as well.

Great Listen

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This book brings you on a whirlwind tour of the world's most popular religions and gives you a glimpse into their beliefs and modus operandi. It's well written and the narrator's voice is easy on the ear. Obviously written from a secular point of view, it tries to be an objective tour guide for the listener. Worth a listen for anybody jnterested in religion history.

A little bit of education

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The narrator: witty, comforting and gentle
The book itself: a masterpiece in non judgemental reflective thinking about a subject that has dominated history and caused so much joy and pain. Exceptional in that it gives no opinion whatsoever on which religion is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ including atheism. This means you’re left wondering what YOU think given the basic facts rather than what someone tells you to think.
So refreshing.

Cannot recommend enough

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concise brief transparent. It is obvious the author disapproves and disbelieves in all religion and is mildly mocking of many beliefs but the narrator portrays this with good taste. nonetheless the overview of religions history tries to appear unbiased and gives the benefits and negatives of each religion as well as how it influenced what came after. gives a good insight to how we arrived at the modern religious day.

amazing look at history of religion

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An impartial overview of the world religions. Very educational and worthy. I fully recommend this audio book

Impartial, educational and worthy

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Would you listen to A Little History of Religion again? Why?

Yes, I'd like to go back and pick up on some of the individual religions to get the story again having completed the book therefore having a broader context.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Buddah

What about James Bryce’s performance did you like?

Never dull

Any additional comments?

I picked this out of a general curiosity as a non-practicing Christian. I wanted to get a wider understanding of other religions and this certainly delivered. I was worried that it was going to be a dry book but it isn't at all. Its well researched, short in some areas by necessity but also very easy to follow. Its also boosted by the light humour of the author at times.

Superb, even handed overview of religions.

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A really insightful look at many religion’s across time and the world and leaves you to make your own judgement about them.

Wonderful

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