Fascinating book

I very much enjoyed listening to this book but was concerned about the way Richard Holloway chose to interpret parts of the Bible. (But then, according to Richard, I would.)

He takes us on a journey through the development of the idea of "God", why this would have been important and how the idea was maintained and changed through time. He addresses the big questions of life such as what happens after we die and why there is evil in the world.

His approach to various holy writings is that the authors of each had some sort of revelation which they believed to come from God and then wrote for there. However their understanding was probably muddled or incomplete, hence the various religions. These revelations may or may not have come from an external source. In any case they could have no knowledge of the future so all apparent prophetic writings must have been written after the event. Thus the biblical book of Daniel must have been written during the second century BCE despite evidence to the contrary.

I have the impression the book was written by someone who used to be a Christian but has now transferred his faith to humanity. A kindly soul nonetheless.

The walk through of the many faiths of the world and their origins was very helpful and, I can only hope, fairly accurate.

Overall I found this a fascinating listen even where I disagreed with the author and would recommend it to anyone seeking such an overview.

43 people found this helpful

A light history of religion (but mostly christian)

if you want a very broadbrush sweep through the world's religions this will just about do the job. But only if you want to look at it from the Christian point of view. There were chapters and chapters on Judaism and Christian stories but only the briefest encounter with the schism in Islam, and nothing at all about the development of the different traditions in that Faith! all the biblical stories are basicly presented as fact. No effort is made to establish if any of the Jewish history could be myths. There is also no critical analysis of any part of the bible. the author also seeks to patronize frequently by stating that 'the technical term for that is ____ e.g. agnostic. most Christian sects are briefly covered but if you wanted an insight on Greek, Roman or Mesopotamian religions and how their gods and ways weave into other religions you will need a more detailed text. I have tried to be fair in my review and there are some careful thoughts on how Christianity has changed over the past 100 years.

34 people found this helpful

Unbiased, educational and interesting

I was attracted to this book when I saw who had written it. I’ve heard Richard Holloway speak and am impressed by his open-minded attitude to religion and humane approach to those that the more bigoted denigrate such as gays, lesbians and transgender people and applaud his criticism of how most religions exclude women from any important role. Views all the more courageous as he was the Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Scotland.

I found this book very interesting and learned a lot about the different religions as he explains the tenets of various faiths so clearly. He enumerates the similarities among them and describes how small differences in beliefs have led to so much conflict, persecution and bloodshed throughout history.

I started the book with the opinion that the world would be a better place without religions and leave with that opinion reinforced. I don’t know if it was the intention of the author but for me he provides convincing arguments that religions are created out of the human mind and are an understandable attempt to make sense of the vagaries of life and a world that is difficult to comprehend. That would be fine if this comforts people, but, although most religions start with good intentions, the majority get corrupted over time by the men in power. It’s sad that even in our modern world religion is causing so much suffering and in some cases tries to stifle scientific progress and personal freedom.

The final chapter gives a hint to a shift in the author's own beliefs as he describes non-secular humanism, which certainly seems benign compared with much of the history of religions!

The writing style is well suited to being read as it feels as if the author is speaking to the listener: helped by the narrator’s warm and friendly voice.

29 people found this helpful

Highly Recommended.

Well written and narrated. A panoramic, but a little more than a whistle stop tour of the world's religions. Highly recommended for the enquirer, also a good refresher

20 people found this helpful

The known from a different angle.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes - fascinating details of known history from a different perspective

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Little History of Religion?

all of it

What about James Bryce’s performance did you like?

easily listenable

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

made me think

Any additional comments?

worth it.

15 people found this helpful

Really enjoyable!

I loved this book. An excellent summary of world religion throughout the ages. Also a thought-provoking snapshot into understanding our own human mind! The tone of the book was perfectly pitched as well. A very entertaining listen!

11 people found this helpful

Informative and entertaining wry humour

easy to finish and great narrator. Brillisnt without an agenda and lots of informations providing a broad history and pleasurable journey through time. Narration fabukous and brought it to life with a sprinkle of humour.

10 people found this helpful

Euro-centric

The first half of the book begins as an incredibly promising explosion of multicultural, multilingual exploration in to the distant past of far-off and fascinating religions. However, the narrative eventually settles down into traipsing meanderingly after Christianity's many failings in the Western world. Beautifully written and delivered, but unfortunately Euro-centric.

8 people found this helpful

Really enjoyable

This is a warm, and accessing romp through the different religions which can be enjoyed be people of all ages and faiths.

6 people found this helpful

Absolutely awesome

This book answered so many questions I had about religion. It answered questions I didn't actually realise I had too.
Brilliantly expressed, brilliantly read and completely engaging.
I've listened to literally hundreds of books on audible and this is one of about 3 that I've reviewed.
5 stars, because I can't give it 10!

5 people found this helpful