Stephen Prothero’s “God Is Not One”
Stephen Prothero’s 2010 book, “God Is Not One⁚ The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World,” takes a bold approach to understanding the world’s major religions, arguing that they are not simply different paths to the same God but rather distinct systems of belief that address different human problems.
Introduction
In his provocative book, “God Is Not One⁚ The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World,” Stephen Prothero, a prominent religion scholar and professor at Boston University, challenges the prevailing notion that all religions ultimately converge on the same divine truth. He argues that this “one God” concept, often touted in interfaith dialogue, is a dangerous oversimplification that overlooks the profound differences between major religious traditions. Prothero’s introduction sets the stage for his central argument by highlighting the prevalence of this “one God” myth, particularly in contemporary Western culture. He points out that many books and discussions on religion perpetuate this idea, often leading to a superficial understanding of religious diversity and its significance;
Prothero asserts that “God Is Not One” is a necessary corrective to this trend, aiming to shed light on the unique problems and solutions offered by different religions. He emphasizes that each tradition has its own distinct perspective on the human condition, its own set of beliefs and practices, and its own way of understanding the world and our place within it. The introduction serves as a call to move beyond simplistic notions of religious unity and engage with the complexities of religious diversity, recognizing that each religion stands on its own terms, with its own unique contribution to human understanding and experience.
The Central Argument
Stephen Prothero’s central argument in “God Is Not One” is that the major world religions are not simply different paths to the same God, but rather distinct systems of belief with unique problems and solutions. He challenges the popular notion that all religions share a common core, arguing that this idea ignores the fundamental differences in their teachings, practices, and perspectives on humanity’s place in the world. Prothero contends that this “one God” concept, often championed in interfaith dialogue, leads to a superficial understanding of religious diversity, neglecting the nuanced complexities and specific challenges that each tradition addresses.
Instead of focusing on shared beliefs, Prothero emphasizes the distinct problems that each religion attempts to solve. He argues that these problems are not merely philosophical or theological, but deeply rooted in human experience and the challenges that people face in their daily lives. Prothero’s analysis highlights the distinct ways in which religions grapple with issues like suffering, sin, pride, death, and the search for meaning. By focusing on these fundamental differences, Prothero aims to provide a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the world’s major religions, moving beyond simplistic notions of unity and embracing the richness and diversity of religious thought.
The Eight Rival Religions
In “God Is Not One,” Stephen Prothero identifies eight major world religions that he considers “rival” due to their distinct approaches to the fundamental questions of human existence. These religions, presented in his book, are not ranked in terms of importance but rather based on their global influence and impact. The eight religions Prothero explores are⁚ Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Confucianism, Yoruba Religion, Daoism, and Atheism.
Prothero’s inclusion of atheism as a “religion” is a provocative choice, as it challenges traditional definitions of the term. He argues that atheism, despite its lack of belief in a deity, offers a distinct worldview, set of values, and ethical framework that rivals traditional religions in its influence on human thought and behavior. By examining these eight religions side-by-side, Prothero aims to provide a comprehensive and insightful look at the diverse landscape of religious thought and practice in the modern world.
Islam
In “God Is Not One,” Stephen Prothero presents Islam as a religion grappling with the human problem of pride. He argues that Islam’s central message is one of submission to the will of Allah, the one true God. This submission, according to Prothero, is the cure for the human tendency towards arrogance and self-importance. The Islamic concept of “submission” is not to be interpreted as passive obedience but as a conscious choice to align oneself with the divine will, recognizing the ultimate power and authority of Allah.
Prothero highlights the importance of the five pillars of Islam, including faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage, as practical expressions of this submission. He emphasizes that Islam is not a religion of fear but of love and reverence for Allah, a God who is both merciful and just. By exploring Islam’s core tenets and practices, Prothero seeks to shed light on its unique response to the universal human challenge of pride and self-importance.
Christianity
Stephen Prothero identifies the central problem Christianity seeks to address as sin. He argues that Christianity sees humanity as inherently flawed, prone to wrongdoing and separation from God. This concept of sin, rooted in the belief that humans have fallen short of God’s perfect standard, creates a fundamental tension between human nature and divine grace. Christianity’s solution, according to Prothero, lies in the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, who, through his life, death, and resurrection, offers forgiveness and reconciliation with God. He emphasizes that Christianity’s core message revolves around the concept of grace, a gift of God’s unconditional love that overcomes human limitations and offers the possibility of salvation.
Prothero explores the various theological perspectives within Christianity, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy, highlighting the diverse interpretations of Christ’s sacrifice and the path to salvation. He emphasizes the importance of the sacraments, scripture, and prayer as integral aspects of Christian faith and practice, illustrating how these elements help individuals navigate the challenges of sin and strive for a relationship with God.
Buddhism
Stephen Prothero presents Buddhism as a response to the problem of suffering. Unlike religions that focus on a personal God, Buddhism, according to Prothero, offers a path to liberation from the cycle of suffering through self-cultivation and spiritual insight. He explains that Buddhism views suffering as an inherent part of human existence, stemming from attachment, craving, and ignorance. This cycle of desire and dissatisfaction, known as “samsara,” perpetuates suffering and prevents individuals from achieving true happiness.
Prothero highlights the Four Noble Truths, which form the foundation of Buddhist teachings, as a framework for understanding suffering and its causes. The first truth acknowledges the universality of suffering, while the second identifies the root cause as attachment and craving. The third truth emphasizes the possibility of ending suffering through the elimination of these attachments, and the fourth truth outlines the path to liberation, known as the Eightfold Path. This path, Prothero explains, involves cultivating wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline to achieve enlightenment and escape the cycle of suffering.
Judaism
Stephen Prothero delves into Judaism, emphasizing its unique perspective on the human condition. He argues that Judaism grapples with the problem of evil, a pervasive force that threatens humanity’s relationship with the divine. Judaism, Prothero suggests, understands evil not as a consequence of human sinfulness but as a fundamental aspect of the world, originating from forces beyond human control. This understanding, he explains, is rooted in the Jewish belief in a single, powerful God who is both creator and sustainer, yet who allows evil to exist.
Prothero highlights the Jewish concept of “tikkun olam,” meaning “repairing the world,” as a response to this problem of evil. He suggests that Judaism calls on its followers to actively participate in the process of repairing the world and combatting evil through acts of righteousness and social justice. By engaging in these acts, Prothero explains, Jews believe they can contribute to the ultimate restoration of God’s original creation and create a more just and equitable world. This perspective, he argues, underscores the inherent tension between the presence of evil and the belief in a just and benevolent God, a tension that Judaism seeks to resolve through ethical action and a commitment to repairing the world.
Confucianism
Prothero approaches Confucianism, not as a religion in the traditional sense, but as a philosophical and ethical system focused on social harmony and order. He argues that Confucianism, unlike many religions, does not center on a belief in a deity or a divine creator. Instead, its core concern lies in cultivating a harmonious society based on ethical principles and social relationships. Prothero highlights the Confucian concept of “ren,” often translated as “humanity” or “benevolence,” as the foundation of this ethical framework. He explains that “ren” encompasses virtues like compassion, empathy, and respect, emphasizing the importance of fostering these qualities in individuals to create a just and flourishing society.
Prothero further emphasizes the Confucian focus on social hierarchy and proper conduct within various relationships. He describes the “Five Constant Relationships” – ruler-subject, father-son, husband-wife, elder brother-younger brother, and friend-friend – as fundamental to social order. Confucianism, according to Prothero, stresses the importance of fulfilling one’s duties within these relationships, fostering respect and harmony within the social structure. This focus on social order and ethical conduct, he argues, distinguishes Confucianism from religions that emphasize individual salvation or a belief in a divine power.
Yoruba Religion
Prothero delves into Yoruba religion, a vibrant and complex tradition originating in West Africa, focusing on its unique understanding of divinity and the interconnectedness of the spiritual and physical realms. He highlights the Yoruba belief in a supreme deity, Olodumare, who is often seen as the creator of the universe and the source of all life. However, Prothero emphasizes that Olodumare is not directly involved in the daily lives of humans; instead, interactions with the divine primarily occur through lesser deities known as orishas.
Prothero describes the orishas as powerful intermediaries who embody various aspects of nature, human emotions, and social roles. He explains that each orisha has unique characteristics, powers, and domains, and that they are often associated with specific elements, animals, or objects. Yoruba people, according to Prothero, seek to honor and appease the orishas through rituals, offerings, and sacrifices, believing that these actions can influence their well-being and prosperity. He highlights the importance of divination and ancestor veneration in Yoruba tradition, emphasizing their role in connecting the living with the spiritual realm and guiding individuals through life’s challenges.
Daoism
Prothero examines Daoism, a philosophical and religious tradition that originated in ancient China, focusing on its emphasis on harmony with the natural world and the pursuit of balance in all things. He explains that Daoism is centered around the concept of the Dao, often translated as “The Way,” which is seen as the ultimate principle governing the universe and the source of all existence. Daoism, according to Prothero, does not focus on a personal God or a specific deity, but rather on understanding and aligning oneself with the natural order of the universe.
Prothero highlights the Daoist concept of “wu wei,” often translated as “non-action,” which emphasizes the importance of acting in accordance with the natural flow of things, avoiding unnecessary force or intervention. He also discusses the Daoist practice of “yin and yang,” which represents the dualistic forces that govern all aspects of existence, emphasizing the interconnectedness of opposites and the importance of balance. Prothero explores the various schools of Daoism, including the philosophical tradition of Laozi and the more esoteric practices associated with later developments like alchemy and internal martial arts, showcasing the diverse and evolving nature of this ancient tradition.
Atheism
Prothero’s inclusion of atheism as one of the “eight rival religions” is a provocative move, challenging the common perception that atheism is simply the absence of belief in God, rather than a distinct worldview with its own set of principles and values. He argues that atheism, while not a religion in the traditional sense, functions as a distinct approach to life, offering a different way of understanding the world and addressing human problems.
Prothero explores the history of atheism, tracing its roots back to ancient Greece and the Enlightenment, and highlighting the different forms of atheism, from the “strong” atheism that rejects the very possibility of God’s existence to the “weak” atheism that simply lacks belief in a personal God. He examines the philosophical and ethical frameworks that underpin atheism, focusing on the emphasis on reason, science, and human agency. Prothero also discusses the role of atheism in contemporary society, exploring its impact on politics, culture, and social discourse, and acknowledging its growing influence in a secularizing world.
Prothero’s Critique of Interfaith Dialogue
Prothero is highly critical of what he perceives as a naive and often superficial approach to interfaith dialogue, arguing that it often overlooks the fundamental differences between religions. He contends that attempts to find common ground and emphasize similarities between religions can lead to a false sense of unity, ultimately obscuring the genuine complexities and tensions that exist between them. Prothero believes that genuine understanding and respectful coexistence require a deeper engagement with the distinct problems and solutions that each religion offers, rather than simply seeking out points of agreement.
He criticizes the tendency to portray all religions as different paths to the same God, arguing that this approach disregards the unique ways in which each religion addresses the human condition. Prothero advocates for a more nuanced and critical approach to interfaith dialogue, one that acknowledges the differences between religions while also seeking to foster mutual respect and understanding. He believes that true interfaith dialogue should not aim to erase differences but rather to engage with them in a spirit of intellectual curiosity and openness.
The Significance of Religious Differences
Prothero argues that recognizing and understanding the differences between religions is crucial for navigating a world increasingly shaped by religious diversity. He contends that the failure to acknowledge these differences can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and a lack of appreciation for the unique values and perspectives that each religion offers. By highlighting the distinct problems that each religion seeks to solve and the specific solutions it provides, Prothero aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse tapestry of religious thought and practice. He believes that appreciating the differences between religions is essential for promoting meaningful interfaith dialogue and fostering a more tolerant and inclusive society.
Prothero’s emphasis on the significance of religious differences does not imply a rejection of interfaith dialogue or a belief in the inherent superiority of one religion over another. Instead, he advocates for an approach that acknowledges the complexities and nuances of religious belief and practice, fostering a greater understanding and respect for the diverse ways in which people find meaning and purpose in their lives.
Prothero’s View on Religious Literacy
Prothero argues that religious literacy, the ability to understand and engage with religious ideas and practices, is essential for navigating an increasingly diverse and interconnected world. He believes that religious literacy is not simply about knowing facts about different religions but also about developing a critical understanding of their history, beliefs, practices, and social impact. He contends that religious literacy is crucial for informed civic engagement, responsible media consumption, and effective intercultural communication.
Prothero believes that religious literacy is not only important for individuals but also for society as a whole. He argues that a lack of religious literacy can contribute to misunderstandings, prejudice, and even violence. By promoting religious literacy, he hopes to foster greater understanding, tolerance, and respect among people of different faiths.
