logo

58 pages 1 hour read

Karen Armstrong

A History of God: The 4000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Karen ArmstrongNonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1993

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Part 2Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 2, Chapter 2 Summary: “One God”

InIn 742 BCE, Isaiah, believed to be a Judaean royal, had a profound vision of Yahweh in Jerusalem’s Temple. During this time, Israel faced spiritual and political crises, as some leaders favored the worship of pagan gods alongside Yahweh (known as Henotheism). Isaiah’s vision displayed Yahweh’s transcendence and otherness, leaving him awed and recognizing his own inadequacies. A seraph purified his lips, preparing him to convey Yahweh’s message. Isaiah, and other prophets like Amos, were tasked with warning Israel of impending calamities stemming from their departure from genuine faith and justice.

These prophets emphasized integrating daily life with religious experience, stressing justice, compassion, and critiquing superficial worship. Amos spoke against social injustices and portrayed Yahweh as an advocate for the oppressed. The prophet Hosea depicted Yahweh as a devoted “husband” who had been betrayed by an adulterous “wife” (i.e., the Israelites in neglecting their faith in Yahweh). Hosea and his contemporaries denounced idolatry, openly ridiculing the practices and deities of other religions.

The rising monotheistic tendency in Israel’s religious perspective resulted in an intolerance toward other deities, unlike the more inclusive pagan pantheons. This intolerance was deeply reflected in Israelite scriptures, especially in their concern over “idolatry.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 58 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,650+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools