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Creation of the Sacred: Tracks of Biology in Early Religions
 
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Creation of the Sacred: Tracks of Biology in Early Religions (Paperback)

by W Burkert (Author)
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
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Product details

  • Paperback: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Harvard University Press; New edition edition (27 Feb 1998)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0674175700
  • ISBN-13: 978-0674175709
  • Product Dimensions: 22.4 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 765,680 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Product Description

Product Description

Sacrifice - ranging from the sacrifice of virgins to circumcision to giving up what is most valued - is essential to all religions. Could there be a natural, even biological, reason? Why are sacrifice and numerous other religious rituals and concepts shared by so many different cultures? In this book, the author explores the possibility of natural religion. It provides insight to religious thought, past and present, and raises questions about the ultimate reasons for, and the ultimate meaning of human religiousness.

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Creation of the Sacred: Tracks of Biology in Early Religions 5.0 out of 5 stars (1)
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14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Why do you believe?, 22 Aug 2000
By Stephen A. Haines (Ottawa, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   
Studies of comparative religion abound on our bookshelves. Some are anthropological, others descend from the days of 'higher criticism' of the Judeo-Christian bible established by Ernest Renan at the end of the 19th Century. Walter Burkert has expanded beyond previous approaches by adding biology to the study of religious foundations. Accepting that a genetic basis for religious belief is unlikely to be revealed, he still argues that the universality of religious practices and attitudes is so common and well entrenched that it's likely we're now carrying some kind of genetic message about religion.

This invigorating examination, the result of many years of research, is the most stimulating proposal to be offered on religious thinking in years. Why do we kneel before altars, head bowed and eyes lowered? Is it because that's a common behaviour among higher primate hierarchical societies? Why do humans sacrifice such a tremendous wealth of resources to parasitical religious organizations? Does the practice have roots in animals shedding parts of themselves to predators? What is the role of the 'tale' in dictating behaviour and assuaging bewilderment in the apparent 'unfairness' of life and Nature?

Burkert addresses these and many other questions in his relation of human religious ideas. His reach covers the globe and delves into deep time in supporting his contentions. He examines the Hellenes, Romans, ancient Egypt and today's Judeo-Christian and Islamic religious forms. Even Buddhism, which doesn't incorporate a divinity, follows the universal patterns. No stone is left unturned; all aspects of religious behaviour are subjected to his careful and discerning scrutiny.

The endurance of religion in humanity's most literate era remains an incredible phenomenon. Why, in a time when rational thinking and dedicated research into nature have shown how little true value religion has, does it persist? Failure to address that question is this book's sole shortcoming. And it's most puzzling. Burkert lists Richard Dawkins' THE SELFISH GENE as one of its sources, yet Burkert fails ...to see the concept of the meme as the explanation for much of religion's universality and persistence. Memes, cultural elements successfully replicating and diffusing through human society much in the way of genes, have been the subject of study for a generation. Why then, has Burkert, with such an outstanding record of social inquiry, ignore the concept in this book?

The lack doesn't discredit the worth of this study, which is otherwise flawless. His ideas should be incorporated with those of Susan Blackmore, whose THE MEME MACHINE uses but a few pages dealing with religion. Given the pervasiveness of religion demonstrated by Burkert, this is a singular lack. The solution, of course, is to buy and read both. This pair of books will enlighten any one seeking understanding of why religion remains such a force in human society. And, sadly, why we are so unlikely to be shed of its immense power.

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