Religion in Human Evolution

In this work based on the sociology of religion, Robert Bellah presents us; He presents a great work that he created by blending disciplines such as history, philosophy, anthropology and biology with an interdisciplinary method and a tremendous intellectual effort. In this book, which Mete Tunçay brought to our language, the author states that evolution, contrary to some views, is quite complex, that meaning and purpose have a place in the evolution process, and that these also evolve in the process, and draws attention to the importance of evolution in abilities. Claiming that religion is a complex phenomenon and that it is not easy to define, Bellah religion is a powerful, lifestyle, behavior, etc. that has meaning in terms of a general order of existence when adopted and used by people. He defines it as the sum of permanent moods and motivations that permeate everything. In this comprehensive work, the author argues that the social function of religion became possible only with the emergence of language, and states that the meaning of evolution as a whole leads us to very wide problems, which inevitably lead to ultimate meanings that overlap with religion. In fact, while this work tells us what kind of life people considered 'worth living' in our deep past; While reliving what belongs to us in the depths of the present we live in, 'drawing water from the well of the past', reflects an effort that guides us to understand who we are in history, it also judges modernity.

This is a magnificent work based on extensive academic knowledge. It not only includes a number of independent studies, but also informs it with its consistent and strong theoretical foundation. Of course, there will be opposing views to this unprecedented study. However, this is a big step for the debate, and this also applies to those who oppose it. In addition, other scientists will base their ideas on this work for future studies on the past and present of religion.

-Charles Taylor-

This wonderful book is the product of the intellectual harvest of a social theorist with a rich academic world who has absorbed a wide range of biology, anthropology and history literature in pursuit of a breathtaking blueprint. Robert Bellah first searches for the roots of rituals and myths in natural evolution and follows social evolution until the Axial Age. In the second part, he makes a unique comparison of a handful of surviving world religions, including Greek philosophy. I do not know of any other study that is this ambitious and comprehensive in this field.

- Jürgen Habermas -

This work is the opus magnum of the greatest living sociologist of religion. No one since Max Weber has produced such a comprehensive and systematic comparison of the early stages of religious history. Robert Bellah has opened new perspectives for the interdisciplinary study of religion and global interreligious dialogue.

- Hans Joas, The University of Chicago -

(From the Promotional Bulletin)

Editor: Cem Tüzün

Dough Type: 1. Dough

Size: 16 x 23

First Print Year: 2017

Number of Printings: 1st Edition

Number of Pages: 759

Media Type: Paperback