“The Evolution of Religions” by Lance Grande. Review & Questions
Religions are like species and language. They can be categorised into common clusters, with shared origins, which then fission into sects. By tracing religious evolution, Lance Grande reveals how our culture goes back millennia.
In this review, I outline Grande’s fascinating insights about conquest, patriarchy and the afterlife, then raise questions for further research:
How do religions differ with respect to the afterlife?
Religious evolution has been shaped by imperial conquest
Why has South Asian Hinduism been especially resilient?
Were earlier religions more female-friendly?
Why have most Jews secularised?
To illustrate these themes, I incorporate some evocative paintings.
