Good Argumentative Essay About A Short Account On Prothero’s “God Is Not One”

Even the brightest of minds have been confused with the notions of religion and have developed what seems to be misconceptions of sociologist and philosophers. Many sociologists have believed that the increase in modernization and industrialization would lead to developing more secular countries, and that the differences of religion would fade away. Prothero in his book “God is Not One” has rejected the belief on a clear stand that religions in this world are still a dominating factor and are playing a significant role in both right and wrong, good and evil.
Prothero is famously known for his work on religious literacy whether it’s the tweets he makes, or his fundamental works like “Religious literacy”. He strongly believes that to contend with the world as it has turned out today, there is need for renewed religious literacy. The Book “God is Not One” is a step towards such renewal where Prothero not only renders the readers with an overview of eight major religions, but also an understanding as to how religions play a role in understanding the core notions of humanity and the human conditions.
Ranking the religions with regards to their contemporary impact, the author covers Christianity, Islam, Confucianism, Hinduism, Yoruba Religion, Buddhism, Daoism and Judaism. Prothero has given a brief account of the practitioner’s journey into their religions. The book banks on the analysis of some major problems that are presented in different religions and the major solutions that they stress in that context. What follows is a general overview of Prothero’s take on the problems proposed by different religions, the subsequent solutions for those problems, and the tried techniques. He has also used a basic 4 to 5 word definition for defining each religion as is mostly used by religious scholars.
Islam is considered as a path of submission. The problem presented in the religion as per Prethero is Self-sufficiency, and the solution presented in it is the way to submit yourself through performing the Islamic practices like “the five pillars”.
Christianity has been presented as a way of Salvation. The problem which this religion brings forward is Sin, and the solution which it gives is Salvation towards Jesus Christ. The technique that is tried as a solution is a mix of good works and faith.
Confucianism is a way of Propriety and the problem presented in it is Chaos. The solution that this religion gives is Social Order through techniques of Etiquette and Ritual.
Hinduism is a way of Devotion and the problem presented is Samsara (which defines a cycle or circle of death and rebirth). The solution presented in it is Release or Moksha, and the technique tried is that of devotion.
Buddhism has been presented by Prothero as a path of Awakening. The problem presented by this religion is suffering and the solution is Nirvana. The Eightfold Path is the technique which is practiced in it.
Going further, Yoruba has been defined as a way of connection where the problem projected is Disconnection. The solution that it gives is reconnecting with the Divine through techniques of Sacrifice and Divination.
Judaism has been defined in the book as a path of Exile and Return, where the problem is the exile and the solution is to return. The technique used in it is that of obeying and remembering
Daoism is a way of Flourishing where the problem presented is lifelessness and the solution presented in flourishing. The technique that is practiced in this religion is known as Dao.
Though the author has not thrown light on many conceptions in different religions but the Book tends to give a good idea of how religions have impact on their practitioners and followers.