“The Evolution of God”, a meta-review

“The Evolution of God”, written by Robert Wright, was released in South Africa and abroad in 2009. In the book, Wright argues that the interpretation of religious scriptures has always served humans’ emotional and intellectual needs. As such, religion is not static. Its application is malleable and takes into account the context of the times, and therefore the concept of ‘God’ is constantly evolving.

What is it all about?

Wright traces the history of the Abrahamic faiths – Christianity, Judaism and Islam – from the Stone Age through to the Information Age, showing how their spiritual, political and social mandates changed as their followers’ environment changed.

His conclusion is that, as the world becomes more globalised, religions will by necessity become more tolerant and inclusive, and that religious extremism may be a thing of the past.

Although “The Evolution of God” is less about God and more about those who follow Him, Wright nonetheless states that if history naturally pushes people towards moral improvement, as if by an invisible hand, this may be evidence of “some higher purpose, and maybe – conceivably – the source of that purpose is worthy of the name divinity”.

Who is the author?

Robert Wright is the author of a number of books about science, evolutionary psychology and game theory. His 1994 book “The Moral Animal” was selected by “The New York Times” as one of the 12 best books of the year.

He is an American journalist and has lectured in philosophy and psychology.

Wright is an agnostic.

What do others say?

“The Evolution of God” was heralded by many as an attempt at reconciling science and religion; as a book providing ‘proof’ of the existence of God. For these readers, Wright’s book has come as a welcome change of pace when compared to the writings of Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, who suggest that it is impossible for a rational being to believe in God.

However, the book has received lengthy retorts from biologists PZ Myers and Jerry Coyne for its assumption that moral growth in humankind can be regarded as evidence of divine existence. These critics believe that Wright has tweaked evolutionary theory to satisfy his need to find purpose in a process that is purely natural and material. There is no such thing as guided evolution, they claim, and therefore moral improvement cannot be an argument for the existence of God.

“The New York Times”: "Wright’s tone is reasoned and careful, even hesitant, throughout and it is nice to read about issues like the morality of Christ and the meaning of jihad without getting the feeling that you are being shouted at. His views, though, are provocative and controversial. There is something here to annoy almost everyone."
“Times Online”: "The possibility of a reasonable engagement between faith and reason, between doctrine and biblical scholarship, between a mature theology and a golden age of scientific research – all this seems very distant right now. And that’s why a new book gives me hope. It reminds us that if you take a few thousand steps back from our current crisis, the long-term prognosis is much better than you might imagine."
“The Washington Post”: "There are bones thrown here and there to atheists and believers alike, but no red meat. So the final judgment may be that the book is too hard on faith to please religious folk and too easy on dogma to please secularists."
Jerry Coyne in “The New Republic”: "…Wright has helped to pioneer a new genre: the intellectual feel-good book – chicken soup for the brain. In this season of the 'new atheism', believers are looking for ways to remain faithful, but still feel smart. Wright’s elaborate argument can do the trick."

How do I get hold of it?

“The Evolution of God” is published in South Africa by Little Brown and Company. It is available at Exclusive Books at a recommended retail price of R365.29.