God is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World - and Why Their Differences Matter by Stephen Prothero

This review is part of a TLC Book Tour.

Stars: ****

HarperOne (2010)
Adult Nonfiction
388 pages

Summary: Stephen Prothero doesn't believe that all religions are paths to the same place like the popular idea of paths up a mountain is about. He talks about what he considers the 8 rival religions and explains them well. His main focus is that the religions aren't similar because each religion addresses a different problem and therefore has a different solution. 

The religions Prothero includes are Islam, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Yoruba Religion, Judaism and Daoism plus he includes a chapter on Atheism which is over and above the "Great Eight."

I'm not sure I agree with his choice of religions but he knows more than me on religions. He does state that:

"Much is missing here. Shinto is not covered. Neither is Jainism, Zorastrianism, Wicca or the Baha'i faith. Also neglected are new religious movements such as Rastafarianism and Scientology. But the religion I most regret excluding is Sikhism." - p. 15-16

As I said, he explains that each religion addresses a different human problem and therefore a different solution. For example:

In Islam, the problem is pride, the solution is submission.
In Christianity, the problem is sin, the solution is salvation.
In Judaism, the problem is exile, the solution is to return to God.

It's hard to review this book without talking about my religious views but I just want to say that I always believe that each religion was a path to the same end but Prothero does make a good point I never thought about with regards to the problem/solution idea.

Discussion of the God is not One theory though isn't the majority of the book. The majority is discussion of each of those eight religion which in general I found very interesting. For anyone interested in learning the basics about other religions, this would be a great read. I do wish he'd come out with another book which explains some of the religions that were omitted. I love learning about other religions and often can't find an explanation I can understand.

Links of Interest: Browse Inside the Book, God is Not One on YouTube, Stephen Prothero,

Other Reviews: Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom, Knowing the Difference, Anchors and Masts,  Amy Reads,

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* I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review. All reviews are honest and are not affected by how I acquired the book.

Choosing To Be: Lessons in Living from a Feline Zen Master by Kat Tansey

Stars: ****1/2


Summary: Choosing to Be is a magical story about becoming fully present and achieving the true freedom of enjoying life just as it is. Guided by her inscrutably wise and perceptive Buddha master who just happens to be a Maine Coon cat, and inspired by his comical little brother who is the essence of pure Buddha nature, Kat overcomes seemingly impenetrable obstacles to achieve inner peace. She breaks out of the prison of her ordinary mind and arrives at a place that was there all along, the sky-like freedom of her own Buddha mind. - from website, read rest here.

I've always been a little interested in Buddhism and I love animals so I thought I'd give this a try. I really liked it. It's fun to read and gives some great meditation tips.

It's a little weird in that Kat Tansey was taught by her cat. You wonder if she learned on her own and attributed it to her cat or if her cat really talked or if she's just lost it. In the foreword by Patricia Heller, it says:

"Oddly enough, this book is classified as a work of fiction. It shouldn't be, and I'll tell you why I say this. I have met the real life Maine Coon cat, Poohbear, the wise and benevolent Buddha Master in Tansey's story, and know him to be quite a talker."

I don't know what to believe. I do believe you can get insight from animals but I don't know about months of teachings on meditation and Buddhism. Whether it's fiction or not, the information is helpful and has renewed my interest in learning meditation.

Also Kat Tansey experienced Depression at the beginning of this book which I can identify with and I found the teachings at the beginning very interesting and helpful. I'm sure I'll be rereading this book a few times and I almost never reread books.

The book is peppered with black and white photographs of the two cats which are absolutely delightful, as most cat pictures are.

I think this book is a good book for those interested in cats, meditation, depression or Buddhism or any combination of those.

Links of Interest: Choosing to Be,

Other Reviews:  Linus's Blanket, Lesa's Book Critiques, Socrates's Book Reviews, Amazing Doctor Zen's Wonder Blog

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