The Evolution of Religious Stories

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This chapter delves into the evolution of religious stories, from metaphorical lessons to accepted historical truths, exploring the varying interpretations of Jesus across different branches of religion. It discusses the transformation of Jesus from a man with influence to a divine figure, and the complexities surrounding his characterization and miracle claims over time. The conversation touches on the diversification of Christianity due to varied interpretations of scripture, the role of ecumenical councils in shaping beliefs, and the emergence of different Christian sects.

Thousands of religions have adherents today, and countless more have existed throughout history. What accounts for this astonishing diversity?

This extraordinarily ambitious and comprehensive book demonstrates how evolutionary systematics and philosophy can yield new insight into the development of organized religion. Lance Grande―a leading evolutionary systematist―examines the growth and diversification of hundreds of religions over time, highlighting their historical interrelationships. Combining evolutionary theory with a wealth of cultural records, he explores the formation, extinction, and diversification of different world religions, including the many branches of Asian cyclicism, polytheism, and monotheism.

Lance Grande is the Negaunee Distinguished Service Curator, Emeritus, of the Field Museum of Natural and Cultural History in Chicago. He is a specialist in evolutionary systematics, paleontology, and biology who has a deep interest in the interdisciplinary applications of scientific method and philosophy. His many books include Curators: Behind the Scenes of Natural History Museums (2017) and The Lost World of Fossil Lake: Snapshots from Deep Time (2013). His new book is The Evolution of Religions: A History of Related Traditions.