***Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley and Llewellyn Publications!***

I found this book utterly fascinating. I was not quite sure what to expect when I picked it up, but as a long time practicing polytheist I was interested in what the author had to say. The message was insightful, logical and very respectful. Sometimes books like this can come across as demonizing or ridiculing faiths that are traditionally considered monotheistic. But I didn’t get that vibe from this one at all.

The research that the author did on this was immense. Literally every paragraph has some quotation from a scholarly source. He looks at the vicious debates that Christianity has had with itself over its 2,000 year history as well as similar vicious theology debates that have happened in Islam and Judaism also. But rather than come to the conclusion that this means the faith is inherently flawed (as other authors have) diZerega instead focused on the why those theological debates are happening. They happen because of a logical fallacy in the theology, so in an effort to “close the gap” a new branch of the religion is formed on a similar but often very different theology. Leading to an entirely different idea of God.

At the end of the day, diZerega came away with a conclusion similar to the one that led me to polytheism all those years ago….religion is inherently polytheistic, even if it doesn’t recognize that fact itself. That no religion is inherently right or wrong, good or evil. He comes away with a vicious respect for the right to religious freedom and details a long history of religious totalitarianism from all branches of religion over human history. Acknowledging that when that control over faith is removed all of these theology debates crop up, which turns out to be a beautiful thing.

Ultimately all humans are looking for answers to how the universe works and the path that we take to get those answers is different for everyone. But ultimately we all might be a little happier if we recognize that following the logic is easier than living with the cognitive dissonance required by monotheism. I think this one will be making a space in my permanent library.

I tried several times to read this book, but the language is so complex it took a lot of effort just have a basic idea of what the author was speaking about, and it felt more like an attack on monotheism based on history than anything else. The analysis was confusing as well, just pointing that, since there are several versions of the Christian God, there is a whole pantheon, but the author didn't explain or took into consideration that different people can understand the same thing in a different manner. He just kept pointing at the differences and wars caused by religion. I wanted to like this book, but it just left me confused and couldn't finish it.

A well written and thought provoking book that made me reflect.
I liked the style of writing and how the author explains his ideas.
It was an excellent read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Over all this book proved to be a enjoyable and informative read . Covering the topic of polytheism with such a straight forward writing style allows the reader to step back from the emotional response that can be triggered by religious discussion and look more deeply at why we as a species tend toward religious experience to begin with.
As a poloymorphic monotheist myself this book has not changed my views but has given me a look at them that is appreciated .
I would recommend this book for people holding views on either side of the topic that want a simple side by side walk through of the ideas presented.

* The writing at the start of the book did seem somewhat drawn out.

A very detailed look at the subject of Monotheism vs Ppolytheism and their respective beliefs. I enjoyed much of the rhetoric but continually found myself thinking about my own struggles with faith. After reading this I had a greater appreciation for the validity of the ancient faiths of Ifa and other ancient religions that deserve respect from the modern world. If a religion makes you a better person then IMO its valid and does what its supposed to do. Excellent and interesting,
I wanted more descriptions of personal interactions with the different Gods discussed. Gus states he had an encounter with the Goddess of Wicca. I wished he had discussed the event in more detail as I find it truly remarkable that old Gods are not dead. A very thought provoking book that was hard to put down.

Sorry for possible English mistakes!
Very, very interesting text!!! Reading (and understanding) of this book book will enchance with insights your esoteric workings (yoga, magic, chakras, energy healing, kabbalah, invocation, evocation...). It will be more clear how to understand your spiritual experience in relation to modern science. In some ways this book will give you freedom and you will learn what is base of reality more in connection with esoteric traditions. Sometimes (just in few places) book is little hard to follow but there is great summary at the end of the book. Final chapter is amazing!!! Thanks.