In F. B. Jevons’ ‘The Idea of God in Early Religions’, the author explores the concept of God as it was understood in the early stages of various religions. Jevons delves into the ancient beliefs and practices of different cultures, shedding light on the development of religious thought and the varying interpretations of the divine. His scholarly analysis is supported by extensive research and references to primary sources, making this book an essential read for those interested in religious studies and comparative religion. Jevons’ engaging writing style makes complex ideas accessible to readers, offering a comprehensive examination of the evolution of the idea of God in human societies. Through a critical lens, Jevons challenges traditional assumptions and uncovers the underlying similarities and differences across different religious traditions. ‘The Idea of God in Early Religions’ is a seminal work that provides valuable insights into the origins of religious belief and the diverse ways in which humanity has sought to understand the divine.
Mengenai Pengarang
Frank Byron Jowett, who often published under the name F. B. Jevons, was an esteemed classical scholar and comparativist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His scholarly pursuits were particularly concentrated on the study of religion, mythology, and anthropology. Jevons was born on January 31, 1858, in Yorkshire, England, and he was a prolific writer, having contributed extensively to the understanding of ancient and primitive religions. He was well-regarded for his analytical approach to the evolution of religious belief systems and the psychological and social underpinnings of religious experience.
One of Jevons’s notable works, ‘The Idea of God in Early Religions’ (1910), is a significant exploration of the development of deity concepts among early human societies. In this book, Jevons argues for the universality of religious thought and attempts to trace the origins and transformations of divine ideas through various stages of social and intellectual evolution. His work captures a snapshot of Victorian-era thought regarding comparative religion’s cross-cultural patterns and remains a key reference point for students and historians of religion.
Apart from his authorial achievements, Jevons served as a professor at Durham University, where he influenced a generation of scholars through his teachings. His contributions to the field were recognized during his lifetime and continue to be of interest to scholars exploring the history of religious studies. F. B. Jevons’s legacy is preserved in his thoughtful examinations and lucid prose that sought to uncover the inherent nature of religious consciousness. He passed away in 1936, leaving behind a body of work that continues to resonate within academic circles.