«GOD IS NOT ONE» – THE CONCEPT BY AMERICAN RELIGIOUS SCHOLAR STEPHEN PROTHERO (A review of Stephen Prothero's book "God Is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World". К.: Bookchef, 2024. 464 p. In original: Stephen Prothero. God is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World – and Why Their Differences Matter)

Abstract

Stephen Prothero's book "God Is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World", translated into Ukrainian in 2024. This book is of considerable scientific interest as it presents reliable facts about religious life, explores the features of confessional diversity, introduces the beliefs and practices of the world‘s largest religions, and provides statistical data on the number of believers across different faiths. It also highlights some littleknown realities in Ukraine concerning both specific religious movements and interfaith culture, and suggests understanding differences rather than denying them. The book examines eight religions: Islam, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Yoruba religion, Taoism, and atheism (in comparison to religion). The author convinces readers that religion is a significant driving force in today‘s world, and therefore it would be a big mistake to ignore it. This book is recommended for teachers, postgraduates, students, and anyone interested in religious studies, the psychology of religion, or the sociology of religion.