For all our readers who are interested in learning about the birth and development of religious practices in the world, we have created a collection of free books on the history of religion.
The history of religion consists of a human or social science, in charge of studying the diverse practices of religious character, as well as beliefs, myths, and rites.
According to the experts of this science, the earliest religious expression was the belief that souls and spirits existed, which is also known as “animism”.
On the other hand, it has been proven that religion develops along with the evolution of the socio-cultural aspect of the world; which has allowed the emergence of various religions throughout history.
In our collection of more than 35 materials including books and free articles on the history of religion in PDF format you have the opportunity to consult all the information concerning the birth, development, and evolution of the religions we know today.
Books on the History of Ancient Religions
The major religions of the world have evolved over thousands of years, and many have their origins in ancient times. Hinduism dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization in the 2nd millennium BCE, with early worship focused on figures such as Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu.
On the other hand, Zoroastrianism emerged in the 1st millennium BCE in Persia with the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster. One of the most studied pagan religions is Egyptian, which worshiped animal gods such as Amun and Ra.
Furthermore, between the 2nd and 1st millennium BCE, Judaism was formed in the Near East, with its foundational texts being the Torah and the Tanakh. Explore further with the following free books and articles on the history of ancient religions.
#1 The Religions the Ancient World
Extension: PDF | 414 pages
The Religions of the Ancient World by George Rawlinson, M. A explores the religious beliefs and practices of eight key ancient civilizations. Discover fascinating insights into forgotten deities and rituals.
#2 History and religion: narrating a religious past
Extension: PDF | 472 pages
History and religion: narrating a religious past por Otto, Bernd-Christian; Rau, Susanne; Rüpke, Jörg. Explores the complex interplay between history and religion in shaping narratives of the past. Offers insights into the construction of religious identities and their historical contexts.
#3 Religion and Power. Divine kingship in the ancient world and beyond
Extension: PDF | 286 pages
Religion and Power. Divine kingship in the ancient world and beyond por Nicole Brisch explores the concept of divine kingship across various ancient cultures, from Mesopotamia and Egypt to China and Rome. It examines historical, textual, iconographic, and anthropological aspects, offering valuable insights for those studying ancient religions and p...
#4 History of Zoroastrianism
Extension: PDF | 485 pages
History of Zoroastrianism por Maneckji Nusservanji Dhalla, provides an extensive exploration into the origins, development, and key tenets of Zoroastrianism. It offers valuable insights for understanding this ancient religion and its enduring influence.
#5 Zoroastrian
Extension: PDF | 14 pages
Zoroastrian by Reonline offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of Zoroastrianism's core beliefs, practices, and history. It's a valuable starting point for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this ancient faith.
#6 Hindu: A History
Extension: PDF | 26 pages
Hindu: A History por Audrey Truschke explores the evolution of the term "Hindu" over 2500 years, challenging conventional understandings. It traces its diverse meanings across languages and historical contexts, providing valuable insights into South Asian identity and religious discourse.
#7 Hinduism (Article)
Extension: PDF | 8 pages
Hinduism (Article) por American Humanist Association outlines the history and principles of Hinduism, emphasizing its compatibility with humanist values. It highlights common ground between Hinduism and humanism, promoting a deeper understanding of both.
#8 Origins of Hinduism (Article)
Extension: PDF | 8 pages
Origins of Hinduism (Article) por Manitoba provides a concise overview of the historical development of Hinduism, from its roots in the Indus Valley Civilization to modern times. This document offers a valuable timeline of key events and cultural influences, making it an excellent starting point for understanding Hinduism's rich history.
#9 Paganism
Extension: PDF | 18 pages
Paganism by Reonline offers a concise overview of contemporary Paganism, tracing its roots to ancient European traditions. Explore basic beliefs, practices, and the evolving relationship with nature and society.
#10 Paganism
Extension: PDF | 13 pages
Paganism by American Humanist Association presents a concise overview of Paganism, exploring its history, beliefs, and relationship with humanism. This PDF is valuable for understanding the diverse forms of Paganism and its modern interpretations.
#11 Judaism
Extension: PDF | 11 pages
Judaism por American Humanist Association provides a concise overview of the historical development and diverse branches within Judaism. It explores the principles of various movements, including Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Humanistic Judaism, offering a valuable understanding of this ancient religion.
#12 Origins of Judaism (Article)
Extension: PDF | 8 pages
Origins of Judaism (Article) por Manitoba presents a concise overview of Judaism's historical roots, tracing back over 3500 years to ancient Canaan. This resource is a valuable guide for understanding the evolution of Jewish faith and practice, offering insights into its key figures and texts.
Books on the History of Christianity
Christianity emerged in the 1st century CE in Palestine, preached by Jesus of Nazareth and spread by his followers. The origins of this new monotheistic religion revolve around the figure of Jesus, his ethical teachings, and his death and resurrection, as depicted in the accounts of the Gospels.
During the Middle Ages, Christianity became a cornerstone of Western European culture, with the Church playing a prominent role in its relationship with the states.
Events such as the Protestant Reformation and the Counter-Reformation marked a turning point as established doctrines and structures were questioned. The following free books and articles will allow you to delve into the fascinating origins and historical evolution of this globally significant belief.
#1 A Short History of Christianity
Extension: PDF | 440 pages
A Short History of Christianity por J. M. Robertson offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of the evolution of Christianity from its origins to the early 20th century. This ebook is invaluable for understanding the historical and sociological factors that shaped the religion.
#2 Counter-Reformation
Extension: PDF | 237 pages
Counter-Reformation by Adolphus William Ward offers a detailed historical account of the Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation. This PDF provides valuable insights into the political, religious, and social dynamics of 16th and 17th-century Europe.
#3 The history of the origins of christianity
Extension: PDF | 206 pages
The history of the origins of christianity por Ernest Renan Book V, The Gospels, delves into the composition of the Synoptic Gospels, exploring the persecution of early Christians and theories behind the Gospels' formation. It offers valuable insight into the historical context and theological debates surrounding the origins of Christianity.
#4 An essay on the development of christian doctrine
Extension: PDF | 196 pages
An essay on the development of christian doctrine por John Henry Cardinal Newman examines the historical evolution of Christian doctrines, addressing apparent inconsistencies and variations in teaching. This PDF provides a valuable perspective on understanding the nuanced development of Christian thought.
#5 A Systematic Presentation of Development of Dogma in the Theology
Extension: PDF | 92 pages
A Systematic Presentation of Development of Dogma in the Theology por Karl Rahner explores Rahner's systematic approach to understanding dogma and its development within theology. It offers insights into how doctrine remains immutable while adapting to historical forces.
#6 Turning Points – God’s Faithfulness in Christian History (Presentation)
Extension: PDF | 67 pages
Turning Points - God’s Faithfulness in Christian History (Presentation) por Csmedia1 outlines the crucial moments in Christian history. This PDF is a valuable resource to understand the development of Christian doctrines and the impact of key figures.
#7 Causes and Consequences of the Protestant Reformation
Extension: PDF | 55 pages
Causes and Consequences of the Protestant Reformation por Sascha O. Becker, Steven Pfaff and Jared Rubin explores the Reformation's profound impact, from economics to politics. It unveils the social science research, offering key insights into the factors that shaped this pivotal era.
#8 On the History of Early Christianity
Extension: PDF | 28 pages
On the History of Early Christianity por Frederick Engels provides a Marxist perspective on the origins and social context of early Christianity. It explores the parallels between early Christian movements and working-class struggles, offering unique insights into the socio-economic factors shaping its development.
#9 The American System Of Church-State Relations
Extension: PDF | 28 pages
The American System Of Church-State Relations by Carl H. Esbeck analyzes the American approach to church-state relations, highlighting church autonomy. Discover the historical context and the unique American perspective.
#10 Church and State in Historical Political Economy
Extension: PDF | 25 pages
Church and State in Historical Political Economy by Sascha O. Becker and Steven Pfaff analyzes the intricate relationship between religious institutions and political powers throughout history. It explores the dynamic interplay and bargaining between these entities, offering a valuable perspective for understanding societal evolution.
#11 Protestant Reformation
Extension: PDF | 25 pages
Protestant Reformation por AGDC is a concise overview of the key figures, events, and locations involved in the Protestant Reformation. It highlights the movement's origins, spread, and impact across Europe, making it a valuable resource for understanding this pivotal period.
#12 Church – State Relations in Europe
Extension: PDF | 24 pages
Church – State Relations in Europe por Russell Sandberg and Norman Doe provides a detailed analysis of the legal and sociological models governing church-state relationships across Europe. It explores the historical context and contemporary challenges shaping religious identity on the continent, making it essential reading for understanding Chris...
#13 Medieval Christianity – The State of the Field
Extension: PDF | 17 pages
Medieval Christianity - The State of the Field por Katherine J. Gill provides a valuable overview of the evolving scholarship in Medieval Christianity. It highlights the shift from traditional institutional history to encompass social, cultural, and global perspectives, making it essential reading.
#14 The influence of the protestant reformation on education (Article)
Extension: PDF | 8 pages
The influence of the protestant reformation on education (Article) por Mihai Androne. This article explores the profound impact of the Protestant Reformation on education, highlighting how reformers like Luther and Calvin reshaped educational systems. Discover how religious ideals fostered mass education and shaped modern learning.
#15 The Counter-Reformation (Article)
Extension: PDF | 8 pages
The Counter-Reformation (Article) por The Saylor Foundation provides a concise overview of the Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation. It explores key figures, events, and reforms, offering valuable insights into this pivotal period in Christian history.
#16 Church – state relations and their effects on social rights (Article)
Extension: PDF | 7 pages
Church - state relations and their effects on social rights (Article) por Natalia Vasilievna Dorodonova and Ksenia Vladimirovna Chilkina examines the historical interplay between the Catholic Church and European states in shaping social rights during the 19th and 20th centuries. This insightful study reveals the Church's significant influence on so...
Books on the History of Islam
Islam emerged in Saudi Arabia during the 7th century CE, through the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. This monotheistic preacher spread the message of the Quran and laid the foundations of a religion that combined elements of Judaism and Christianity with local customs.
After the death of Muhammad, Islam experienced prolific growth under the caliphate, transcending borders and uniting cultures. It quickly spread across North Africa, the Middle East, and the Iberian Peninsula, shaping some of the most advanced civilizations of its time.
The free books and articles we provide allow you to understand the fascinating history of Islam, from its origins to the present day.
#1 Medieval Islamic Empires
Extension: PDF | 54 pages
Medieval Islamic Empires by Hirsch, Jr. offers a concise introduction to the rise and impact of Islamic empires during the medieval period. Explore the key figures, events, and cultural contributions that shaped this influential era.
#2 A Brief Overview of the History of Islam
Extension: PDF | 12 pages
A Brief Overview of the History of Islam por American Humanist Association. This document offers a concise timeline of Islam's history from its origins to modern times, highlighting key events and principles. It's a valuable resource for understanding Islam's evolution and its connection to humanistic values.
#3 Arabia and the Birth of Islam: When History, Myth and Opinion Become Inseparable
Extension: PDF | 10 pages
Arabia and the Birth of Islam: When History, Myth and Opinion Become Inseparable by Suleiman A. Mourad examines the challenges of reconstructing early Islamic history, given limited evidence and the influence of modern scholarly agendas. This insightful article encourages a critical approach to historical narratives and the use of religious texts.
#4 The arab conquest
Extension: PDF | 26 pages
The arab conquest por B. A. Litvinsky, A. H. Jalilov and A. I. Kolesnikov details the Arab expansion into Iran and Central Asia, focusing on military campaigns and their socio-political impact. This is a great resource for understanding the early spread of Islam and its interaction with existing cultures.
#5 Arab’s Islamic Expansion & Campaign Against Hind of Central Asia and subcontinent
Extension: PDF | 18 pages
Arab’s Islamic Expansion & Campaign Against Hind of Central Asia and subcontinent por Bipin R. Shah analyzes the historical Arab expansion into Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent, focusing on the impact and consequences of these campaigns. Explore the complexities of religious and political dynamics in this region and understand its endurin...
#6 Prophet Muhammad
Extension: PDF | 16 pages
Prophet Muhammad by Neveen Nagy offers a concise biography of the Prophet Muhammad, covering his life from birth to death. It highlights key events and their significance in the formation of Islam.
#7 Islamic Caliphates (Presentation)
Extension: PDF | 14 pages
Islamic Caliphates (Presentation) por Birdvilleschools is a concise overview of the key Islamic Caliphates, including the Rashidun, Umayyad, and Abbasid dynasties. Explore the rise, expansion, and cultural impact of these influential empires.
#8 Caliphs of Islam (Article)
Extension: PDF | 8 pages
Caliphs of Islam (Article) por Old.Amu describes the first four caliphs of Islam, the Rashidun Caliphs, detailing their rise, conquests, and impact on the early Islamic empire. This PDF offers a concise overview of a pivotal period in Islamic history.
Articles on the History of Other Religions
Many of the world’s major religions have long histories dating back several centuries or millennia. This is the case with Buddhism, which emerged in India during the 6th century BCE through the teachings of Prince Siddhartha Gautama, and later spread throughout Asia.
Another deeply rooted faith is Taoism, whose origins can be traced back to the 6th century BCE in China, propelled by sages like Lao Tzu and their teachings on harmony with the Tao.
More recently, Sikhism was founded in the 15th century in northern India by Guru Nanak, combining elements of Hinduism and Islam to preach devotion to God. If you are interested in these other religions, you can learn more through the following free articles on the history of other religions.
#1 Looking Back, Looking Forward – The Historiography Of Sikhism
Extension: PDF | 25 pages
Looking Back, Looking Forward - The Historiography Of Sikhism por Tony Ballantyne is a scholarly analysis of the evolution of Sikh historical writing, exploring various approaches and their underlying assumptions. It offers critical insights into how Sikh history has been shaped by internal dynamics, colonialism, and diasporic experiences.
#2 The Taoist Tradition – A Historical Outline
Extension: PDF | 24 pages
The Taoist Tradition - A Historical Outline por Russell Kirkland presents a comprehensive overview of Taoism's history, from its classical roots to later developments. It unveils the complexities and evolution of Taoist thought and practices.
#3 Introduction To Sikhism
Extension: PDF | 23 pages
Introduction To Sikhism by Stephen Bigger offers a concise overview of Sikhism's history, beliefs, and practices. This PDF provides valuable insights into the religion's origins, evolution, and significance, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in comparative religion.
#4 Buddhism
Extension: PDF | 12 pages
Buddhism by American Humanist Association offers a unique perspective on Buddhism through the lens of humanism. It explores the shared values and principles between the two, making it a valuable read for those interested in both religious history and ethical philosophy.
#5 Sikhism – paths to humanism (Article)
Extension: PDF | 9 pages
Sikhism - paths to humanism (Article) por American Humanist Association, provides a concise overview of Sikhism, highlighting its core principles such as selfless service, equality, and social justice. This document explores the shared values between Sikhism and humanism, making it a valuable resource for understanding interfaith connections.
#6 Buddhism (Article)
Extension: PDF | 7 pages
Buddhism (Article) por DCU is a concise introduction to Buddhism, covering its origins, key concepts like the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path. It explores different schools of Buddhism and provides insights into Buddhist practices and festivals, making it a valuable starting point for understanding this religion.
Here ends our selection of free History Of Religion books in PDF format. We hope you liked it and already have your next book!
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