The Law of Religion — Animism, Polytheism, Monotheism, and Modern Belief Systems Explained | Chapter 12 from Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
The Law of Religion — Animism, Polytheism, Monotheism, and Modern Belief Systems Explained | Chapter 12 from Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari How did religion evolve from animist spirits to world-spanning monotheisms and, finally, to modern ideologies like humanism and Communism? In Chapter 12 of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind , Yuval Noah Harari traces the radical transformation of religion, showing how belief systems have legitimized social orders, unified empires, and adapted to each era’s needs. Watch the full chapter summary video below and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for in-depth, scholarly guides to every chapter! The Evolution of Religion: From Spirits to Universal Orders Harari defines religion as any system of norms and values based on belief in a superhuman order—whether supernatural (like Christianity) or natural (like Buddhism or Communism). Religion has always played a key role in legitimizing fragile social hierarchies, providing “divine” authority ...