The Good Book of Human Nature

May 15, 2016

Is it possible to analyze the Bible to obtain insights into the developments of humanity, rather than to gain theological insights? With this book, van Schaik (anthropology, Univ. of Zurich) and historian Michel show that such an original undertaking can be successful. Drawing from cognitive psychology, evolutionary biology, and evolutionary anthropology, the authors investigate the Bible and view the Scriptures largely in terms of the cultural shift, begun around 12,000 BCE, from a nomadic, hunter-gatherer people to that of a sedentary, agricultural one. With that movement, groups living in close proximity encountered new dangers, such as increased violence and disease. The authors contend that the Bible provides knowledge into how individuals responded to difficulties, and how the concept of God developed over the period of biblical history. Thus, the Torah can be understood as offering human guidelines for limiting destructive behavior, avoiding the spread of illness, and exercising healthy dietary practices. VERDICT Scholars of religion and evolutionary biology, as well as students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, will find this book to be both informative and fascinating.--John Jaeger, Dallas Baptist Univ. Lib.

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