Why Religion?

Pagels, Elaine H.. Why Religion: A Personal Story. First edition . New York: Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, 2018.

9780062368539; Genre--Biography

Elaine Pagels's compelling memoir explores why we turn to spiritual traditions during life's most profound moments—particularly when facing grief and loss.  Through her own journey of devastating personal tragedy, Pagels weaves together intimate reflection with scholarly insight, revealing how religious frameworks help us understand ourselves, connect with others, and navigate our deepest struggles.  Rather than dismissing faith as outdated, this work invites readers to recognize the enduring spiritual dimension woven through human experience.  A thoughtful, moving exploration of why religion continues to matter in contemporary life.  Religion persists in our modern world because it addresses fundamental human needs that transcend time and circumstance.

If you have been moved by Joan Didion's A Year of Magical Thinking, then this book will resonate with you as well.

Elaine Pagels is the Harrington Spear Paine Foundation Professor of Religion at Princeton University.

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