“Abrahamic religions” are the three major monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, all of which trace their spiritual lineage back to the patriarch Abraham (See: Key Figures). In A History of God, Karen Armstrong explores the evolution of God concepts within these traditions, underscoring both their shared roots and their distinct theological developments over time.

“Colonialism” is the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial control over another country, typically linked to European powers’ expansion from the 16th to the 20th century. Within the context of religious evolution, the book examines how colonialism, especially in the Muslim world, impacted religious ideologies and prompted efforts to reconcile Islamic principles with Western rationality.

“Deism” is a theological position that believes in a supreme deity who does not intervene in the universe after its creation. Emerging during the Enlightenment era, deism postulates a watchmaker-like God. It became popular among intellectuals who merged the discoveries of science with a belief in a distant creator.