Chapter 12: The Law of Religion

Harari redefines religion broadly as any belief system grounded in a superhuman order, encompassing both supernatural faiths like Christianity and natural law systems like Buddhism or Communism. The analysis traces religion's development through distinct phases: animism in foraging societies gave way to polytheistic systems that elevated rulers and empires, which then evolved into monotheistic traditions claiming universal authority. Contrary to common assumptions, polytheistic societies demonstrated greater religious tolerance and diversity, while monotheistic faiths became inherently exclusive and missionary-driven, often resulting in religious conflicts and persecution. The chapter introduces syncretism as history's dominant religious pattern, where believers unconsciously blend contradictory belief systems into personal worldviews. Harari argues that modern ideologies like liberal humanism, socialism, and nationalism function as contemporary religions, each worshipping different conceptions of humanity while maintaining dogmatic structures similar to traditional theistic faiths. Natural law religions reject divine authority in favor of universal principles derived from nature or reason, positioning Buddhism, Stoicism, and Communism within this framework. The analysis reveals how religion consistently serves as a unifying force alongside money and empires, providing superhuman legitimacy to otherwise arbitrary social hierarchies. The chapter concludes by questioning humanism's future viability as advances in biology and neuroscience challenge fundamental assumptions about human autonomy and the sacred individual, suggesting that even secular worldviews may face existential challenges as scientific understanding evolves.