The concept of religion predates civilization and the written word -- from its earliest days, the human species looked to religion to explain the ineffable. Religion has been the inspiration for some of humanity's noblest acts (and the rationalization for some of its most horrific crimes). Some have been enormously successful, spreading across the globe... but what happened to the rest? How many religions have been forgotten, or purposely destroyed?

Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

They don't want you to read our book.: https://static.macmillan.com/static/fib/stuff-you-should-read/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.