Intro
Acknowledgments
Introduction
References
Contents
1 Defining Religion
References
2 An Illusion, a Capability, a Tendency: Formation of Groups and the Encounter with Gods
An Illusion: Animism
A Capability: The Community Dance
The Community Dance
Beginnings of Religion: Dancing to Influence Nature
Unintended Outcomes of the Community Dance
Solidarity and Cooperation
Definition and Delineation of Groups
Intra-group Alliances
Eliminating the Free Riders
Screening the Non-committed
Encounter with "Big Gods"
Dance and the Gods

Decline of the Dance
Synchronous Movements Today
A Propensity: Exchange
"Friends Make Gifts, Gifts Make Friends"
Reciprocity as the Rational Choice
Reciprocity in Nature
Exchange as Production
Balanced, Generalized, and Negative Reciprocity
The Gift
Religion and Exchange
References
3 Exchange with Nature and with Gods: License to Exploit
Gifts to Nature, Gifts to Gods
Oneness with God: Sufism, Eastern Religions, Monism
Abrahamic Religions
St. Francis, Pope Francis, and Patriarch Bartholomew
Religion and Environmentalism
References

4 Exchange Among Humans: Divine Supervision
Divine Supervision of Trade
Sacred Markets
Emporia
Religious Texts Promoting the Fulfillment of Contract Obligations
References
5 Exchange Among Humans: Networks of Trust
Contract Uncertainty
Groups and Reputation
Insignia: Recognizable
Insignia: Genuine
Sects and Cults
Sects in Diamond Industry
Outcast Groups and Trade
Diasporas
Cooperation and Diffusion: Long-Distance Trade and Spread of Islam in Africa
Trade and Religion Today
References
6 Religion and the Rise of Inequality

Egalitarian Beginnings
Why Share?
Aggrandizers Biding Their Time
Creation of Surpluses
Storage Facilities Becoming Available
Production of Food Items that Last Long Under Storage
Reciprocal Rather Than Generalized Exchange
Appropriating by Consent Rather Than Force
Debt
Divine Justification for Claims to Resources
Feasts
Divine Justification for Claims to Leadership
Circumscription
Leadership Benefits in Return for Imaginary Services
Leadership Benefits in Return for Real Services
"Water Temples" of Bali
Mesopotamia: Organizing Irrigation and Labor

Mesopotamia: Storage in Temples
Offerings to Temples
Amassing Wealth in Temples
Spread of Inequality
References
7 Religion and Hierarchies of Dominance
Oppression and Discrimination
Myths: Attenuating and Enhancing Oppression
Institutions: Attenuating and Enhancing Oppression
Religion and Oppression
Religion and Subordination of Women
Attenuating Oppression: Early Christianity
Enhancing Oppression: Christianity After Constantine
Christianity and War
Islam: Holy Jihad
Muslim Empires: Tolerance and Dominance
Pope vs. The Sultan
References