Eternity in their Hearts by Don Richardson

I have not even finished the book, but wanted to post on what I have read already. I guess I have always wondered and have been fascinated how all cultures spin off of a common origin. At one time Noah then Babel and then as men spread across the earth the traditions become faint but yet there is certain indicators that point back to God, Creation and the Flood. I have even wondered about all the blood sacrifice in pagan cultures, etc, that recognize a need for atonement that can not be fulfilled by man.
I finally came across this book by the author of Peace Child which is found in our church bookstores. The book Eternity in their Hearts starts out with history of why the Altar to the Unknown God was in Athens in Apostle Paul's day. He shows how Paul used it to advantage to show the people what they had been looking for has been there and neglected. He talks of the Canaan prophet Melchizedek had already known the God of Abram before they met.
Then he brings out the story of King Pachacuti of the Incas that recognized that sun worship was inadequent and that their traditions pointed to a Creator that created all things. He wrote hymns on the matter and informed the nobility about the Truth, but made one mistake --- they did not share it to the common people, because it would upset their rule based on their temples. It also talks about other Indian tribes of the Americas. It also tells of cultures in Asia and Africa, China, India, Burma that also have ancient traditions that point to the Bible. In some cases their cultures been waiting for centuries to be freed from idolatry and be reconciled with their Creator. It is hard for me to bring it all to Words in such a short time period, accurately with all the distractions needing my attention, but read the book if this subject interests you.