The Godmakers is a science fiction novel by Frank Herbert, published in 1972. It explores the concepts of war and peace, good government and religious belief.

The novel explores the adventures of Lewis Orne a galactive operative for the Federation who handles first contact situations with re-discovered human worlds. Being virulently anti-war, the Federation examines newly discovered worlds carefully to make sure that they will not re-introduce the evil of war back into human civilization. If these planets show warlike tendencies then they are 'pacified' by occupation forces until they are ready to join the Federation.

On Orne's first mission he discovers that the initial operative on the planet has made a major misjudgement and the planet is severely warlike. He calls for help and the planet is invaded by a Federation occupation force. Orne regrets this decision though he saw no alternative.

In his next mission he is sent to examine a new world under suspicious circumstances. He discovers that they are actually an alien species; but major conflict is avoided because Orne discovers that the alien species have a major weakness in needing to breed near the sky; and since they can be controlled so easily the aliens are not a major threat.

On his next mission he nearly dies. He discovers that a seemingly safe planet in the Commonwealth is actually controlled by a female elite. He uncovers their plots but is nearly killed, but in a statistically improbably way he manages to survive.

His penultimate mission is to investigate close friends of his family. He falls in love and discovers that not only this family but also his own family have a secret conspiracy to take charge of the Federation through the next election. He arranges a compromise where the conspiracy is allowed to continue but is only given partial control of the government.

Ornes final mission is to the religious planet Amal, where he discovers rather improbably that he is a psi focus or in laymans terms a god; who had been created by the worshippers of Amal. Orne is put through a religious crisis to discover who he is and manages to avoid madness, while discovering his full powers. Rather than use his powers and act as a god, Orne chooses instead to remain 'a red blooded man' and promptly goes on honeymoon with his wife.

de:Die Riten der Götter