A History Of God

[nailit]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/History-God-Karen-Armstrong/dp/0099273675

Have had this in my personal library for years and never read it.
Just started to read it and it seems that it may be 'heavy duty'.
Anyone else in R&S read it? What did you make of it and what do you make of Karen Armstrong? Remember seeing a couple of her TV documentaries back in the 80's which I found fascinating but ive also viewed a few more recent You Tube vids where she appears to be a muslim apologist (without actually been a muslim herself)
TIA.

[vetuste_ennemi]

I owe a big debt to former nun Karen Armstrong - as well as to the AB member who brought her to my attention. But more about that later.

I like Ms Armstrong's writing: she has a very clear and uncluttered style. She appears to be a good researcher too.

Is she an apologist for Islam? Most certainly: she's received
awards for her advocacy on behalf of the religion of peace.

And my debt to her? A poster (who would never be described as a "muslim apologist") mentioned Ms Armstrong's biography of Mohammed. And I read it.

Despite Armstrong adulatory hagiography (almost totally devoid of criticism of her hero) I realised two things that I (along with most other people in the West) had got wrong about Islam. Firstly that Islam is not a religion as we define the word: it's a complete political and judicial system mandated and prescribed in detail by God (that's sharia. the "total solution"). Secondly, that from its very beginnings, as seen in the words and actions of its founder, it had the divine mission to impose this divinely ordained social order on the unbelieving world, and that (if and when necessary) this end should be attained through pious acts of war (jihad).

[naomi24]

Nailti, Along with many of her books I've read that one - quite a while ago - but from memory it is not Barbara Cartland. (Note to self: must re-visit .... 'The History of God' that is - not Barbara Cartland. Once in Barbara's company was once too often - and that once was just out of curiosity!).

Karen Armstrong is not just a Muslim apologist but an apologist for all religion. However, her research is thorough in most areas - note I say 'most' - she does have a tendency to take to her task with rose coloured glasses permanently attached so one questions her assessment of certain situations. However the history she delves into is quite worthwhile from an educational point of view. Whilst she has her faults her books do prove well worth reading.... well, at least to those of us who like that sort of thing. Let me know how you get on.

[nailit]

//I like Ms Armstrong's writing: she has a very clear and uncluttered style. She appears to be a good researcher too.//
I've never read any of her works before V-E and Im only 30+ pages into the book but yes, despite the book appearing heavy going she seems very well researched.

//Once in Barbara's company was once too often - and that once was just out of curiosity!)//
LOL naomi. I once read a Mills & Boon for the same reason & came to the same conclusion!
Its going to take me a week or two to plow through the book but will let you know my thoughts on it once read.