 |
A History of God was one of the most important books I've read. Karen Armstrong fearlessly, yet respectfully, traces the history of monotheistic thought from its earliest conception to the present day, all in a readable, lay-language book. It doesn't get much better, in my opinion. However, be cautioned. If you are inclined to cling to old dogma, or frightened by the possibility that God might not be exactly what you were taught in Sunday School, then don't bother picking up this book. It will haunt you. On the other hand, if you are seeking a more clear picture of who God might really be, if you are open to the possibility that our concept of Him has evolved enormously since the days of Abraham, then this might be an excellent read for you. Besides a good history lesson, it is insightful for the Western reader to gain an understanding of the "non-Christian" monotheistic traditions, i.e. Judaism and Islam. Armstrong does a wonderful (and contrary to some critics, I believe a FAIR) job of explaining how both Christianity and later Islam branched off of the Judaic traditions. Above all, it places the evolution of the God-concept into its cultural context, without which, our current God-concept is little more than a wholesale belief in so much mythology. Be prepared to think, to change your mind, and to emerge from the end of this book a changed person.Read full review
I bought this book because I wanted to find out more information about the world's religions. So much misunderstanding exists in our world about religion and there are so many interpretations of God. This book, in a very respectful and intelligent manner, explains the similarities of the belief in God in all world religions. A friend from my church recommended Karen Armstrong as a historical bibilical scholar who reaches out to the public to stress the importance of similarities of all religions and acceptantance of different beliefs. It is the best book I've read on religions of the world. Also, a wake up call to everyone that the entire premise of a belief in God, according to history, has always been to love one another - no matter your religion.
If you've ever been curious about mans role in the determination of the West's supreme deity, this book should answer most of your questions. Ms. Armstrong's book appears very factual, well organized and straight to the point. Her credentials are relevant and show good depth. The book is not light reading as it dispenses with fluff and instead presents this very interesting topic in a good chronological order using substantial quantities of historical documentation to follow the development of God from pre-Christian times. Highly recomended for students or skeptics.
If you liked "God A Biography" by Jack Miles.You'll love "A history of God" by Karen Armstrong,which is written in the same tradition with "A History of God" being written from an interfaith perspective.Unlike,God-A biography by Jack Miles which attempts to explain God and his nature primarily from a sole Christian perspective."A History of God" attempts to examine God and his nature from not one or two but three faith perspectives being the Abrahamic faiths of Judaism,Christianity and Islam and how each faith contributed to an understanding of God,his nature,his creation and the cosmos at large.As well as how the three faiths influenced each other and forever changed the course of world history.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Books
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Books
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
