... a not-too-flattering historical portrait?
2007-11-13 00:17:17 · 11 answers · asked by Brendan G 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't know who Karen Armstrong is and I would never buy her book.
2007-11-13 00:29:28 · answer #1 · answered by Pamela V 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
She's on the right track. I've found myself walking that same path. The bible these days is not viewed in the proper light.
From Amazon:
From Publishers Weekly
Of all the Books That Changed the World-the recently launched series to which this book belongs-surely the Bible is among the most important. And of all contemporary popularizers of religious history, surely Armstrong is among the bestselling. Who better, then, to recount the history of the Bible in eight short chapters than this former nun and literature professor who relishes huge topics (The History of God) and panoramic descriptions (The Great Transformation)? Armstrong not only describes how, when and by whom the Bible was written, she also examines some 2,000 years of biblical interpretation by bishops and rabbis, scholars and mystics, pietists and critics, thus opening up a myriad of exegetical approaches and dispelling any fundamentalist notion that only one view can be correct. Readers unfamiliar with ecclesiastical history may feel overwhelmed by dense chapters that read more like annotated lists than narrative-a hazard of trying to cover so much in so little space. (A glossary helps to anchor the bewildered.) At her best when she pauses long enough to expand on a topic, Armstrong offers intriguing insights on, for example, the allegorical method developed by Origen in the third century and the mystical midrash of the Kabbalists in medieval Spain and Provence. (Nov.)
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2007-11-13 00:52:17 · answer #2 · answered by Emperor Insania Says Bye! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not bashing, but I don't think many Christians read material that is critical of their views. In fact, there was a recent post warning all Christians not to watch the movie "The Golden Compass" simply because it was written by an atheist. Sad.
So I don't think you'll get much Christian response from anyone who has actually read the book.
However, you may get some answers that state it is all a lie, based on here say or maybe based on what the right wing radio talk shows told them this morning. Again, sad.
2007-11-13 00:31:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Haven't read it, but HAVE read 'A History of God' by the same author. Great book! I am fully committed to modern day textual criticism anyway, as I believe it is a gift from God. This new book sounds interesting, I doubt it is scandalous at all. People just don't like their preconceptions being challenged.
2007-11-13 00:25:54 · answer #4 · answered by Jerusalem Delivered 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Karen Armstrong, in my opinion, is one of the biggest idiots of the century
2007-11-13 00:19:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
All I can say is, we will all be held accountable for everything we have ever spoken, God is the judge and we will all be judged. How guilty are you? The Bible says anyone who speaks against the word of God should be destroyed (Proverbs).
2007-11-13 18:25:57 · answer #6 · answered by sweetdivine 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Oooh, and Armstrong is a former nun!
2007-11-13 00:19:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she is related to Herbert W Armstrong , I dont want to know any more
2007-11-13 00:21:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
i haven't read it yet but i bet it is just as revelatory as Robert Eisenman's book "The New Testament Code."
peace
2007-11-13 00:34:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not to sure you will find many readers fo that one-lol----its on the do not read list---------good book though--smile and enjoy the day--atheist here---
2007-11-13 00:21:12 · answer #10 · answered by lazaruslong138 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋