With a new postscriptIn these times of rising geopolitical chaos; the need for mutual understanding between cultures has never been more urgent. Religious differences are seen as fuel for violence and warfare. In these pages; one of our greatest writers on religion; Karen Armstrong; amasses a sweeping history of humankind to explore the perceived connection between war and the world’s great creeds—and to issue a passionate defense of the peaceful nature of faith. With unprecedented scope; Armstrong looks at the whole history of each tradition—not only Christianity and Islam; but also Buddhism; Hinduism; Confucianism; Daoism; and Judaism. Religions; in their earliest days; endowed every aspect of life with meaning; and warfare became bound up with observances of the sacred. Modernity has ushered in an epoch of spectacular violence; although; as Armstrong shows; little of it can be ascribed directly to religion. Nevertheless; she shows us how and in what measure religions came to absorb modern belligerence—and what hope there might be for peace among believers of different faiths in our time.
#946576 in Books 2012-08-14 2012-08-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .55 x 5.19l; .37 #File Name: 0307718107192 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Real tolerance is a two way streetBy Kodiak readerA must read for those who recognize true tolerance is a two way street. Author is the founder of The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty; and this book is a great introduction to his organization and how they strive to promote religious freedom.3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Magnificent Overview of Right to Religious LIbertyBy A Lancaster; PA readerI highly recommend this book if you are interested in a thoroughly-engaging; very informative look at the evolution of religious liberty in America.I breezed through it quickly because the author has a quirky; conversational style (and a great sense of humor -- I laughed out loud a couple times during my reading). This style; however; is not an indication of lack of depth. He clearly has a thorough understanding of the history of religion in America; from the early colonies (where things weren't so free) through the construction of the First Amendment and on to the interpretations of the Amendment up to the time the book was written (2005).What I also liked about this book was the author's conviction that religious liberty is a "natural human right" based on aspects of human nature itself. As he puts it: "....saying that people have religious liberty because God told you so convinces only the people who believe that God talks to you..."So; oddly enough; he is a man who passionately defends religious freedom (and sounds very faith-filled himself)....but believes that right does not spring from religion itself per se. Or rather; does not need to be argued from that standpoint.Highly; highly recommend it.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent!By Pen NamePerfectly gives voice to the difference between freedom from religion and freedom of religion. We all have the right to be wrong; and this book gives great historical insight into why that is so important and pertinent to today's issues of liberty.
