Countering the atheist claim that believers are by default violent fanatics and
religion is the cause of all major wars, Karen Armstrong demonstrates that
religious faith is not inherently violent. In fact, the world's major religions
have throughout their history displayed ambivalent attitudes towards aggression
and warfare. At times they have allied themselves with states and empires for
protection or to further their influence; at others they have tried to curb
state oppression and aggression and worked for peace and justice.
Taking us on a journey from prehistoric times to the present, Karen Armstrong contrasts medieval crusaders and modern-day jihadists with the pacifism of the Buddha and Jesus' vision of a just and peaceful society; moreover, she demonstrates that the underlying reasons – social, economic, political – for war and violence in our history often had very little to do with religion.
Vast in scope, impeccably researched and passionately argued, Fields of Blood is more than a corrective to the prevailing view that religion is to blame for most of the bloodshed throughout human history: it is a celebration of those religious ideas and movements that have opposed war and aggression and promoted peace and reconciliation
Taking us on a journey from prehistoric times to the present, Karen Armstrong contrasts medieval crusaders and modern-day jihadists with the pacifism of the Buddha and Jesus' vision of a just and peaceful society; moreover, she demonstrates that the underlying reasons – social, economic, political – for war and violence in our history often had very little to do with religion.
Vast in scope, impeccably researched and passionately argued, Fields of Blood is more than a corrective to the prevailing view that religion is to blame for most of the bloodshed throughout human history: it is a celebration of those religious ideas and movements that have opposed war and aggression and promoted peace and reconciliation
About the author:
Karen Armstrong is one of the world's leading commentators on religious affairs.
She spent seven years as a Roman Catholic nun, but left her teaching order in
1969 to read English at St Anne's College, Oxford. In 1982, she became a full
time writer and broadcaster. She is a best-selling author of over 16 books. An
accomplished writer and passionate campaigner for religious liberty, Armstrong
has addressed members of the United States Congress and the Senate and has
participated in the World Economic Forum.
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Trade PaperbackISBN: 9781847921871Published: 03/10/2014Imprint: Bodley HeadExtent: 512 pages - $37.99 RRP
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