Subjects:  1. Crusades    2. History    3. History - Military / War    4. History: World    5. Medieval    6. Middle East - General    7. Military - General    8. History / Medieval   

Reviews (21)

Good effort, some disappointment
Although Karen Armstrong has made a good effort and has exhibited a wide range of overall scholarship, "The Great Transformation" was a disappointment when it came to her understanding of Ezekiel's vision. She sees the Merkava (chariot) as a "war chariot", written in response to the Babylonian exile, and as being a "terrifying, confusing vision" (Page 398). Since Ms. Armstrong's book is on the Axial Age, it would have been better for her to approach this vision from the standpoint of a meditative experience that could bring a person into the awareness of oneness. There are elements of this vision that are common to the meditative experience wherever it arises, within whatever religious tradition it takes place. Ezekiel's vision is a description of and a metaphor for this experience, and not a "war chariot." For a scholarly elucidation of this subject, Aryeh Kaplan's book "InnerSpace," Moznaim, 1990, discusses Ezekiel's vision in detail.

Thoroughly educational and fascinating
This is a very enlightening book about the development of religious traditions in China, India, Greece and Judea/Israel (and later on Arabia), from the dawn of history until the time of Mohammed.It centers on a period in each of these cultures that is called the "axial" age, which is when the most profound enlightenments occured.It's fascinating to learn the history of the development of different belief systems - both familiar and unfamiliar.

Excellent, but not for the faint of faith
Karen Armstrong is a prolific author who has gone far beyond the faith that was taught to her as an aspiring nun in the early 1960s.I've enjoyed a few of her earlier works (Through the Narrow Gate and A History of God) and I picked this up with great anticipation. I was intrigued by her assertion that a short span of history (800-200 BCE) marked a dramatic leap in the beliefs of several religions throughout the world at a time when they had limited or no contact with each other.Her writing is both gripping and persuasive and I was very impressed with the book.
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Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Ancient Philosophy    3. History    4. History & Surveys - Ancient & Classical    5. History Of Religion (General)    6. History, Ancient    7. Philosophy, Ancient    8. Religion    9. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    10. Sociology of Religion    11. Religion / History   

Reviews (59)

An Insightful Look at Religion in US politics and History
Jon Meacham has written yet another fine book that gives some real meaning to the phrase "Seperation of Church and state.His look at the Institutional religion of the Founders is very insightful and full of meaning in the current religious/ political controversies.Recommended.

Great - quick overview of religous thought in American politics
Well balanced with sources well referenced. Great glimpse into the thoughts of many of the people that of have shaped our Democracy. Very brief discussions covering the pre-Revolution thinking through the Reagan era.
American Gospel:God, the Founding Fathers, and the aking of a Nation
Intelligent,informed, and intelectually honest ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity and politics    2. History    3. History - U.S.    4. History Of Religion (General)    5. National characteristics, American    6. Religion    7. Religion and politics    8. Religion, Politics & State    9. U.S. History - Revolution And Confederation (1775-1789)    10. United States    11. United States - General    12. United States - Revolutionary War    13. History / United States / General   

Reviews (12)

Terrible
I thought this book would give me some new insight into biblical history. Its didn't. It is disjointed and much of it talks about one ruler or king or leader (none biblical) who died on such and such date in history. It gives little is any detailed information about anything pertaining to the bible. I thought that by reading this book I would have some new knowledge about biblical history but I have none. Its just a terrible book.

Outstanding Historical Cross-Reference.
"Annals of the World" is a great historical reference for the most discerning of scholars.Covering the time from the beginning of creation to 70AD, James Usshur used over 2500 historical sources to ensure that he compiled a complete collection of historical facts.
A Elbereth Giltoniel! - oh, sorry, wrong work..
I was so looking forward to this book! Thank you, Larry and Marion Pierce, for making one of the most important works of fiction available! Now, that Christopher Tolkien has given us the complete work of J.R.R. Tolkien, or that Brian Herbert has significantly enlarged the universe of his father Frank, today's fantasy fans get another wonderful addition to their shelves. And all this while George Lucas finally led us to new shores - ah, these are good times for imagination! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Chronology    3. Chronology, Historical    4. Classics    5. Early works to 1800    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History / Ancient / General    9. History, Ancient    10. Reference    11. Religion    12. Religion / Church History    13. Religion / Reference    14. World - General    15. Ancient - General    16. Christianity - History    17. Civilization, Ancient   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (91)

Oh, just shut up and read it!
I've said it before, and I'll say it again now: It must be nearly impossible to write a general textbook on world religions that is (A) uniformly high-quality, (B) inoffensive to any reasonable person, and (C) easy, even fun to read. Huston Smith's The World's Religions fails each of these tests, especially the third one. I encountered an earlier incarnation of this book (then called The Religions of Man) as a freshman in college, served as a teaching assistant in graduate school for a prof who used it in his freshman world religions class, and used it myself for teaching a first-year course in world religions for many years. So, I've probably read this doggoned thing 100 times. I have, therefore, noticed problems of which even Huston Smith himself is likely unaware.
Close to worthless
Books like this have several inherent weaknesses.They appeal to those who are secular first of all, those who grew up without religion or with a minimal amount or to those who were raised religious and therefore have a sudden apiphany of wanting to 'know the other' and be 'open minded'.THe second problem is that the book is written by someone who comes obviously from one of the major religious groups, and therefore cannot truly be expected to be unbiased.Lastly the book suffers from the fact that it tries to steam down and condense each religion into a lovable little nutshell.There is no critiue, there is no analysis, and worst of all no judgement.
a great introduction
This is a great survey of major world religions. It's slender and highly readable. Smith takes complex religious and philosohical ideas and makes them easy to understand. If you're just starting out in the study of comparative religion, I'd start with this book and then move on to more challenging texts. This is a great primer and it may be all you need. Highly Recommended.
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Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. General    3. Reference    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Religions    7. World - General    8. History of religion    9. Religion / Comparative Religion   

Reviews (54)

I am not sure what to think...
..but the whole subject is intriguing one, disturbing for orthodox Christians and perplexing for undecided ones.
A must have for a religious history library
Here it is finally published the legendary Gospel of Judas, this will rank as probably the greatest codex find of this century. In this book you will find the first translation released to the public. It is a very brief read at 170 pages with 25 pages devoted to the actual Gospel that is well foot noted to explain most verses content. The book also contains four very well written essays by leaders in the field of religious studies.
Patchy, but Good
Granted, there is not much left of Judas due to where and how it was kept, but it follows in classic Gnostic form:Judas, the "author", is the only disciple who gets it.It is good to get to see the "Judas" perspective after 2 millenia of demonizing.'Tradition' says Judas was evil, but this says what I've always sort of felt and believed, Judas was just doing the job he was put here to do, just playing his part. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - History - General    2. Early Christian And Byzantine Art    3. General    4. Gospel of Judas    5. History    6. History - General History    7. History Of Religion (General)    8. Jesus Christ    9. Judas Iscariot    10. Religion    11. Religion / Antiquities & Archaeology    12. World history   

Editorial Review

After the terrorist attacks of September 11,many Americans yearned to understand why Muslim extremists felt such passionate animosity toward the Western world, particularly the United States. Since that historic attack there have been many books and discussions about this very question, but few of them offer such a readable and relevant response as this excellent offering by renowned historian Bernard Lewis (Read more

Reviews (122)

Why democracy won't work in Islamic countries
This book gives a concise overview of why the U.S. is currently the target of so much animosity from Islamic terrorist groups and most Middle Eastern/Islamic countries. A previous reviewer said that this book is not for the layman, but I disagree; it is precisely for the layman that Lewis has written this book. If a reader wants more detail, then he knows what to search for once he has read Lewis' book. Even without further research, the reader will have an understanding of the complicated history of the Middle East and the U.S.'s role in that history.
A Must Read for those who wish to Understand the war
Before 9/11, I worked with a couple of Lebanese Engineers.They had both traveled to the United States and decided to stay and raise their families here.In the Spring of one year before 2001, they both decided to pack up their families and move back to Lebanon.I had a long conversation with one of them about the big move to such an "unstable" place.He told me that we were in a war but were too ignorant to realize it.Of course, I laughed...what war?Another person of Middle Eastern descent told me to read something written by Bernard Lewis...his was the most honest depiction of the middle east.I've read Mr. Lewis since then, including "The Crisis of Islam: Holy War and Unholy Terror."A must read for all americans who wish to understand this war we've been in since....2000.

Mostly history, the rest...weak analysis
The Crisis of Islam is presented in such a way that it makes the reader think he or she will be getting in-depth analysis of Islamist terrorism in the post 9/11 world.However, this book is largely a very brief historical crash course most likely intended for those casual observers of international politics.If the book had been presented as a historical book, I most likely would have come away with a more favorable impression, but when you expect one thing and get another, it will affect your perception.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. History    3. History - General History    4. History: World    5. Islam    6. Islam - History    7. Jihad    8. Middle East - General    9. Middle East - History    10. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    11. Religious aspects    12. Terrorism    13. War    14. History / Middle East   

Reviews (1)

Offers strengthening conclusion to attest to religion's importance past, present and future.
Secular progressives have been predicting the demise of religion for over two hundred years; but even those who were to be liberated by such aren't agreeing: such is the message of THE GOD THAT DID NOT FAIL: HOW RELIGION BUILT AND SUSTAINS THE WEST explores both biblical faith and the rejection of its foundations, which has encouraged ignorance of its history as a central force in the development of the West. Readings of religion in ancient Greece and Rome, of Christianity and Judaism and through the decades offers strengthening conclusion to attest to religion's importance past, present and future.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity - History - General    2. History    3. History & Theory - General    4. History Of Religion (General)    5. Political History    6. Religion    7. Religion - Church History    8. World - General    9. History / General   

Editorial Review

Karen Armstrong speaks to the troubling years following her decision to leave the life of a Roman Catholic nun and join the secular world in 1969. What makes this memoir especially fascinating is that Armstrong already wrote about this era once---only it was a disastrous book. It was too soon for her to understand how these dark, struggling years influenced her spiritual development, and she was too immature to protect herself from being be bullied by the publishing world. As a result, she agreed to portray herself only in as "positive and lively a light as possible"---a mandate that gave her permission to deny the truth of her pain and falsify her inner experience. The inspiration for this new approach comes from T. S. Eliot's Read more

Reviews (80)

Wonderfully Touching and Powerful
Thank you Karen for recording your experience in such a truthful and therefore powerful way. Your courage and determination in the face of inhumanity is a familiar drumbeat that we would all do well to march to. Your stories of survival with compassion and mercy are a shining-light to those of all faiths and of all languages. Your language of love and hope is universal and you are a true friend. Thank you.

excellent
Karen Armstrong is a great writer, with quite the story to tell.The Spiral Staircase recounts the most powerful and change-filled years of her life--it concentrates mostly on the few years following her departure from life as a Catholic nun.She tells her story so honestly and openly that you really get a feel for Karent Armstrong the person, not just the successful writer.I read The Spiral Staircase before I read any of her other works, but since then I've enjoyed both her biography of Buddha, and "Islam: A Short History."Her memoir is candid and her prose is neither too emotional nor too academic.

Describes temporal lobe epilepsy with Grace
Another reviewer, a nurse who has interest in temporal lobe epilepsy and thought that Armstrong did not adequately explain temporal lobe epilepsy, has obviously never experienced a temporal lobe seizure. Karen Armstrong's descriptions of her temporal lobe seizures were spine-tingling, and nearly brought me to tears with the feeling that "Finally! Someone has put it into words! Someone understands!" Her plight out of the darkness of religious life is inspiring and her experiences with epilepsy make a remarkable backdrop. I recommend this read for people who have never questioned their faith as well as those who have. I also recommend it for families and friends of people with epilepsy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1944-    2. Armstrong, Karen,    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Ex-nuns    8. General    9. History    10. Literary    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Religion (General)    13. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    14. Religious    15. Spirituality - Women's    16. Women    17. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs    18. Reading Group Guide   

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - History - Social Issues    4. Christianity and culture    5. Forecasting    6. Religion    7. Religion - Christian Life    8. Religion - Church History    9. History of religion    10. Religion & Theology | History of Christianity | Modern    11. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (30)

Not what is depicted with the cover view
In searching for this title I found there were 60+ versions out there so I had to rely on both editor and cover pictorials to determine the one I was seeking (which was modern English, full page pictorials, and covering both Christian's and Christiana's journeys).Since I had the one I wanted in hand, I put a lot of faith in the cover visual.What I got was as version without full page pictures, small print and in the older dialect.From what other pilgrims have told me, the modern English version is essential in understanding this work. I donated it to the local library in hopes it will still do good.

We are born brainwashed
Anyone who is a serious follower of Jesus Christ and understands what he is saved from (the wrath of God) will find this book to be an immense treasure house of comfort and fatherly instruction. Those who think that this book is a tool for brain washing have it all backwards. The brainwashing occurs when we are conceived into this world in our sin and rebellion against our Holy Creator, by our very nature. Born into a vacuum, we'd all rebel. The gospel is the news that Jesus Christ endured God's wrath in our place and is ever making us more like himself. We are no longer in the bondage that we were born into. Praise be to God!This book is a wonderfully wise parable of a Christian's experience in this world.

A must have !
Amongst all other books regarding true to life spiritual experience and walk with God, this book ranks as one of the highest in regard.A must read and have !!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christian fiction    2. Christian pilgrims and pilgrim    3. Christian pilgrims and pilgrimages    4. Christianity - Literature    5. Fiction    6. History    7. Literature - Classics / Criticism    8. Religion    9. Religious - General    10. 16th to 18th century fiction    11. English    12. History of religion   

Editorial Review

Armstrong, a British journalist and former nun, guides us along one of the most elusive and fascinating quests of all time--the search for God. Like all beloved historians, Armstrong entertains us with deft storytelling, astounding research, and makes us feel a greater appreciation for the present because we better understand our past. Be warned: Read more

Reviews (173)

Excellent History of 'God'
Karen Armstrong is certainly one of the finest writers on religious issues.While not herself a believer in 'God', she speaks from experience (she was a nun for several years in the Roman Catholic Church) and also great understanding and sympathy.
Actually...a history of western religion
While Karen Armstrong admittedly attempted a difficult objective, her errors small and not so small still deserve mention.
Ode to the Mighty One
"A History of God" is Karen Armstrong's opus (in my humble opinion), and is an admirable achievement, for it is both secular and theological, without being sanctimonious. I have taken the time to read several of her books and each is superlative in its own way, but most focus on historical time periods that are only part of the 4000 year saga that is revealed with such power in "A History of God."
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Subjects:  1. Biblical teaching    2. Comparative Religion    3. Comparative studies    4. God    5. History    6. History of doctrines    7. Religion    8. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    9. Religion / History   

Reviews (8)

It Fills In the Blanks
For a person wanting to understand the continuous nature of the Bible, and to see how the events of the world unfolded and intersected the biblical events, this is an excellent source.The illustrated timelines and the incapsulated history lessons help bring the Bible to life.The book is one continuous page (front and back) and you will find yourself unfolding it on the kitchen table and studying it beyond the immediate question that caused you to open it.

Interesting and visual
This is not a book so much as it is a fold-out timeline.It is rather impressive in many respects, both its size and the production quality, which is very high (fold-out books need to have stronger material to stand up to the wear-and-tear of time).This can be a useful guide for children who need to have a sense of history at the broad strokes.
Artistic and Informative
The time-chart is an impressive collection of works by different illustrators and seems to have been coordinated by a single author. The date coordination appears to match the instances in the bible and fills in other areas where the bible is silent with informed estimates of the approximate date(s).
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Subjects:  1. History    2. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    3. History of religion    4. Sale Books   

Reviews (105)

avoid the other reviews
This is a great book( here's the point where I would check the other reviews this reviewer has written to get a sense of where I'm coming from); the author is careful to point out that of course this is all part of the mystery of Jesus and he makes a fascinating case. It's a book full of great photos and research. The problem is that Jesus as the myth hits too close to home for most people. at least we ( at this point) don't have the Inquisition of the middle ages around.

I'm still wondering... what are the Jesus Papers?
The first chapter piqued my interest by describing an encounter of the author's with some Middle Eastern businessmen peddling old documents.However, after finishing the book, I am still wondering what this had to do with his story.
Unsubstantiated hype!
"It must now be self-evident that there is a vast gulf between the Jesus of history and the Jesus of faith."This is Baigent's theme in "The Jesus Papers."But does he succeed?Does he provide evidence to prove his assertion, or even lead a careful reader to consider his claim probable?No.Not even close.
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Subjects:  1. Antiquities & Archaeology    2. Biography    3. Christianity - General    4. Christology    5. Controversial Knowledge    6. History Of Religion (General)    7. Jesus Christ    8. Miscellanea    9. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    10. Religion    11. Religion - Church History    12. Religion / General   

Reviews (2)

Very Comprehensive
This atlas is very comprehensive and contains colour maps showing the religious composition of the various regions of the United States from the pre-colonial days down to the present. Provides a focus on the history and geographic development
Brett Carroll's Historical Atlas of Religion in America provides a focus on the history and geographic development of American religions, providing maps and visual details to bring alive the connections between American political and religious history. From parts played by religious groups of Europe to the development of sects in the country, this provided a well-rounded survey. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Atlases - General    2. Atlases - Historical    3. Church history    4. Ecclesiastical geography    5. History    6. Maps    7. Reference    8. Religion    9. United States    10. History of religion    11. Reference / Atlases    12. USA   

Reviews (24)

A must read !
Topic:The History of the bible, its translations, and attitudes towards it.
An excellent survey.
This is an introduction to the History of the Bible, but even readers who are already familiar with the outline of the subject will, I think, discover many details that are new to them in this very well told story.
Elegant and approachable
Pelikan writes in an easy style and smoothly flowing perspective born of his own long familiarity with the material.He chronicles the formation of the texts known as the Old and New Testaments from their earliest oral traditions.It becomes clear that through long years and re-scribing and translating the Bible, it has been in evolution.The major effort in recent years is to return to the earliest accurate version available, and that this requires considerable scholarship to accomplish.
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Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - CriticismInterpretation - General    3. Bible - Study - General    4. Christianity - History - General    5. History    6. History Of Religion (General)    7. Religion    8. Religion - Church History    9. Religion / History