Posts Tagged ‘history of religion’

‘Lost Art of Scripture’ by Karen Armstrong

October 30th, 2019

WHO: Karen Armstrong

WHAT: THE LOST ART OF SCRIPTURE:
Rescuing Sacred Texts

WHEN: Published by Knopf November 6, 2019

WHERE: The author lives in London.

WHY: “Her most profound, important book to date.
“Religious historian Karen Armstrong examines the world’s major religions to make her case that modern humanity has lost track of what scripture meant in the past and, in the process, departed from the compassionate heart of those faiths.
“She notes that scriptural narratives had never claimed to be accurate factual accounts; therefore, dismissing them as having no value because they don’t conform to ‘modern scientific and historical norms’ is a mistake. Armstrong traces the development of scriptural canons in India and China, as well as in the monotheistic faith traditions of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, and how religions grappled with social inequity, which she views as inevitable in preindustrial economies — and inexcusable now. Along the way, she shows how ‘in all cultures, scripture was essentially a work in progress, constantly changing to meet new conditions,’ a rebuttal to contemporary rigid literalist readings.
“Both nonbelievers and believers will find her diagnosis — that most people now read scripture to confirm their own views, rather than to achieve transformation — on the mark. ‘It is essential for human survival that we find a way to rediscover the sacrality of each human being and resacralise our world.’ This is an instant classic of accessible and relevant religious history.” —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, a starred review

“Armstrong again demonstrates her encyclopedic knowledge of the world’s religions. Her grasp of it is beyond impressive.” —KIRKUS REVIEWS

Jacket photo
Media Resources:
About the book and author | Author tour | Read an excerpt | Download the jacket | Download the author photo


Knopf.
605 pages. $35 ISBN 978-0-451-49486-3

To interview the author, contact: Josie Kals | 212-572-2565 | jkals@penguinrandomhouse.com