Karen Armstrong


Karen Armstrong is the author of numerous books on religion, including "Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life," "A History of God," "The Battle for God," "Through the Narrow Gate" and "The Spiral Staircase."

Stories by Karen Armstrong

Religion Gets a Bad Rap on Women. But There’s More to the Story

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A closer look at the history of religion reveals a world where women were celebrated and revered.

From religious contemplation to activism

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When I heard that I won the TED prize, which gives you a wish for a better world, I knew … Continued

Faith is not an eternal retirement plan

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Q:What is your vision of heaven? What images – from Scripture, tradition, culture or your personal experience – best describe … Continued

The Hope of Sufism

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Pakistan’s chief problems are political and need a political solution. But political malaise and conflict affects people emotionally, imaginatively, in … Continued

Prayer Helps Us Chip Away Our Egotism

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A simple reminder of why prayer really is for us, and only us.

Original Egalitarian Order of Most Religions ‘Hijacked’ by Men

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While negative attitudes towards women is not present in the birth of all religions, patriarchy has still managed to find its way.

Jesus Is a Call to Action

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When the New Testament writers call Jesus “son of God”, they do so in a purely Jewish sense. In the … Continued

Christianity’s Record Not Blameless

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At Regensburg Pope Benedict XVI, quoting the words of a Byzantine emperor, said that the message of Islam was evil … Continued

No One Can Have the Last Word on God

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In ancient India, the priests used to hold a contest called the Brahmodya to find a verbal formula that expressed … Continued