Comment

Aug 13, 2016quelinda rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
The review by Bryce Christensen captures the essence of this book by Karen Armstrong, of her reflections on the meaning of her experiences relating to religion and spirituality. I would add that Armstrong's contribution to the inter-faith dialogue is her openness in examining ideas. This attitude is similar to what the Zen Buddhist monk refers to as "beginner's mind" and an attitude fostered in Buddhism about testing ideas through one's own experiences rather than merely relying on external authorities. In p. 290 Karen Armstrong writes: "This has become my own method of study. Henceforth I tried not to dismiss an idea that seemed initially alien, but to ask repeatedly, "Why?" until, finally the doctrine, the idea or the practice became transparent and I could see the living kernel of truth within." Her arguments for compassion (the practical expression that involves both heart and mind rather than the weepy stuff) and her views in the last chapter is particularly relevant today as the world becomes further polarized by acts of terrorism.