Has anyone read any of her books? I’ve recently read The Battle for God and Islam: A short history, and I have to say they are quite scholarly, unbiased (though written from a secular perspective).
Re: Karen Armstrong
she tries to be unbiased, but i've read some 3 books of her, and did not find her very understanding of various religions....
i cant judge other religions but she isnt very right about all she writes about Islam....
although she is a non-muslim but since she has done so much writing on Islam, i expected her to be more well-informed....
i bought all the books i've read of her at one time, and i can tell u i was really disappointed....
Re: Karen Armstrong
really, so you mean you know for sure she was factually incorrect and not that her views were uncomfortable for you to hear without you having proof of them being wrong? to be honest I havent double checked everything she says.
Re: Karen Armstrong
I have read her book, History of Islam. Though she's considered a great writer. I was surprized to see some the facts were misquoted, which a layman like me could point out.
Re: Karen Armstrong
Karen Armstrong: History of God, Battle for God, Crusades, Islam, Muhammed are eall exceptional books, particularly History of God and Battle for God are extremely well documented and very useful brief introductions to religions in general. Since she relies on multiple sources for her research which is referenced and presents history objectively there will always be fundamentalist type who will not agree with her thesis.
As for her books on Islam and the prophet, very well researched and definately a breath of fresh air, especially after reading one-sided propaganda monopolized by petro-dollar financed wahabis.
Re: Karen Armstrong
The latest word being used to describe adherents to proper Islam is now Salafist…
The news channels, radio shows and newspaper articles are now using the term ‘Salafist’ instead of ‘Wahabbis’ to describe those that oppose western imperialism…
Just thought I’d direct your anger towards the latest trend which the media would like you to hate…Wahabbism is out…Salafism is in…Unless something else pops up…Wouldn’t want you looking totally out of fad in a debate not knowing what the latest catchword in hate frenzy is about…
It’s OK…No need to thank me…
Re: Karen Armstrong
The news channels, radio shows and newspaper articles are now using the term 'Salafist' instead of 'Wahabbis' to describe those that oppose western imperialism...
Just thought I'd direct your anger towards the latest trend which the media would like you to hate...Wahabbism is out...Salafism is in...Unless something else pops up...Wouldn't want you looking totally out of fad in a debate not knowing what the latest catchword in hate frenzy is about...
It's OK...No need to thank me...
Lajjo just cudnt resist.....thou r so predictable.....ever so enthusiastic to defend wahabism even by couching it into the newest fad called salafism which was ofcourse minted by the wahabis and not the imperialist..
those who oppose western imperialism? Ghosh, Lajjo do u really believe that propaganda or r u paid to believe and defend? Wahabi collaboration with the Brits against Ottomans then with Uncle Sam are well documented and openly discussed, its a pity u havent been able to read books other than your usual pamphlets. Even today, out of the 19 hijackers of 9/11 there were 15 Saudi wahabis, yet Bush administration is far more comfortable with the Saudi wahabis than the secularists Iraqis or the shia Iranians. So where are the forces fighting against imperialism?
this thread is about Karen Armstrong, probably one of the finest minds on religions alive today. You may not agree or like her writings, that is your prerogative, there are then millions of readers who would disagree with your thesis. Then again, had it been your beloved wahabi strong arm tactics, they wud have had her works banned (a) she is a woman and (b) she writes the truth which clashes with the jingosim coming out of the obscurantists.
Re: Karen Armstrong
larki/armughal, can you bring forward the factual errors in her book? I realise that there were a great deal of uncomfortable perspectives for the adherents of pretty much every sect/subsect/subsubsect of Islam I know of, but that does not automatically make her information false.
Prove her wrong if you can.
Fartguru, I'd like to discuss some of the issues in that book.
Re: Karen Armstrong
Is Karen Armstrong Muslim? Why should we agree, then? Sorry, I don't know more about her. Why do you want to read her books?
Re: Karen Armstrong
Prove her wrong if you can.
Fartguru, I'd like to discuss some of the issues in that book.
Ravage, I read her book a while ago and unfortunately right now, I don't have time to go through it again and point out which ones. But the factual errors I am talking about do not relate to Islamic concept or philosohpy or info. about sects etc. Those were mere facts, misquoted. Sorry, but I'm in the middel of a move, things packed.
Re: Karen Armstrong
She borrows wholesale from the 'traditions'. Her own research is non existent.
I'd rather read something based on actual historical research even if it's critical of Islam.
Re: Karen Armstrong
I tried reading her book about Jerusalem. I think I completed 60% of It.
Its a good read. But requires time and patience.
Re: Karen Armstrong
Fartguru, I'd like to discuss some of the issues in that book.
Ravage,
It will be my pleasure, just let me know which book and if any particular chapter or subject.