Karen Armstrong's "The Case For God": An Intellectual Feast But in the End Very Little Help to the World's Problems
To read what I wrote about her book click here. As announced earlier, if you think this is a helpful review then a positive vote would be appreciated.
7 comments:
For a quick link to my review of John F. Haught's book, "God and the New Atheism," which I mentioned on Amazon, see this. I wish I hadn't rated it 5 stars. It's only 5 stars because he does a great job from his perspective. I also made mention of a more detailed review of John F. Haught's book and his response to me which can be found here. Amazon doesn't allow such offsite links in reviews.
Hi John,
I thought your review was definitely helpful, especially in describing both Armstrong's knowledge and her stance. I was definitely looking for your own stance on her views, perhaps because of my awareness of this blog. And the review delivered on that. I thought your statements dismissing that "middle" ground Armstrong seems to talk about to be compelling (and that fundamentalists would reprove of her views just as strongly), but on that, I think that the greater visibility of her stance as it is (as opposed to as a stance explicitly allied with the "New Atheists") has its good points too. Perhaps as a sort of gateway (but also a viable, meaningful end) for thinking believers.
But I did have a question: you address how this book was different from eg. robert wright's, but I was wondering how was this book different from her own previous books on the subject, which essentially seem to say the same thing (eg. "The Great Transformation")? I haven't read these works, but if I were to choose one, was there one recommended over the other (or should I be reading them all)?
Proof of Satan: Amazon's 1-Click.
I may end up disagreeing with Ms Armstrong, but my appreciation for her writing and scholarship make her worth reading every time.
Richard, be sure to read my updated review of her book since you posted your comment. I didn't compare her works since there wasn't enough space and since I haven't read them all. Maybe another time. I do plan on making this review more detailed and sending it in for publication somewhere soon.
Your review of Armstrong is right on, John. It seems fashionable now to attack the New Atheists who address fundamentalism in all its forms. And yet, a critic of fundamentalism, as Armstrong is, stands side by side with the new atheists on that very subject. I'm glad you didn't let her get away with such duplicity.
This review of yours led me to your book. Kindle is never out of stock!
The most striking phrase was how she "wants to have it both ways." This is the failing that caused me to question the evangelical church I wad raised in, and I wound up a Taoist.
Looking forward to your book. I shall return.
I just read Robert Wright's book... loved it. I think after your review here I'm going to have to get this book and read it too. - thanks
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