A review by gbdill
A History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam by Karen Armstrong

3.0

It's apparent that Armstrong's theology is somewhat liberal (not saying this as a negative, for I too am liberal in many ways). But her view of the Judeo-Christian God is therefore biased. On a positive note, she gives fair treatment to all perspectives of the monotheistic and Abrahamic religions, both the good and bad. It is unclear however where she gets some of her facts. For example, she claims Mohammed peacefully united the various tribes of the Arab world. This, in spite of the historical fact (according the Koran) that Mohammed is known to have warred with the various tribes throughout Mecca and its surrounding cities, making many enemies even among his own people. Armstrong herself claims to embrace Darwinian evolution so her description of God is purely from a mystical and existential perspective. Trying to describe a Theistic worldview from a Naturalist worldview is like asking Richard Dawkins his view on Creationism. Somewhat highly academic and overall it isn't a bad book. But, as with any book, I would have liked it if it had been more balanced in perspective. Furthermore, at least 100 pages could have been easily shaved off the length of the book. I don't recommend this book if you are looking for a balanced view. But, if you are simply wanting to read one person's perspective of God, irregardless of her view, then I indeed recommend this book.