The Great Transformation: The Beginning of Our Religious Traditions
by Karen Armstrong
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Book Summary Information
Author: Karen ArmstrongEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-04-10
ISBN: 0385721242
Number of pages: 592
Publisher: Anchor
Book Reviews of The Great Transformation: The Beginning of Our Religious Traditions
Book Review: A Classic in Comparative Religions; Applicable to Life
Summary: 5 Stars
I sent for Karen Armstrong's book, The Great Transformation: The Beginning of Our Religious Traditions, because it was assigned as the primary text for a graduate course that I'm taking. I have successfully taken about thirty graduate courses (courses---not credits) over the years, and I have become quite adept at differentiating scholarly books that are simply putting on obtuse airs and those that are seminal works.
This is a seminal, original work that is accessible, enjoyable, and life-helpful on all levels. One does not need to be a graduate student to grasp the breadth and depth of Armstrong's clearly-presented perspective. It is a well-organized mix of history and philosophical analysis. The author does not try to impose her ideas on us; her work is a catalyst.
Do a search for "Karen Armstrong's acceptance speech upon receiving the Ted Prize" to see and hear her impassioned but rational views. The book that I've reviewed above runs about five hundred pages. Essentially, it is about the surfacing of the Golden Rule in far-separated cultures and religions within a few centuries... why it appeared then and why it is relevant for today. Stay away if you don't like history.
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