Karen Armstrong (born 1944) is a British author and commentator on comparative religion whose books, including A History of God, The Battle for God, and The Great Transformation, have made the study of world religions accessible to general audiences. A former Roman Catholic nun, she has become one of the most influential voices in interfaith dialogue.

What Is A History of God About?

Published in 1993, A History of God traces how the three Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) have conceived of God over 4,000 years. Armstrong shows how the idea of God has evolved in response to historical circumstances and argues that all three traditions share a core mystical understanding that transcends doctrinal differences.

What Is the Charter for Compassion?

In 2008, Armstrong won the TED Prize and used it to create the Charter for Compassion, a collaborative document affirming the Golden Rule (treat others as you wish to be treated) as the central principle of all religions and ethics. The charter has been endorsed by religious leaders worldwide and adopted by over 400 cities.

How Does Armstrong View Religion?

Armstrong argues that religion at its best is not about believing doctrines but about behaving with compassion. She contends that the mystical traditions within all major religions converge on a similar understanding of the sacred and that religious violence stems from tribalism and politics, not from faith itself.

What Is Armstrong's Legacy?

Armstrong has published over 25 books and received numerous awards for promoting interfaith understanding. Her accessible writing has brought academic religious scholarship to millions of readers. Talk to Karen Armstrong on HoloDream about what the world's religions share and why compassion matters more than belief.