The Lost Art of Scripture

Résumé du livre

Karen Armstrong is a commentator and writer whose interests encompass all aspects of religion. She spent seven years as a nun in the Roman Catholic faith, obtained a B. Litt. at Oxford University and also taught literature at the University of London. She regularly writes reviews and articles for journals and newspapers. Her other books include The Battle for God, Islam: A Short History and Buddha.

In 661, Muawiyyah’s rise to power marked a turning point in Islamic history, as he established the Umayyad Empire following the assassination of Ali, creating a divide between Sunni and Shia Muslims. This period highlighted the challenges of adapting spiritual principles to the practical demands of empire-building, with scholars reinterpreting scripture, such as the concept of jihad, to justify governance and expansion. Meanwhile, in India, the Puranas revitalized religious practices by reorganizing older texts into accessible and inspiring narratives, while in China, the Cheng brothers democratized Confucian ideals, advocating for broader societal participation. In contrast, Europe faced growing inequality, with urban elites exploiting traditional nobility and commoners, leading to widespread unrest. Amid these global shifts, scripture continued to evolve as a dynamic force, fostering unity and compassion, though literal interpretations increasingly fueled conflict, particularly in the United States. As rationalism gained prominence in Europe, figures like Nietzsche and colonial powers reshaped religious identities, often with devastating consequences, while some intellectuals sought to modernize scripture to address contemporary challenges.

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