St. Paul

The Apostle We Love to Hate (Icons)

By: Karen Armstrong

Narrated by: Karen Armstrong

St. Paul is known throughout the world as the first Christian writer, authoring fourteen of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament. But as Karen Armstrong demonstrates in St. Paul: The Apostle We Love to Hate, he also exerted a more significant influence on the spread of Christianity throughout the world than any other figure in history. It was Paul who established the first Christian churches in Europe and Asia in the first century, Paul who transformed a minor sect into the largest religion produced by Western civilization, and Paul who advanced the revolutionary idea that Christ could serve as a model for the possibility of transcendence. While we know little about some aspects of the life of St. Paul - his upbringing, the details of his death - his dramatic vision of God on the road to Damascus is one of the most powerful stories in the history of Christianity, and the life that followed forever changed the course of history.

©2015 Karen Armstrong. (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Admirably researched and told

Any book by Karen Armstrong opens up new perspectives for me. This is no exception. One cannot view Paul in the same way or, I think, not be filled eith compassion after hearing this history and narrative .

Well balanced

Well done biography with a balance between a pure historical account and a spiritual awareness. It shouldn't distress the agnostic reader or the reverant one. If there is a bent it is one of an academic view of Paul. this is not a prayer book but a reflection on one man's journey and the profound impact he had.

Another voice of a believer

I am a fan of Karen Armstrong's work. Once again Karen Armstrong has given me another way to look at a story and the person behind the story.

A different side of Paul

The author does a brilliant job of cutting through the layers of interpretation placed upon Paul to get to what we can learn of his own thoughts and teachings. It was very informative and has allowed me to see Paul in a new light.

Responsible and Engaging Portrayal of St. Paul

This audio book is well done! I especially appreciate the care with which the author presents and discusses the life of one of the most important figures in Christianity. Both my understanding and appreciation of the life of St. Paul (and the care with which I should understand Paul from Acts and the letters attributed to Paul) have improved significantly. I do wish that the author would have chosen a better subtitle. Even something like “St. Paul: Jewish Turn-tunic or Faithful, Progressive Evangelist?” might be a bit more true to the theme. (I’m sure my suggestion isn’t quite right, but the author could easily correct it.) At any rate, this is a very good audio book. I highly recommend it.