The Lost Art of Scripture

Rescuing the Sacred Texts

By: Karen Armstrong

Narrated by: Karen Armstrong

Today the Quran is used by some to justify war and acts of terrorism, the Torah to deny Palestinians the right to live in the Land of Israel, and the Bible to condemn homosexuality and contraception. The significance of scripture may not be immediately obvious in our secular world, but its misunderstanding is perhaps the root cause of many of today's controversies.

In this timely and important book, one of the most trusted and admired writers on the world of faith examines the meaning of scripture. The sacred texts have been coopted by fundamentalists, who insist that they must be taken literally, and by others who interpret scripture to bolster their own prejudices. These texts are seen to prescribe ethical norms and codes of behavior that are divinely ordained: they are believed to contain eternal truths. But as Karen Armstrong shows in this chronicle of the development and significance of major religions, such a narrow, peculiar reading of scripture is a relatively recent, modern phenomenon. For most of their history, the world's religious traditions have regarded these texts as tools that enable the individual to connect with the divine, to experience a different level of consciousness, and to help them engage with the world in more meaningful and compassionate ways.

At a time of intolerance and mutual incomprehension, The Lost Art of Scripture shines fresh light on the world's major religions to help us build bridges between faiths and rediscover a creative and spiritual engagement with holy texts.

Rich Experience

Deep and wide. I bought the book in order to delve more deeply. Highly recommended.

The Idea of the Sacred

In religion distinct traditions have diverse ideas about the sacred. The sacred assumes various forms. Karen Armstrong deals with this diversity and reflects about the distinct ways to interpret sacred texts and rituals. She examines Chinese, Indian, Muslim and Christian (East and West) traditions about the sacred and its understanding. The book is highly informative and well written.

Most Worthy of a Close Read

A wide, yet detailed account of sacred scripture: how it was written, developed and interpreted, and reformed and revised throughout the centuries. Armstrong narrates it well and I was transfixed. Finally, I believe this book is a must resource for those looking for imaginative rendering of creative and sacred texts. All my very best, Ernie

Audibility issue

Although I find the author's work important, well researched and written, I have difficulty understanding her reading unless the volume is turned up to a high level. I listen to audible books regularly but regrettably find this reading indistinct.

A beautiful argument for the importance of scriptu

it was a beautiful argument for the importance of scripture. As a secular person I felt the desire to go back and look, to feel along with some of these important texts. It was an argument for an inclusive understanding of spirituality in conversation with both the past and the present. Her sense of awe at the unknowable is an important voice, both as a response to the secular and the dogmatic. what a beautiful book.