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Karen Armstrong Message Board


Kelly Beane posts on 2/14/2008 8:32:29 PM Karen, I tried to read 'battle for God', and found it very interesting; though a little too heady for me to finish. Since reading the book 'Hope Beyond Hell', my faith has turned upside down, and I became obsessed with understanding what exactly the sacrifice of Jesus was about. I know you feel that Jesus was in the realm of 'myth', and for the first time I could see that as a possiblilty. After wading fairly deep into those waters, (extremely scary for me) I had to come to the conclusion that Jesus indeed came to earth, and was who he said he was, though I was still confused as to exaclty why. (if there is no 'hell' as we understand it--then what was the point?) After reading much more information on 'christian universalism', I have come to some much deeper understandings. I'm writing this in hopes that you will give Jesus another look, in light of the new interpetaions of scripture revolving around the fact that 'eternal' was mistranslated. I think you will find some surprising answers.
James B. posts on 1/13/2008 3:47:34 PM Sadba: I also was in the Catholic Church, and studied for the Catholic Pristhood for six year, at least par tin a Bendictine monastery. I can vouch that Karen Armstrong's experience is real and honest -- and her leaving was not motivated by sex or money, but rather by the logical inconsistencies that arose from facing honestly the contradictions between the professed teachings of Christ (and the Chruch) and the actual practice and interpretations put on by the instutitionaled church. Her search for truth is obvious, and clear shows through in her othr writings, including on Islam and religious history. In fact, it appears that her search within the convent gave her the depth and insight to write about these complex historical and religious circumstances at such a deep level. James Benzoni.
Sabda posts on 1/13/2008 1:40:14 AM Hi Karen!! Excuse me But how can you claim you where living as a Nunne when you didnt have faith??? Imean there a rats also living i n monestery and they also dont have faith SO whats the f´diffense between them and you? Further more; why dont you just be truely honest and admit that your sexdrive forced you out + the urge for money and rebellius desire for full independs from the HIM almighty!!!???



James B. posts on 1/5/2008 7:25:59 PM Alturistic love is nice, but it is not the answer -- nor will it lead to God or Truth. That is only found through direct experience of the divine -- which can only be done through love -- compassion -- suffering -- vulnerablity -- openness -- sharing. The problem is that people wish to reach this enlightened state with going through the trials and experiences that the masters experienced -- and this cannot be done, as Love is about sharing with others -- campassion for the suffering of others and the corresponding willingness to ease or lift or share that suffering. In this is found the divine -- in living in reality, not in academia. Peace, James B.
Hans posts on 1/4/2008 7:59:56 AM Dear Karen, your recommendation for altruistic love as the remedy for today's worldly ills, as illustrated by the axial age sages, is certainly the direction we need to pursue if we want to see true peace for our children's generation. "Educating for True Love, Explaining Sun Myung Moon's Thought on Morality, Family and Society" published by the International Educational Foundation 2006, is the "how to" book for reaching this noble end.
James Benzoni posts on 12/26/2007 11:03:07 AM Dear Ms. Armstrong: Your books are very scholarly, but are only academic. they do not convey your own experience of the transcendent. The Divine can only be reached through relationship, through life, through Love. Contact me by searching for James Benzoni on web. Peace. James B.
Amanda P. Seufert posts on 12/18/2007 3:32:23 PM Hi Karen, I too have Epilepsy (generalized) but am learning to deal with it in a more psycho-somatic way, although I am going back on my medication so that I can own a car. I bought and am reading your book The Spiral Staircase. I was fascinated to learn that religious conviction is a commonality among Epileptics...Van Gogh is a somewhat good example. Though I think he didn't have the stamina for the institutionalism of it. I myself have always been curious and ambivalent about religion, but I'd like to think that we have somewhere to go after we die...otherwise, how depressing would that be! I've also been diagnosed with ADD and Bipolar I. I am a writer/artist. My book, Elated Eyes In Sunglasses was recently published by BookSurge (amazon.com co.), though as yet it is not in stores. I hope you will read my book and tell me what you think. One piece in particular that I think you will enjoy is entitled 'Freedom of Religion' which was inspired by a movie I saw called Jesus Camp. It's a hard knock life to be an emerging artist at 25, but I'm learning as I go. Any advice, etc you could give me would be much appreciated.
James Benzoni posts on 12/14/2007 10:25:55 PM I have very much enjoyed your books ... yet something is still missing... James B.
MARYAM OZER posts on 12/11/2007 10:50:19 PM Dear Ms Armastrong! My name is Maryam and iam a fan of your. I am muslim woman livin in usa. I think i might be able to introduce you to two great islamic religous figures who have had a great influence on Turkish interpretation of islam and muslims in general.Please contact me if you are interested. Keep up the good work.May God grant you strength for that. Thanks
karen armstrong posts on 11/27/2007 1:40:46 AM I have no idea how to contact you. I am a teacher but one who is going monastic. Please hep me if God guides you to do so. Thank you, Aimee
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