A History of God: The 4000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Karen Armstrong is an author and historian with expertise in religious studies. Her personal journey, marked by a spiritual exploration as a Roman Catholic nun and later her academic pursuits, informs her writings. Her time in the convent allowed her to experience religious immersion while confronting the challenges of institutionalized religion (See: Background). Later, as she transitioned to the world of academia, Armstrong’s works often blended personal insights with rigorous historical research. In A History of God, she explores the three major monotheistic religions, presenting them not as static doctrines but as evolving narratives shaped by countless individual and collective experiences over millennia.

Abraham, often referred to as the patriarch of the Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—is a foundational figure in Karen Armstrong’s exploration of the concept of God. Armstrong discusses Abraham not just as a historical or biblical figure but as a symbol of monotheistic faith. Abraham’s story of being called by God to leave his homeland and his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac (or Ishmael in Islamic tradition) exemplifies the human search for the divine and the trials and tribulations that come with such a journey. His covenant with God establishes the foundational relationship between God and humanity in these traditions.