Karen Armstrong author of Muhammad: A Prophet for our Time, Faith After September 11th, and The Great Transformation: The Beginning of Our Religious Traditions has been especially popular in the years following September 11. Her writings explore the role of religion in modern times in the context of current events. She describes herself as a “freelance monotheist.”
Below is her 2008 TED Prize wish talk. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. The annual conference now brings together the world’s most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes).
In her impassioned talk, Armstrong dismisses the notion that religion is the cause of political turmoil. Rather, she says “the cause of our present woes are political.” She states the recent fervor in religious enthusiasm (in all three Abrahamic faiths) is playing a larger role in our affairs. Secularism, she says “is looking rather old fashioned.”
Rather than accusing faith as the perpetrator of misunderstanding, she calls for a universal movement towards compassion. “Religious people prefer to be right, rather than compassionate.”
Armstrong’s unique perspective did not come easy, especially after scanning her exhaustive academic background. While most people who claim one of the three Abrahamic faiths will immediately criticize her approach (ironically proving her case), it is noteworthy that she has a point. At the minimum, it’s refreshing to hear the idea that religions are not the cause of violence and terror.
