Karen Armstrong

Karen Armstrong, a former nun and renowned author on religion, shares profound insights on shedding self-centeredness to lead a more authentic life. She discusses using nature to boost happiness and offers the Confucian practice of 'quiet sitting' as a transformative tool for awareness and connection. Armstrong reflects on her journey, describing how her nun experience sometimes heightened self-preoccupation. Ultimately, she encourages small acts of kindness as a pathway to ecological consciousness and a deeper appreciation for the sacredness of life.

Karen Armstrong, a renowned religious scholar and author, shares profound insights into the nature of scripture. She redefines scripture as a performative practice that challenges rigid dogmas and emphasizes midrash, or the art of reinventing texts for contemporary relevance. They discuss how scripture transcends self-centeredness and inspires justice across traditions. Armstrong contrasts Buddhist paths to compassion, considers Confucian ethics, and addresses the role of ritual in communal healing. Her personal spiritual practices highlight the importance of stepping outside oneself for deeper understanding.

Karen Armstrong, an expert on faith and the major religions, discusses the history of violence in connection with religion. She challenges misconceptions about jihad and suicide bombing, emphasizing their secular origins. The episode explores the intertwined nature of religion, politics, and warfare. It also delves into the origins of religion and its relationship with violence, highlighting the role of ideologies. The speaker acknowledges the connection between religion and violence but also emphasizes the influence of personal motivations and societal issues.