Fields of Blood: Religion and the History of Violence is a 2014 book written by Karen Armstrong, published by Knopf.
Armstrong argues in the book that religion is not the primary driving force of war and violence. [1] Instead she argues that the driving force is the creation and maintenance of state power. [2] Armstrong's work has been dedicated in part to challenging the New Atheist movement. [3] The book includes detailed histories of religion and its relation to violence all over the world including China, India, the United States, and Palestine. [4] The book was also published as an audiobook. [5]
The Publishers Weekly review called the book "Provocative and supremely readable." [6] Lisa Youngblood reviewed the audiobook version at Library Journal saying some of the content is "hard to follow without ... prior knowledge." [7] Kirkus Reviews reviewed the book saying that "her writing is clear and descriptive, her approach balanced and scholarly." [8] Dean Haigh wrote in the Press and Journal that the book was "Well researched, insightful and revelatory" [9] Marcus Tanner wrote in The Independent that "This is a long, detailed book that tries to cover too much territory." [10] Ray Olson wrote in Booklist that "Armstrong again impresses with the breadth of her knowledge and the skill with which she conveys it to us." [11]
Fields of Blood: Religion and the History of Violence is a 2014 book written by Karen Armstrong, published by Knopf.
Armstrong argues in the book that religion is not the primary driving force of war and violence. [1] Instead she argues that the driving force is the creation and maintenance of state power. [2] Armstrong's work has been dedicated in part to challenging the New Atheist movement. [3] The book includes detailed histories of religion and its relation to violence all over the world including China, India, the United States, and Palestine. [4] The book was also published as an audiobook. [5]
The Publishers Weekly review called the book "Provocative and supremely readable." [6] Lisa Youngblood reviewed the audiobook version at Library Journal saying some of the content is "hard to follow without ... prior knowledge." [7] Kirkus Reviews reviewed the book saying that "her writing is clear and descriptive, her approach balanced and scholarly." [8] Dean Haigh wrote in the Press and Journal that the book was "Well researched, insightful and revelatory" [9] Marcus Tanner wrote in The Independent that "This is a long, detailed book that tries to cover too much territory." [10] Ray Olson wrote in Booklist that "Armstrong again impresses with the breadth of her knowledge and the skill with which she conveys it to us." [11]