The Bible is the most widely circulated book in history and one of the most influential texts of all time. Over centuries, the text has been revised, translated, interpreted and re-interpreted. Today, the Bible's origins remain uncertain, and its meaning is still debated.
In the latest in the Grove/Atlantic series, Books That Changed the World, religious affairs expert and author Karen Armstrong weighs in on the text that became a spiritual roadmap to billions.
Armstrong says that today scripture "has a bad name." She writes, "If religion preaches compassion, why is there so much hatred in sacred texts? Is it possible to be a 'believer' today when science has undermined so many biblical teachings?"
Armstrong's previous books include Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time, A History of God, and Buddha.
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