In the Beginning: A New Interpretation of Genesis

karen armstrong

“Karen Armstrong is a genius.”—A. N. Wilson

As the foundation stone of the Jewish and Christian scriptures, The Book of Genesis unfolds some of the most arresting stories of world literature—the Creation; Adam and Eve; Cain and Abel; the sacrifice of Isaac. Yet the meaning of Genesis remains enigmatic. In this fascinating volume, Karen Armstrong, author of the highly acclaimed bestseller A History of God, brilliantly illuminates the mysteries and profundities of this mystifying work.

“A lyrical chronicle of one woman's wrestling with Genesis that can serve as a guide to others . . . As notable for its scholarship as it is for its honesty and vulnerability.”— Publishers Weekly

“Armstrong can simplify complex ideas, but she is never simplistic.”— The New York Times Book Review

Genres religionnonfictiontheologychristianityspiritualityhistoryphilosophyjudaismchristianbiblical

195 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1996

This edition

Format: 195 pages, Paperback
Published: October 7, 1997 by Random House Publishing Group
ISBN: 9780345406040
ASIN: 0345406044
Language: English

About the author

karen armstrong

Karen Armstrong is a British author and commentator of Irish Catholic descent known for her books on comparative religion. A former Roman Catholic religious sister, she went from a conservative to a more liberal and mystical Christian faith. She attended St Anne's College, Oxford, while in the convent and graduated in English. She left the convent in 1969. Her work focuses on commonalities of the major religions, such as the importance of compassion and the Golden Rule.
Armstrong received the US$100,000 TED Prize in February 2008. She used that occasion to call for the creation of a Charter for Compassion, which was unveiled the following year.