Fields of Blood: Religion and the History of Violence is a 2014 book written by Karen Armstrong, published by Knopf.
Background
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]
Reception
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]
