According to Armstrong, Jerusalem is an apolitical history of monotheism in Jerusalem; in fact, it is a well-written, highly skewed, pseudohistorical document. The author's strong pro-Islamic and pro-Arab biases pervade the text. In addition, she presents an anachronistic model of monotheism that is laughable. Where is the evidence for her thesis that universal justice and tolerance were essential attributes of ancient Judaism, early Christianity, or later Islamic expansionism? It seems highly unlikely that cultures characterized (in her own descriptions) by warring tribes, slavery, and female subservience were really concerned with human rights. Then there are the basic historical errors, for example, the blending of religious text materials with independently confirmable facts. Librarians should be particularly careful to consult authoritative reviews before selecting materials in this area. Not recommended.-I. Pour-El, Des Moines Area Community Coll., Boone, IA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
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