Religion is a search for transcendence. But transcendence isnt necessarily sited in an external god, which can be a very unspiritual, unreligious concept. – Karen Armstrong
Ever since the Crusades, when Christians from western Europe were fighting holy wars against Muslims in the near east, western people have often perceived Islam as a violent and intolerant faith – even though when this prejudice took root Islam had a better record of tolerance than Christianity. – Karen Armstrong