Karen Armstrong references various religious scriptures throughout the book. How does she apply literary analysis to draw parallels between these scriptures, and what does this approach reveal about common themes and devices in sacred texts?

Armstrong touches upon anthropomorphic conceptions of God. Examine the potential implications of such portrayals on the believer’s psyche and societal values. Does envisioning God in human-like terms limit or enhance spiritual experiences?

Discuss the role of mysticism in the histories of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as presented in Armstrong’s work. How do mystical traditions challenge or complement orthodox understandings of God? How do they compare to more literal approaches?