Boise State English Professor Leads Discussion of Karen Armstrong's Memoir, "The Spiral Staircase." on Sept. 29

A discussion of religion scholar Karen Armstrong’s memoir, “The Spiral Staircase: My Climb Out of Darkness,”will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Log Cabin Literary Center, 801 South Capitol Blvd. The public is invited to the free event, led by Boise State University English professor Bruce Ballenger.

The book discussion is an opportunity for the public to learn more about Armstrong and her work prior to her upcoming visit to Boise. On Oct. 4, Armstrong will present a free lecture, “The Battle For God,” at 7 p.m. in the Boise State Student Union Jordan Ballroom as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series.

In “The Spiral Staircase,” Armstrong chronicles her departure after seven years from the Roman Catholic convent she entered in 1962 at age 17, and the tumultuous path that eventually led her to a study of comparative religion. Today, Armstrong is considered one of the foremost scholars, authors and commentators on religious affairs in the English-speaking world. Her books have been translated into more than 40 languages, and she has been honored as a bridge builder who promotes understanding among different faiths.

Armstrong is the author of “A History of God,” “Islam,” “Holy War” and other books. Her Oct. 4 lecture, “The Battle for God,” is drawn from her book by the same name. She will discuss the rise of fundamentalist movements in Islam, Christianity and Judaism, including the role a technologically driven world with liberal Western values plays in exacerbating conflicts.

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Contact: Helen Lojek, Department of English, (208) 426-1328, hlojek@boisestate.edu 

Media Contact: Janelle Brown, News Services, (208) 426-1790, jbrown2@boisestate.edu

Online at: http://news.boisestate.edu.