Karen Armstrong is a British author and commentator primarily known for her works on comparative religion. Born in 1944 in Worcestershire, England, she initially joined a Roman Catholic religious order and spent seven years as a nun. This early chapter of her life provided a foundation for her enduring quest to understand spirituality, but it was only after leaving the convent and attending Oxford University that she began to explore the religious traditions of the world. Her experience both within and outside the convent shaped her conviction that faith is deeply intertwined with human history and psychology.

Armstrong has written more than 20 books, including bestsellers like "A History of God" and "The Battle for God." Her writing seeks to illuminate the common threads that run through the world’s major religions, emphasizing the importance of compassion, ethics, and the interconnectedness of all human experience. Armstrong has the rare ability to distill complex religious and historical concepts into language that is both accessible and resonant, making her a sought-after speaker and advisor on matters of faith and interfaith dialogue.

Her impact extends beyond academia and the written word; she is also the creator of the Charter for Compassion, a cooperative effort to restore compassionate thinking and action to the center of moral and religious life. The Charter has received international recognition and serves as a testament to Armstrong’s commitment to bringing a nuanced understanding of faith into everyday life. Through her writings and initiatives, she contributes to the ongoing dialogue about what it means to be a compassionate human being in a diverse and often divisive world.