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.

The quote by Karen Armstrong addresses the historical perception of Islam in the Western world, particularly dating back to the time of the Crusades. She points out that since these holy wars between Christians from Western Europe and Muslims in the Near East, many in the West have often viewed Islam as a violent and intolerant religion. This perception has persisted over centuries, shaping attitudes and misunderstandings about Islam.

Armstrong challenges this long-standing prejudice by highlighting a historical reality: when these biased views began to form, Islam actually had a better record of tolerance than Christianity. This suggests that the negative stereotypes about Islam are not based on objective truths but rather on historical conflicts and cultural misunderstandings. Her statement calls for a more nuanced and informed understanding of religious history and intercultural relations.

The origin of this quote is Karen Armstrong, a respected scholar and author specializing in religious history and interfaith dialogue. Armstrong’s work often focuses on correcting misconceptions and promoting greater understanding between different faiths by exploring their historical contexts.

In essence, Armstrong’s quote encourages readers to reconsider deeply ingrained prejudices and to appreciate the complex history of tolerance and intolerance within both Islam and Christianity. It serves as a reminder that many perceptions are shaped by historical conflict rather than balanced knowledge.