Acclaimed religious writer and ex-nun Karen Armstrong was lauded as a “voice of conscience” by University President John J. DeGioia in a ceremony last Friday in ICC Auditorium during which he conferred upon her an honorary degree.
Armstrong, who first gained fame in the early 1980s for writing about her decision to leave a Roman Catholic monastic order, has authored 20 books on modern religious thought. Many of her books have focused on the commonalities between different religions.
In her first book, “Through the Narrow Gate,” Armstrong described life in a religious covenant during the 1960s as restrictive. She has since written extensively on the links between religions, particularly between Christianity and Islam.
“Religious truth has to be appropriated imaginatively,” she said. “None of us can have the last word on God.”
DeGioia said he was excited to welcome Armstrong as Georgetown’s “newest alumnus.” He said that Armstrong has been an invaluable guide in showing people how the understanding of other faiths makes them more sensitive to their own religious beliefs.
“Jesuits urge us to seek what unites us, rather than divide,” DeGioia said, adding that the degree is an example of the Georgetown’s goal of promoting inter-religious understanding.
Armstrong echoed DeGioia’s comments, saying that prayer can help lead to personal growth and enlightenment.
Armstrong added she was confident that Georgetown could continue to encourage the spirit of compassion, acceptance and faith to counter the selfishness too often associated with religion.
Armstrong came to Georgetown 10 years ago when she spoke at the university’s center for Muslim-Christian Understanding. John Esposito, the center’s director, read the degree citation which honored her for “intellectual leadership across disciplines and her ability to focus broad public attention on the importance of respect and understanding among faiths.”
Armstrong began the speech by joking that she felt so lucky to receive the prestigious degree given to her despite a “rather difficult academic history in the past.”
Abed Bhuyan (SFS ’08), president of the Muslim Students Association, said after the speech that he was pleased to have Armstrong at Georgetown, pointing to her acceptance of many religious viewpoints.
“Karen Armstrong is a strong proponent of what I believe, and what many Muslims here at Georgetown, especially in the MSA, believe,” he said.