What metaphors are used in A History of God: The 4000-year Quest of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam by Karen Armstrong?

I think that compassion works as both a literal and a metaphorical idea. Compassion or the "love of they neighbor like oneself" is a recurring theme in Christianity. "Do unto others as thou wouldst have done to oneself" is often quoted as the kernel of all teachings of Jesus. In the same way, the underlying principle of Muslim tenets is the overriding desire for social justice among all people. It is not surprising, therefore, that Armstrong identifies compassion as the major ideal for an emerging religion. It is the trend away from the cruel and tyrannical Gods of the ancient religions that gives hope for mankind.