Intro to Fundamentalism

Great thanks :)

Great resource for introducing the key facets of Fundamentalism. Could possibly be improved with some thought exercises on/around what "positive" reasons there are for people to turn to fundamentalism - ie what do people get from it?

This is a fascinating and helpful starting point for lessons on War, Peace and Justice. Thank you.

This is an interesting and effective approach to Fundamentalism. It would be a good introduction to support with examples giving more depth plus some research homework. Fundamentalism is often seen as the cause of conflict between religions but those who follow a Fundamentalist doctrine gain many personal advantages from it. They tend to have a simple, secure faith which is not affected by doubt. This enables them to pray with real intensity - and they often report spiritual experiences, such as prayers answered, visions of Jesus and miracles of healing. If it is the power of faith which makes for a strong relationship with God, then they gain from this. The problem comes when Fundamentalists assume that their view of religion is the only 'correct' one and so become intolerant of other faiths. Exclusivist fundamentalism is behind many of he conflicts involving religion which we see in our world today. Unscrupulous politicians can manipulate the passion of fundamentalist faith for their own ends, For example in the Qur'an it clearly states that killing of innocent people and suicide are wrong, yet political groups convince some Muslims who are deeply concerned about suffering and injustice, that it is caused by 'the evil Western society' so anything that harms Western people is good. This argument was used to recruit those who carried out the 9 11 bombings. Those who take part in a suicide attack have come to believe that all the 'innocent people' are actually guilty because they live or work in a society which is guilty. Many who die are Muslim - as happened in the Twin Towers and London bombings - but they are presumably also considered to be 'guilty parties' too. And the suicide issue is excused because those who carry out suicide attacks have become convinced that they are giving their lives as martyrs because they are 'fighting a just war' to 'make the world a better place.' </p> If using images of the 9 11 and London bombings, as you do, then I think it is important to discuss these points, too.</p> In my view 'Fundamentalism' is not 'bad' or 'wrong.' But when exclusivist fundamentalists of any persuasion (atheists included) try to impose their views on others or - in the extreme examples - kill others because they disagree with them and view them as 'the enemy' then that is both 'bad' and 'wrong.' - Bud so is the injustice which has driven those people to believe that the only thing they can do to make the world a better place is die in this way. </p> (Explore the question of the rich poor divide here. Is it possible to have a peaceful world when 2/3 are in danger of starvation while 1/3 is in danger of obesity? Look at the way Israel tramples over the Palestinians, America and the West support Israel and Palestinian suffering continues endlessly, leading many to despair.</p> Look at groups where Israeli and Palestinians work together for peace.</p> look at http://www.theisraelproject.org/site/c.hsJPK0PIJpH/b.689705/k.9F22/Press_Releases/apps/nl/newsletter2.asp</p> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Projects_working_for_peace_among_Arabs_and_Israelis</p> http://www.visionews.net/middle-east-israel-and-palestinian-women-together-for-peace/</p> An interesting video about the conflict between Israel and Palestine from 2009 is </p> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkwiJ-3i5r8&feature=related</p>