Fundamentalisms

Readers of this book will gain an overall sense of the nature of ‘fundamentalism’, the various concerns of fundamentalists, and the problems involved in studying fundamentalisms. Understanding the wider social and cultural implications of fundamentalist belief and practice will be a result of reading this book. Fundamentalisms will be of interest to all those concerned with the study of contemporary religion and culture.

The most conspicuous form of religion to emerge during the 20th century is 'fundamentalism'. Whether one considers debates within faith communities concerning the correct interpretation of sacred writings, or religiously inspired political activism, or indeed some forms of international terrorism, fundamentalism seems to be a perennial religious tendency. Written from sociological, ethnographical, anthropological, missiological, and theological perspectives, these essays provide a source of reliable information and thoughtful reflection on contemporary manifestations of fundamentalism and fundamentalist-like trends.

· Includes studies of belief and practice within contemporary Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Paganism.
· With contributions from David Burnett, Colin Chapman and Peter Riddel.
· With a chapter on the issues raised for and by Christian missions.
· Written by scholars who have carried out substantial research into the traditions about which they write.
· Discusses whether the term ‘fundamentalism’ itself is particularly useful outside its original Christian context.
· Deals with current and contemporary issues such as the fundamentalist politicization of religion, the relationship of women to oppressive fundamentalist cultures and the complex and significant relationship with postmodern culture.