Fundamentalism
Prophecy and Protest in an Age of Globalization

Investigates the origins of fundamentalism, outlining its characteristics and history, considering examples from Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism.

Torkel Brekke (Author)

9780521149792, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 26 December 2011

304 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.7 cm, 0.39 kg

'[This] is a compelling read that will make an excellent methodological tool for any scholars interested in world religions, comparative religious ethics, social-protest movements, globalization, modernity, and method and theory in the study of religion.' Travis Warren Cooper, Religion

This book investigates the origins of fundamentalism, outlining its characteristics and the history of key fundamentalist movements around the world, considering examples from Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. The book argues that fundamentalism develops when modern lay religious leaders challenge the authority of secular states and traditional religious establishments. These new leaders and their followers seek to infuse religious values and practices into all spheres, especially law, politics, education and science. The patterns of religious authority and leadership that characterize fundamentalism have their roots in a Christian context but were globalized through intense intercultural contacts after the mid-nineteenth century. Fundamentalism is a thoroughly modern and global phenomenon because it presupposes the globalization of ideas and practices concerning religious leadership and organization, as well as universal changes in the relationship of religion to modern societies and states.

Introduction
Part I. The Historical and Ideological Context of Fundamentalism: 1. Religion and modernity in the West
2. Religion and globalization
3. A global shift in religious authority
4. Prophecy and preaching
Part II. Fundamentalist Struggles: 5. The struggle for the state
6. The struggle over law
7. The struggle for the sciences
8. The struggle over education
9. The struggle over women
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Religious fundamentalism [HRAM6], Religion & beliefs [HR], General & world history [HBG]