The Battle for God: A History of Fundamentalism (Ballantine Reader's Circle) Book

About 40 years ago popular opinion assumed that religion would become a weaker force and certainly less zealous as the world became more modern and morals became more relaxed. Yet, the opposite has proven true, according to theologian and author Karen Armstrong (A History of God), who documents how fundamentalism has taken root and grown in many of the world's major religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Even Buddhism, Sikhism, Hinduism and Confucianism have developed fundamentalist factions. Reacting to a technologically driven world with liberal Western values, fundamentalists have not only increased in numbers, they have become more desperate, claims Armstrong, who points to the Oklahoma City bombing, violent anti-abortion crusades, and the assassination of President Yitzak Rabin as evidence of dangerous extremes.Yet she also acknowledges the irony of how fundamentalism and Western materialism seem to urge each other onto greater excesses. To "prevent an escalation of the conflict, we must try and understand the pain and perception of the other side", she pleads. With her gift for clear, engaging writing and her integrity as a thorough researcher, Armstrong delivers a powerful discussion on a globally heated issue. Part history lesson, part wake-up call, and mostly a plea for healing, Armstrong's writing continues to offer a religious mirror and a cultural vision. --Gail HudsonRead More