Armstrong dissects fundamentalism

Posted August 2, 2006 in News

The full article can be found online at the Guardian Unlimited called "Bush's fondness of fundamentalism is courting disaster at home and abroad"

Karen Armstong asks: "Is there a connection between a religiously motivated mistrust of science, glaring social injustice and a war in the Middle East?" Bush and his administration espouse many of the ideals of the Christian right and rely on its support. American fundamentalists are convinced that the second coming of Christ is at hand; they have developed an end-time scenario of genocidal battles based on a literal reading of Revelation that is absolutely central to their theology. Christ cannot return, however, unless, in fulfilment of biblical prophecy, the Jews are in possession of the Holy Land. Before the End, the faithful will be "raptured" or snatched up into the air in order to avoid the Tribulation.

She comments on how this perspective can affect the Bush adminstration's (and similarly influenced policy makers) decision making vis a vis peace, the environment and social justice.

Karen Armstong's latest book is The Battle for God: A History of Fundamentalism

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