fundamentalism forever

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Fundamentalism Forever
In a world where science prevails and automation dominates, it’s easy to assume religion would eventually fade away in the process of global modernization. However, as society becomes increasingly concrete and traditional, religion gradually takes on a more prominent role in modern-day culture. With technology advancing and politics overwhelming the newsstands, mankind searches for assurance (in some cases escape) through various religions, customs, cults, and at times, extremist ideologies. Fundamentalism is emerging across the globe, affecting it for the better, and for the worst.
The ongoing war in the Middle East has created much controversy in the eyes of western civilization. Like the youth movement of the 1960s, war tends to create tension between tradition and newly adapted lifestyles. Plus, for every war in history, there have always been problems for the citizens of either side. Therefore, war exhibits fundamentalism at it’s best, easily allowing different religions to protest the “apparent” atrocities of customary civilization. In turn, some of these protests ended up taking a more extremist route when dealing with such radical issues. As Karen Armstrong puts it, “Perhaps the most important factor to understand about this widespread religious militancy is its rootedness in a deep fear of annihilation. Every fundamentalist movement I have studied in Judaism, Christianity and Islam is convinced that modern secular society wants to wipe out religion-even in America. Fundamentalists, therefore, believe they are fighting for survival, and when people feel that their backs are to the wall, some can strike out violently.” (Karen Armstrong)
To reiterate, fundamentalism is emerging simultaneously with gl...

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... of the world. As long as society continues to push the limits, fundamentalists will do the same. Like most governments, checks and balances is a must. Secular society will continue to modernize, as fundamentalists will continue to protest; neither will ever surpass the other. Karen Armstrong’s article proves that fundamentalism is here to stay.

Works Cited
Armstrong, Karen. “Fundamentalism is Here to Stay.” The Short Prose Reader. 13 ed. Eds: Muller, Gilbert H. & Wiener, Harvey S. New York, NY: McGraw Hill, 2013. 389-9.Print.

"French Veil Law." BBC News. N.p., 27 Nov. 2013. Web. 15 Dec. 2013. .

Larner, Jesse. "The Ground Zero Mosque and the War on Terror." The Huffington Post. N.p., 20 Oct. 2010. Web. 15 Dec. 2013. .

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