Why is fundamentalism on the rise in all the major religions (yes, ALL the major religions)?

Answer 1

The rise of fundamentalism is in direct proportion to the increase in all the problems we see on the increase in society and the world today. As people see rises in crime, war, poverty, disparity - even something as simple as the belief held by some that young people today are not as disciplined as were young people in the past. When people start to feel less and less control over their lives or events that affect their lives they begin to cling to those things from the past that brought them security and comfort. Religious fundamentalism - a return to the old ways of thinking and expressing one's spirituality does that for some. However, conversely one can get so caught up in it that it becomes a tool with which they put on blinders to the need to be sensitive toward others. They become so adamant in their beliefs that there are no shades of gray allowing for any sort of tolerance. If one thinks about it - part of the rise of fundamentalism is in response to the number of people today who chose to belief nothing. That not only goes counter to christianity but every other world religion in existence. I'm not trying to pass judgment on anyone - merely pointing out why we may be seeing what we are seeing today that gave rise to your asking the question.

Answer 2

In an infamous way Osama Bin Laden has demonstrated that fundamentalism can be the route to power and influence. Many from other religions have jumped on the bandwagon. They quote religious doctrine which can support almost any line they wish to pursue. They can comfort themselves with false certainty where none exists. The emphasis is on winning an argument not on the elucidation of truth by examination of evidence. I suppose it will only be the mess such people leave when they get power that will ultimately turn the mass of ordinary people against fundamentalism.

Answer 3

Because it supports our egos -- we find comfort in separation and stuff that tells us we're special and will be saved while others won't. We do it whether we're religious or not -- e.g. atheists feel the 'us' versus 'them' with respect to christians and vice-versa; and each thinks it has a hold on the truth that the other doesn't. All over -- religion, non-religion, science, cultures, countries, etc.

Answer 4

The world is scary and uncertain, more so than before. Religion is founded on this.

The first gods were developed to explain and have some control over natural phenomenon that their 'science' had not explained (eg floods, lightning etc)

So I believe all other religious thought stems from this, and peoples inability to accept that their time is finite (afterlife, heaven etc).

Blaise Pascal suggested it was logical to choose to believe in God. Why not, you have a lot to gain. More so than ever, Pascal's equation is looking tempting. Our time looks even more finite now than ever before.

Actually just saw your response to the two party issue, law reform, and its similar to my thoughts, except you have more faith in voters.

Can you please contact me via email and give me all your ideas???? I am trying to write a small handbook of sensibility here in Australia to try to get some support for some 'common sense' initiatives!!!

Answer 5

It's not necessarily on the rise in terms of numbers. It's just on the rise in terms of obnoxiousness.

As time goes on, the beliefs of fundamentalists are becoming increasingly irrelevent in modern society. And so, just like a child being dragged out of a grocery store, they're going out kicking and screaming.

Good riddance, I say.

Answer 6

Because the human population is growing.

When things get crowded, small differences between populations become exaggerated as tensions and competition for resources peak.

Whenever people feel threatened, they huddle together in a xenophobic "Us vs. Them" siege mentality.

They can't think their way out of their situation and turn to the old standby "hate thy strange neighbor".

Answer 7

When there is too many uncertainties around one in society and people don't feel safe they tend to go to the one place many do and that is within their religious beliefs

Answer 8

Some are running out of things to believe and to fight for.
They're also loosing their purpose in life so they want to make it a big deal and even go out with a "bang"...

Answer 9

A little bit of Religion is like a little bit of syphilis, unless eradicated, it always gets worse.

Answer 10

because different people of different religions want to stress the truth of their belief.