8.

United States and

Canada
North America

Stopover in Nigeria

It is divided between a Muslim North

and a Christian South.

[[File:Religius and Ethnic map of Nigeria.png|

thumb|Religius and Ethnic map of Nigeria]]

Stopover in Nigeria

Nigeria is an example of what

Huntington terms A Torn State
Some norther states use Shariah law
Including harsh sentences

Stopover in Nigeria

Occasionally violent attacks by

Muslims or Christians on the other
group have occurred.
While more peaceful Muslim and
Christian leaders have worked
together for harmony.

Stopover in Nigeria: Boko

Haram
2002 A group of Wahhabi style

Nigerian Muslims founded Boko

Haram to oppose Western and nonWahhabi things.
The movement uses violent means to
advance its cause:
Kidnappings, killings, rape and torture.

Stopover in Nigeria: Boko

The term BokoHaram
Haram refers to a

militant Islamic movement spread over

Nigeria and nearby states (Chad, Niger,
Cameroon).
Boko is a Hausa word meaning fake
or false. It has been used in Hausa to
refer to the curriculum taught in
Western style schools, in contrast with
traditional Islamic schooling.
Haram is Arabic for forbidden
Boko Haram likely originated as a way
of rejecting Western style education.

Stopover in Nigeria: Boko

Haram
Pre 2015 Boko Haram
was somewhat

affiliated with al-Qaeda

In 2015 Boko Haram declared that it
had joined the Islamic State group.
This supports
the IS goal of
expanding into
Africa.
https://ca.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?hspart=iry&hsimp=yhs-fullyhosted_003&type=plk_coinisrs_15_37_ag1948&param1=1&param2=cd
%3D2XzuyEtN2Y1L1Qzu0CtDtCzzzzyD0A0Ezz0EzytB0DtC0EtCtN0D0Tzu0StCtAyEzytN1L2XzutAtFtCtBtFyDtFtDtN1L1Czu1BtAtN1L1G1B1V1N2Y1L1Qzu2StCtD
0CyB0CyByBzytG0BtByCzztGyE0CyC0DtG0BzyyB0EtGtC0A0CtA0EyDyCtA0FtD0AtB2QtN1M1F1B2Z1V1N2Y1L1Qzu2S0DtDyByDtDtC0D0DtG0Fzzzz0BtGyEtD
tC0FtG0BzztDzztG0F0B0ByByEzz0EyB0DyCtByC2QtN0A0LzutB%26cr%3D1339054909%26a%3Dplk_coinisrs_15_37%26uref%3Dchmm%26f%3D4%26cat
%3Dweb%26sid%3D8ff0e465edab26f79c9536c940091e4f%26sesid%3Dc6b1edfd100c5a429e7332c3a038eadb%26abid%3D139%26abg%3D1948%26ip
%3D209.171.88.233%26b%3Dchmm%26bv%3D46.0.2472.0%26os%3DWindows%2B7%26pa%3Dpalikan&p=map+of+Islamic+State+expansion

Stopover in Nigeria: Boko

Haram
2015 Going into the 2015 national
elections
The Nigerian army couldnt control much
of its territory or stop the kidnappings
President Goodluck Jonathan had often
denied that there was a serious threat
from Boko H.

Goodluck Jonathan lost the 2015

elections and was replaced by a new
government pledged to control Boko
Haram.

Stopover in Nigeria: Boko

Haram

The African Union has set up a 4

state military operation called the
West African Task Force

To fight back against Boko Haram

By forming a united force, the 4
governments hope to keep Boko Haram
militants from escaping by crossing
borders.

North America end of our

trip
We arrive at Dulles
International in

Washington, D.C.
Our topics will include:
Separation of Church and State
The Triple Melting Pot
Rise and current nature of
fundamentalism
Social Gospel
Issue 1: Politicized Topics
Issue 2: Christian Right in Politics
Issue 3: Islam in North America

Separation of Church and

State
USA Constitution first amendment says
Congress shall make no law respecting
an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof . . .

Strict meaning: The FEDERAL Congress

should not establish any religion (as a
State Religion)
As England and Scotland had done

Separation of Church and

State
That is, the USA was founded along the
Enlightenment model of a secular state.
This makes the USA a secular state at the
federal level. Nothing was set about the
States level.
In 1801 Baptist Association of Danbury Conn
wrote to Pres. Jefferson asking for
clarification.
They were worried about the special status
afforded the Congregational Church in Connecticut
Jefferson replied that the principle applied to all

Separation of Church and

State
Gradually, all the states did come to
embrace the new model, which came to be
called the
Separation of Church and State
With a positive and a negative dimension
1. tax exempt status for all religions
2. no taxpayer support for any religion
NOTE: In those days, the dispute was among
Protestant denominations, not among religions in
our sense.

Separation of Church and

State
Amendment 14, passed after the Civil
War,
Further clarified that states couldnt impose
restrictions based on race or religion.

Separation of Church and

State
Separation of Church and State has
a positive and negative dimension re
taxes
1. tax exempt status for all religions
2. no taxpayer support for any religion
NOTE: In those days, the dispute was among
Protestant denominations, not among
religions in our sense.

Triple Melting Pot

Sociologist Will Herberg wrote a book entitled
Protestant, Catholic, Jew
Protestant: He argues that at first American-ness
and being Protestant (or nothing) went together.
Catholic: Later, after more Catholic arrivals,
Americans were seen as either Protestant or
Catholic.
Jew: Still later, Jews became accepted.
Note: To have ones religious identity seen as part
of the national norm, there needs to be a lot of
followers in that religion.

Triple Melting Pot

Herberg calls this by two terms
Triple Melting Pot
Or Tri-partite Faith
Both these terms emphasize his contention
that the operative faith of Americans is one.
-A set of common values system that he calls
The American Way of Life
- The point is, there isnt a lot of difference in
lifestyle or values among these three
religions in the USA. (they poll the same on
many issues)

Fundamentalism In the USA

Arose as a backlash against liberalism,
with its
Acceptance of science even where it
conflicted with the Bible
Questioning the Biblical miracles,
Questioning creation account in Genesis
Questioning the idea the earth was only a few
thousand years old.

Application of literary criticism

approaches to interpreting the Bible

Fundamentalism In the USA

The opening of a liberal leaning
theological school in Chicago was also a
factor
Chicago Divinity School (part of the U of
Chicago)

Fundamentalism In the USA

A series of conferences of conservative
Protestant leaders, combined with a
series of booklets on The
Fundamentals of the Faith,
led to a movement that the press
called Fundamentalism
Note, most fundamentalist Christians
call themselves Evangelicals or just
Conservatives, or Bible based

Fundamentalism In the USA

Characteristics of Christian
Fundamentalists from an insider point of
view
Literalist interpretation of the Bible
inerrancy of scriptures
Belief in six day creation, miracles, etc

Gods authority as supreme (over human laws)

Application of Biblical laws to daily life
Absolute truth of Christianity
Expect imminent return of Christ

Fundamentalism In the USA

Characteristics of Christian
Fundamentalists from an outsider point
of view
Literalist interpretation of scripture
Rejection of science if contrary to Bible
Male dominance
Tendency to denounce others as evil of
demonic
Tendency to see other points of view as evil

Fundamentalism In the USA

Characteristics of Christian
Fundamentalists according to
Lawrence
Acceptance of modern technology
Reaction against modernity, with its

Secular values
Democratic decisions
Acceptance of new lifestyles and sexualities
acceptance of females in public leadership
roles

Scopes Monkey Trial

The 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial was

a clash
Between
Between
cities
Between
Between

fundamentalism and liberalism

the Bible Belt and northern
Science and traditional religion
traditionalism and modernity

Scopes Monkey Trial

John Scopes was a high school science
teacher in Dayton Tennessee, a small
town.
He reluctantly agreed to be charged
with violating the Tennessee law
against teaching evolution.
The goal was
to bring money
and publicity
to the town
(it worked!)

Scopes Monkey Trial

Despite the charge, the real issue on trial
was Christian Biblical Literalism vs. modern
science
Especially evolution.

https://historymartinez.wordpress.com/2013/06/14/
fundamentalist-crusades-of-the-twenties-prohibition-the-scopestrial-powerpoint/

Scopes Monkey Trial

Despite the charge, the real issue on trial
was Christian Biblical Literalism vs. modern
science
Especially evolution.

https://historymartinez.wordpress.com/2013/06/14/
fundamentalist-crusades-of-the-twenties-prohibition-the-scopestrial-powerpoint/

Scopes Monkey Trial

The fundamentalist side was led by William

Jennings Bryant. He had 3 times been a
candidate for President.
The liberal, defense side was led by Clarence
Darrow, a Chicago-based, liberal.

Scopes Monkey Trial

The trial had lots of unusual features

Moved out of doors when it became too hot inside

Defense lawyer got Prosecutor (Bryant) to take the
stand and answer questions about the Bible.
Bryant had to admit there were inconsistencies.
Defense lawyer (Darrow) asked the jury to find his
client guilty! So that he could appeal to a higher
court!

Scopes Monkey Trial

Scopes was found guilty and fined $100.

Later, the verdict was overthrown on the
technical grounds that the fine was too high.
He wasnt retried, however, and he later moved
to work elsewhere.
Bryant stayed in Tennessee, where he was
treated as a religious champion. He died shortly
after the trial.
Darrow returned up North, as a liberal champion.
The nation came to realize how split it was
between Christian fundamentalism and liberal
values.
But that split didnt show up in party politics for
decades.

The Bible Belt

The Bible Belt is a term describing a
vaguely defined region in the
Southern USA
Strong Protestant area, with
conservative values.

Social Gospel
The term Social Gospel started when
Reinhold Niebuhr and other liberal
Protestant clergy who advocated for the
poor.
The concept was that just as Jesus brought
relief to the poor, so should the modern
Church
I.e., get churches out of pews and into
action applying the gospel to social
problems

Social Gospel -- Catholic

The term Social Gospel came to public
attention again in the 1960s via
Roman Catholic priests advocating for
the poor in Latin America
The Vatican denounced the movement
Fearing it was too Marxist and/or
communist.

This approach is still very respected,

but is still suspect by the Vatican.

Social Gospel -- Canada

The social gospel in Canada arose out of
the prairie provinces
Tommy Douglas called for the
application of the gospel to social
conditions.
Wanted Christians to be
Less concerned with doctrine and dogmas
More concerned with humanity

The Canadian health care system

Social Gospel -- Canada

The social gospel approach in
Canada has left at least two
important legacies
1. The Canadian health care system
2. The NDP party (social democrat)

Issue 1: Topics -- Evolution

Evolution as seen by Creationist
Christians
Denounced because it differs
dramatically from Genesis
Reduced to a mere theory
Countered with other worldviews
Creationism
Intelligent Design

Issue 1: Topics -- Abortion

Abortion remains a controversial
practice. The two sides are
pro-life
Against abortion in all or most cases

Pro-choice
Supports the womans right to choose in
matters relating to her own body.

Has been elevated to a major

political issue in the USA

Issue 1: Topics Stem Cell

Research
Stem Cell Research is opposed by some
conservative Christians
Because the stem cells are extracted from
embryos left over from fertility clinics
Though the embryos would otherwise have been
discarded, opponents see it as abortion
Note, many conservative Christians view stem cell
research as moral and of scientific merit

Umbilical cord cell extractions are

accepted by more conservatives because
using them doesnt harm any organism.

Issue 1: Topics Birth

Control
Artificial methods of birth control
have traditionally been denounced
by several religions.
Under influence of conservative
Christians, birth control was illegal
under the 1873 Comstock Law
Later overturned

The Vatican continues to denounce

artificial birth control.

Issue 1: Topics Same-sex

Marriage
Same-sex marriage has become a major
issue
For the religions internally
E.g., Anglican church is really splitting on this issue
Other churches have similar divisions

For public policy

With traditionalists holding to man-woman marriage
With courts demanding equal rights for alternate
marriage patterns
With same-sex partners wanting to be recognized in
every way the same as opposite-sex partners

In 2004 USA elections, Rove used the issue to

get out the conservative voters to vote
Republican

Issue 2. Chr. Right Moral

Majority
1979-89 The Moral Majority, led by
Jerry Falwell
Against proposed Equal Rights
Amendment
Against the feminist agenda of the era

Against homosexuality and gay rights

Against abortion

Issue 2. Chr. Right Christian

Coalition
1988 The Christian Coalition, led by
Pat Robinson, took up the agenda of
the Moral Majority.
It focused on getting conservative
Christians elected to office at all levels
of government.
It made great use of Voter Guides as a
way of promoting candidates it
favoured.

Issue 2. Chr. Right FaithBased Initiatives

George W. Bush campaigned, partly, on the
concept of faith-based initiatives
The concept was to funnel federal money
through religious organizations, to help the
poor
After winning the elections, the Congress
didnt pass the legislation, so Bush used
Charitable Choice and Executive Orders to
do this.
Obama has reversed this.

Issue 2. Chr. Right Voter

Behaviour
Studies of religious affiliation and voting
behaviour suggest the following:
Evangelical Christian strongly favour Rep.
But African American Evangelicals tend
to vote Dem.
Christians in total (not just Evangelicals)
break pretty evenly between Dem and
Rep.
Issues such as war or economy can
override the normal patterns.

Issue 3. Islam in North

America
Although some percentage of the
slaves were likely Muslim before being
enslaved, few African Americans were
Muslim until the mid 20th century
Immigration from the Middle East,
Africa and Asia brought Sunni and
Shii Islam to the USA and Canada.
Muslims are around 3% of the
population of the USA and Canada.

Issue 3. Islam in North

America
The Nation of Islam was started by Wallace
Fard (later Arabized as Farad) in the 1920s
Elijah Poole (later Elijah Muhammad) met
Fard in 1923
Elijah understood Fard to be the awaited one
along the lines of the New Testament and
Quranic expectations
Later this was turned into the belief that Fard
was Allah (now abandoned since it is so
heterodox)

Issue 3. Islam in North

America
Wallace Muhammad, 7th son of Fard,
became leader after his fathers
death.
Took the movement toward Sunni and
the mainstream
Renamed the organization

Issue 3. Islam in North

America
1978 Louis Farrakhan revived the
former name and took leadership of
the main Nation of Islam movement.
He restored the old NOI traditions,
but also has moved toward more
mainstream Sunni Islam.
Farrakhan has enjoyed funding from

Issue 3. Islam in North

America
1978 Louis Farrakhan revived the
former name and took leadership of
the main Nation of Islam movement.
He restored the old NOI traditions,
but also has moved toward more
mainstream Sunni Islam.
Farrakhan has enjoyed funding from
North African states

Issue 3. Islam in North

America
1995 Million Man March on Washington
Farrakhan organized and set the program
for this demonstration by African American
men.
He incorporated Islamic invocations and
blessings into the program, thus giving the
impression that it was an Islamic event.

NOTE: Farrakhan has moved the Nation

of Islam from an anti-governmental
stance to political activism.

Issue 3. Islam in North

America
The Muslim population of Canada more than
doubled from the 1991 to 2001 census,
rising from 1 to 2% of the population.
Estimates put Muslims as high as 3%
currently.
Membership is mosques tends to draw from
many countries of origin and cultures.
Estimates suggest that 10% or Muslims in
Canada are Shii.

Issue 3. Islam in North

America
2003 Shariah Mediation Controversy
A proposal to start an Islamic Institute of
Civil Justice to serve as a Shariah based
mediation centre led to great controversy
Some Muslims and some non-Muslims
feared that female Muslims would be
coerced into settlements (re money, child
custody, et al) that were not fair by
Canadian norms (law or culture)

Issue 3. Islam in North

America
2003 Shariah Mediation Controversy
The Boyd report suggested allowing religiousbased mediation, but with some government
oversight and minimal norms.
Critics denounced the reports
recommendations as inadequate to protect
females.
2005 Premier McGinty announced that faithbased arbitration
Reversing past practice and Boyds
recommendations.

Issue 3. Islam in North

America
Has Islam become the 4th American
religion?
Should Herbergs Protestant, Catholic, Jew
triple melting pot thesis be updated to
include Islam?
PRO: Enough population (3%); Acceptance of
English and American cultural values, Serving in
military; high profile in sports; Elected Politians
CON: Some rejection of American values; some
sympathy with Islamicist terrorism.

Other Issues: Sikh Turban &

Kirpan
Sikhs and wearing of the turban and
kirpan
Male Sikhs who are members of the elite
group of Sikhs called the Khalsa
Should wear the five Ks (five things that
start with K in Punjabi)

Uncut hair
Comb
Dagger (kirpan)
Brachlet
shorts

Other Issues : Sikh Turban &

Kirpan
Sikh turban controversies
Traditionally, not cutting ones hair
meant wearing a turban (wound around
the long hair) and a chin cloth (holding
the rolled up beard under the chin)
Wearing the turban conflicts with
Canadian laws or customs some times
Should Sikh Mounties be allowed to wear a
turban rather than the parade hat?
Should Sikh construction workers be allowed
to wear a turban rather than a hard hat?

Other Issues : Sikh Turban &

Kirpan
Sikh kirpan controversies
The kirpan is a dagger worn by Khalsa males.
It was originally meant as a weapon to protect
Sikhs in their struggles against Muslims.
Now it is more a ritual object (but it is a
potential weapon)
Canadian courts have struggled with how to
respect religious customs while keeping
weapons out of the work place or schools.
One court ruling permits kirpans in schools as
long as they are sewn into a pouch. (i.e., worn
but not useable as a weapon.

Other Issues: Christian

Militia
The Christian Militia movement is
growing in the USA.
The 2010 arrest of leaders of the
Hutaree Militia in Michigan brought these
allegations
Plot to kill one policeman, then kill many
more at the funeral
Belief that the End Time is about to happen
and that bringing down the government will
speed it along.

Other Issues: Christian

Militia
On what basis does the Hutaree believe in militancy
and war in the name of Christ?
We believe that one day, as prophecy says, there will
be an Anti-Christ. All christians must know this and
prepare, just as Christ commanded. Luke 22:35-37,
And He said to them, When I sent you without money
bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?
So they said, Nothing. 36, Then he said to them, But
now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and
likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him
sell his garment and buy one. 37, For I say to you that
this which is written must be accomplished in me: And
He was numbered with transgressors, For the things
concerning Me have an end. This clearly states the
reason for the training and preparation of the Hutaree.
From www.hutaree.com

Other Issues: Christian

Militia
Jesus wanted us to be ready to defend
ourselves using the sword and stay alive
using equipment. The only thing on earth to
save the testimony and those who follow it,
are the members of the testimony, til the
return of Christ in the clouds. We, the
Hutaree, are prepared to defend all those who
belong to Christ and save those who arent.
We will still spread the word, and fight to keep
it, up to the time of the great coming.

From www.hutaree.com

Other Issues: Christian

Militia
The End Time or Eschaton is a Christian
belief derived from the last book of the
New Testament, Revelations, chapter 20.
Where it is said that Jesus will return to rule
over the earth for a 1000 years
Some expect the 1000 years to precede the return
Others expect the rule to be 1000 years

Many Christian sects and movements

throughout history have been motivated by
the idea that the End Time is about to happen

Other Issues: Militia

Movement
Is the Christian Militia movement a
terrorist group?
Terrorism is usually understood as the use
of random violence to provoke terror
among a population, for some larger
political goal.
By that definition, a Christian militia group
that plans to or actually does kill random
civilians to bring about their larger goals
would be a terrorist group.

Other Issues: Rapture and

Israel
The Christian Right in North America
tends to be a staunch supporter of
modern Israel. Why?
One reason relates to the concept of the
Rapture.
Link to picture and site

Other Issues: Rapture and

Israel
The Rapture is a belief that Christ will
come again soon
Based on interpretations of the books of
Daniel and especially Revelation of the
Bible
There are several, and variant,
interpretations of what will happen, but
the following gives an idea of what is
typically expected (by Christians who
believe in the Rapture)

Other Issues: Rapture and

Israel
Timetable of the Final Days,
according to Evangelical Christians
expecting a Rapture.
First, there will be a gathering in
which Jesus will come, hidden in
clouds, and gather the true believers
(the elect) in one place
The rest of us, Christians or others, will
not know this is happening.

Other Issues: Rapture and

Israel
Timetable of the Final Days, according to
Evangelical Christians expecting a Rapture.
Second, there will be a rapture in which
Jesus hidden in clouds, will be cause the
true believers to be caught up
(enraptured) into the clouds with him.
(the others wont know)
The term rapture comes from Latin rapura,
referring to being caught up and ecstatically
happy.

Other Issues: Rapture and

Israel
Timetable of the Final Days
Third, sometime after the rapture, there
will be the second coming of Jesus.
Some there will be 3.5 years, others 7 years,
between the rapture and second coming.
Jesus will begin a 1000 year (millennium)
reign
Now, the rest of us will be aware that
something has changed

Other Issues: Rapture and

Israel
Timetable of the Final Days
Fourth, after the second coming,
there will be a period of severe
tribulation (suffering) on earth.
Under the Anti-Christ
The length of the Tribulation varies
among believers.

Other Issues: Rapture and

Israel
Timetable of the Final Days
Fifth, during the Tribulations period,
or somewhere in this process, Israel
(the Jews) will accept Jesus as the
Messiah (Christ).
Some think the Millennium rule starts
at this point.

Other Issues: Rapture and

Israel
Timetable of the Final Days
Sixth, after the Tribulations period,
Jesus will save those who have
turned to him.
They will then join the raptured ones in
heaven.

Other Issues: Rapture and

Israel
How does this relate to USA and Canada
policy toward the modern state of Israel?
First, Daniel chapter 9 contains
prophecies relating to the rebuilding of
Jerusalem and its temple.
So, Millenarian Christians assume that the
founding of modern Israel and eventual
rebuilding of the temple is a good sign
Because it means the end time is coming.

Other Issues: Rapture and

Israel
How does this relate to USA and Canada
policy toward the modern state of Israel?
One Day = One Year
Based upon a reading of certain passages,
the Millennialists interpret prophetic
references to days as years.
So, the 2300 days in Daniel becomes 2300
years
(But even that date has already passed! So,
adjustments are made)

Other Issues: Rapture and

Israel
How does this relate to USA and Canada
policy toward the modern state of Israel?
Christian evangelicals, led by Southern
Baptists, have adopted the idea that the
founding of modern Israel in 1948 is the
first stage in fulfilling biblical prophecy
about the End Times.
Many sermons, books and movements
have advanced this concept (see next
screens)

Other Issues: Rapture and

Israel
1970 Hal Lindsay published The Late
Great Planet Earth, which spread the
concept that modern Israel was a
fulfilment of prophecy.

Other Issues: Rapture and

Israel
1995-2007 Tim LaHaye and Jerry

Jenkings wrote the Left Behind

series, with 16 books selling millions
of copies.
Movies and video games followed.
link to movie trailer for Left Behind

Other Issues: Rapture and

Israel
2002 Ralph Reed (Pres. Bushs close
pastor/advisor, author and advisor to
Republicans) started the Stand for
Israel movement. Thousands urged
the White House to support Israel.

Harper and Israel

Canadian PM Stephen Harper is a
staunch defender of Israel.
His talks use other justifications for this
stance
Link to YouTube speech
But, given his evangelical church ties,
some have wondered how much the
Christian notion of End Times plays in
his political choice.

Conclusion to the Course

We began by considering some
theorists who described the
characteristics of religious
fundamentalism.

Ruthven
The family resemblances of Ruthven

Missionary
Wish to transform society
Anti-secularism
pro-traditional family roles
Ideological purism

Lawrences Characteristics
Lawrence offered five characteristics
that he feels are typical of
fundamentalist movements, whether
Christian, Jewish or Christian. (p 100,
101)

Characteristics
In my words, the five are that
fundamentalists characteristically . . .
1. have a minority complex.

Characteristics
2. see themselves as strongly
opposed to mainstream society
and feel the need to confront
that society's values.

Characteristics
3. led by males, and more
specifically by males who see the
role of women in "traditional" terms
of raising children, giving support to male
leaders, etc. (In short, their stance is the
opposite of what we now might call a
feminist perspective)

Characteristics
4. use specialized terms of
reference whose full meaning is
not grasped by outsiders. Such
terms include "halakah", "shari'a",
"inerrancy", and more recently
"family values" or "jihad".

Characteristics
Lawrence's fifth point is more an historical
interpretation than a "characteristic" of
fundamentalism. Again, in my words, it is that
fundamentalism . . .
5. is a new kind of religious movement that
was not possible before the rise of modern,
secular, technologically based culture.
Although there have always been extremely
conservative or even militantly zealous religious
movements among Jews, Christians and Muslims,
there cannot by (Lawrence's) definition be
"fundamentalists" of the modern type before the
rise of modernity. The definitional reason is that L.
makes "opposition to modernity" a key part of his
definition of fundamentalism.

Huntingtons Thesis
We also looked at Samuel
Huntingtons claim that the
ideologies of the Cold War were
giving way to a new world order
based mainly on civilizations
And the civilizations were mainly formed
along religious/cultural lines

Religion and Politics

To these theorists, we added the
observation that very conservative
and fundamentalist religions tend to
want to influence
Public laws
Public policy
Political parties or regimes

Religion and Politics

We have looked at some possible
examples of this influence
In Iran, a faction of the clerics have
taken power and have set up a
theocracy in which they give
themselves veto power over all
parties, platforms, legislation and
administration.

Religion and Politics

In Iraq, after the overthrow of the
rather secular Baathist regime of
Saddam, the Shii clerics are slowly
but surely shaping the political
agenda.
In Afghanistan, the Taliban is a good
fit for the characteristics of a
fundamentalist movement.

Religion and Politics

In India, we saw the beginnings of
the end of Nehrus secular state
ideal.
As conservative Muslims and Hindus
struggle for control over state policy
With the Babri masjid a key issue

Religion and Politics

In Saudi Arabia, we saw a long
standing partnership between a
fundamentalist kind of Islam (the
Salafist or Wahhabi) and the royal
house.
Through oil riches, Wahhabi style Islam
has been spread around the world as
the true Islam

Religion and Politics

In Israel, we saw a struggle of two
peoples for the same land
With fundamentalist Jews and Muslims
at the extremes of both sides of the
issues

Religion and Politics

In Europe, we saw the struggle of two
kinds of civilazations
A secular one that arose out of a
Christian, Western base that favours
modernity and openness
And a Islamic one that is split between
those who want to fit into European
society and those who want to resist
modernity and Christian dominance.

Religion and Politics

In North America we saw the rise of a
Muslim minority growing large enough to
make its presence known in policy and
politics.
Giving rise to controversies re
Terrorism
Support for the state of Israel
Womens dress and equality

Plus more traditional controversies

Science (stem cells, evolution, et al)

Abortion
Role of females
Same sex marriage

My conclusions?
In my opinion
Religious and political leaders have always
struggled against each other for control over
laws, morals and public behaviours.
They continue to be in each others face today
With the conservative religious faction winning in
Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia

With the secularists winning in

China, Turkey (now changing),

With increasing religious power in

USA, Turkey, Iraq

My hope
It is my hope that this course will
prove useful to you in your
professional career and in your
personal life.
It has been my joy to walk with you
for a few months!
Thank you,
Dr A