The Battle for God

1. The rise of fundamentalism in the 20th century as a response to modernization

Fundamentalism exists in a symbiotic relationship with an aggressive liberalism or secularism, and, under attack, invariably becomes more extreme, bitter, and excessive.

Defensive reaction: Fundamentalism emerged as a defensive reaction to the rapid social, cultural, and technological changes brought about by modernization. This movement sought to reaffirm traditional religious values and beliefs in the face of perceived threats from secularism and liberal interpretations of faith.

Literal interpretation: Fundamentalists often adopt a literal interpretation of sacred texts and emphasize a return to what they consider the fundamental principles of their religion. This approach is seen as a way to preserve religious identity and resist the erosion of traditional values in an increasingly secular world.

Political dimension: In many cases, fundamentalist movements have taken on a political dimension, seeking to influence public policy and social norms in accordance with their religious beliefs. This has led to conflicts with secular authorities and other religious groups, as fundamentalists strive to assert their vision of a religiously-guided society.

2. The impact of scientific rationalism on traditional religious beliefs

Without a cult, without prayer and ritual, myths and doctrines have no meaning.

Challenge to faith: The rise of scientific rationalism in the modern era posed a significant challenge to traditional religious beliefs. Scientific discoveries and theories, such as evolution and the Big Bang, contradicted literal interpretations of religious creation stories and other doctrines.

Attempts at reconciliation: Some religious thinkers attempted to reconcile scientific findings with religious beliefs, developing new interpretations that could accommodate both. Others rejected scientific explanations that conflicted with their faith, leading to ongoing tensions between science and religion.

Shift in worldview: The scientific revolution led to a fundamental shift in how many people understood the world, emphasizing empirical evidence and logical reasoning over faith and revelation. This change in worldview contributed to the secularization of society and the declining influence of religious institutions in many parts of the world.

3. The role of myth and ritual in maintaining religious identity

Myth was regarded as primary; it was concerned with what was thought to be timeless and constant in our existence.

Symbolic meaning: Myths and rituals play a crucial role in religious traditions by providing symbolic meaning and continuity. They help believers connect with their faith's history and core values, creating a sense of shared identity and purpose.

Psychological function: Religious myths and rituals serve important psychological functions, offering comfort, guidance, and a sense of order in an often chaotic world. They provide a framework for understanding life's challenges and celebrating its joys.

Adaptation and reinterpretation: As societies change, religious myths and rituals often undergo adaptation and reinterpretation to remain relevant. This process can lead to tensions within religious communities, as some members resist changes while others embrace new interpretations.

4. The challenge of secularization to religious authority

By the middle of the twentieth century, most Western people assumed that religion would never again play a major part in world events.

Declining influence: Secularization led to a decline in the influence of religious institutions in many areas of public life, including education, law, and politics. This process challenged the traditional authority of religious leaders and organizations.

Privatization of religion: In many secularized societies, religion became increasingly viewed as a private matter rather than a public concern. This shift reduced the role of religion in shaping social norms and public policy.

Diverse responses: Religious communities responded to secularization in various ways:

• Some adapted to the new reality by reinterpreting their traditions
• Others resisted secularization, seeking to maintain or reassert religious influence in society
• New religious movements emerged, offering alternative spiritual paths

5. The emergence of new religious movements as alternatives to traditional faith

The religiosity that we call "fundamentalism" is just one of these attempts.

Filling the void: New religious movements emerged to fill the spiritual void left by the decline of traditional religious institutions. These movements often offered innovative approaches to spirituality that appealed to those seeking alternatives to established faiths.

Diverse approaches: New religious movements took various forms:

• Syncretic religions combining elements from different traditions
• New Age spiritualities emphasizing personal growth and holistic well-being
• Revitalization movements within existing religions
• Secular ideologies that functioned as quasi-religions

Societal impact: The emergence of new religious movements contributed to increased religious diversity in many societies, challenging the dominance of traditional faiths and fostering a more pluralistic religious landscape.

6. The influence of political and social changes on religious expression

Politics had become more brutal and aggressively practical.

Adaptation to change: Religious communities were forced to adapt to significant political and social changes, including:

• The rise of democratic governments
• The expansion of individual rights and freedoms
• Changing social norms regarding gender, sexuality, and family

Political engagement: Many religious groups became more politically engaged, seeking to influence public policy in accordance with their beliefs. This led to the emergence of religious political parties and activism in various countries.

Social justice movements: Some religious communities embraced social justice causes, interpreting their faith traditions as calling for action on issues such as civil rights, poverty, and environmental protection.

7. The struggle between conservative and progressive interpretations of religion

The old mythical and cultic rituals that had evoked a sense of sacred significance that saved them from the void, in rather the same way as did great works of art.

Competing visions: Religious communities often experienced internal conflicts between conservative and progressive factions, each offering different interpretations of their faith tradition:

• Conservatives emphasized preserving traditional beliefs and practices
• Progressives advocated for reinterpreting religious teachings in light of modern knowledge and social changes

Theological debates: These conflicts led to intense theological debates over issues such as:

• The role of women in religious leadership
• The acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals
• The relationship between faith and science
• The interpretation of sacred texts

Institutional divisions: In some cases, the struggle between conservative and progressive interpretations led to schisms within religious organizations, resulting in the formation of new denominations or sects.

8. The relationship between religion and nationalism in the modern era

Zionism was, like other modern movements, a return to a single, fundamental value that represented a new way of being Jewish.

Religious nationalism: The rise of nationalism in the modern era often intertwined with religious identity, leading to the emergence of religious nationalist movements in various parts of the world.

Competing loyalties: Religious individuals and communities sometimes found themselves torn between loyalty to their faith and loyalty to their nation-state, particularly when religious and national identities did not align.

Political exploitation: Political leaders often exploited religious sentiments to gain popular support, sometimes leading to the manipulation of religious symbols and narratives for nationalist purposes.

9. The impact of colonialism and imperialism on religious traditions

Colonialism sprang from the needs of Europe's expanding capitalist economy.

Cultural disruption: Colonial and imperial powers often disrupted traditional religious practices and beliefs in the territories they controlled, imposing their own religious or secular worldviews.

Resistance and adaptation: Indigenous religious traditions responded to colonial pressures through:

• Active resistance to foreign interference
• Adaptation and syncretism, incorporating elements of the colonizers' religion
• Revitalization movements seeking to purify and strengthen native traditions

Long-term consequences: The impact of colonialism on religious traditions continued long after formal colonial rule ended, shaping religious landscapes in postcolonial societies and contributing to ongoing tensions between indigenous and imported religious forms.

10. The search for meaning in a world of rapid technological and social change

The meteoric explosion of this form of faith showed that by no means everybody was enthralled by the scientific rationalism of modernity.

Existential questions: Rapid technological and social changes in the modern era led many individuals to grapple with existential questions about the meaning and purpose of life, which traditional religious answers could not always satisfactorily address.

New spiritual paths: This search for meaning gave rise to various responses:

• The exploration of alternative spiritualities and philosophies
• A renewed interest in mystical and contemplative traditions
• The development of secular philosophies that addressed existential concerns
• The emergence of new religious movements offering fresh perspectives on life's ultimate questions

Ongoing relevance: Despite predictions of religion's decline, the persistent human search for meaning ensured that religious and spiritual concerns remained relevant in the modern world, albeit often in new and evolving forms.

Last updated: January 23, 2025