Back to Basics

Abstract

There is a continuous tension in most religious traditions between those who accept only the pristine elements of faith as imparted by the founders, often in holy writings, as the basis for religious belief and practices and those who temper the original message, and consequently modify their beliefs and practices, in the light of later wisdom and custom. In the last twenty years we have seen a resurgence of interest in, and growth among, the conservative elements in several of the main religious traditions. Colin Brown tell us in theoretical terms the distinguishing features of a Christian fundamentalist. A more empirical approach by John Knight identifies the New Religious Right in Australia. Peter Riddell shares the insights he has gained from several visits to Iran of the practical influences on that society of a fundamentalist Islamic faith. Martin Katchen looks at the resurgence of Jewish fundamentalism. Two books are reviewed for those who may wish to delve further into the field.