PREFACE

For many years fundamentalism has been quite a narrow, specialist issue, important in more conservative circles of Christianity, but more an historical curiosity than a subject for substantive scholarship. But in recent years fundamentalist beliefs and policies have become major issues in several world religions and major factors in several international crises. The questions and challenges they pose demand an attention that has hitherto been largely confined to specialist studies and limited to university classrooms. Do all ideologies have forms that simplify beliefs and demand unquestioning commitment? Is fundamentalism an unavoidable expression, in at least some cases, of strongly held beliefs and convictions? Are all fundamentalisms a threat to more moderate expressions of belief, as well as to those outside the belief system?

Somewhat surprisingly, fundamentalism has not received the scholarly attention it deserves – and requires. This volume seeks to remedy that deficit. The following essays focus on several contemporary fundamentalisms, the beliefs they express, the attitudes they foster, and the policies they promote. They bring together an amazing range of information and experience, insight and critique, and should make a significant contribution to understanding the fundamentalist phenomenon as it impinges on traditional religions, on national priorities and on international policies.

The chapters here published are the principal fruit of a focused consultation organised by the British Academy in London in February 2013, edited and refined in the light of the consultation itself, and well reflecting its value. The conversations would not have been possible without the energetic organisation of Tim Brassell of the British Academy, and the concluding discussion was chaired by Sir Adam Roberts, President of the British Academy. To all concerned: for a memorable day, many thanks. As also to Alex Wright of I.B.Tauris for making the fruits of these labours more widely available.

Bibliography

Goodman, M., Rome and Jerusalem: The Clash of Ancient Civilizations (London: Penguin, 2008).