RE: fundamentalism

[FRANTZ, SUE]

Title: Message

Karen Armstrong has written some wonderful books on the history of religion.  I'd recommend _The Battle for God_    From amazon.com: "About 40 years ago popular opinion assumed that religion would become a weaker force and people would certainly become less zealous as the world became more modern and morals more relaxed. But the opposite has proven true, according to theologian and author Karen Armstrong (A History of God), who documents how fundamentalism has taken root and grown in many of the world's major religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Even Buddhism, Sikhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism have developed fundamentalist factions. Reacting to a technologically driven world with liberal Western values, fundamentalists have not only increased in numbers, they have become more desperate, claims Armstrong, who points to the Oklahoma City bombing, violent anti-abortion crusades, and the assassination of President Yitzak Rabin as evidence of dangerous extremes. "Yet she also acknowledges the irony of how fundamentalism and Western materialism seem to urge each other on to greater excesses. To "prevent an escalation of the conflict, we must try and understand the pain and perception of the other side," she pleads. With her gift for clear, engaging writing and her integrity as a thorough researcher, Armstrong delivers a powerful discussion of a globally heated issue. Part history lesson, part wake-up call, and mostly a plea for healing, Armstrong's writing continues to offer a religious mirror and a cultural vision. --Gail Hudson" As for sex specifically, try starting with Reay Tannahill's _Sex in History_.   -- Sue Frantz                   Highline Community College        Psychology                Des Moines, WA 206.878.3710 x3404    [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://flightline.highline.edu/sfrantz/ -----Original Message----- From: Gerald Peterson [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2004 8:02 AM To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences Subject: fundamentalism The issue of homophobia and the fundamentalists was raised by a student in my psych 100 while I was covering sexual orientation this week.  It did appear as if he got this from some fundamentalist propaganda sheet, but we had a nice discussion.       Are tipsters aware of any useful books/historical accounts examining the rise of fundamentalism and its more fanatical wings (note he did not automatically equate the two) in the U.S. as well as other parts of the globe?  I want to be better informed as to current and historical trends.  The text I am using this term (Franzoi) cites what I presume is historical study by Boswell (1980) that homosexuality was tolerated or ignored by the early Christian church until the middle ages?  Are there other historical accounts supporting this supposed tolerance?      Also, in discussing sexuality, and years ago teaching a psych of sex class, I have found an old quote I believe is from an early Roman Catholic author but I am trying to verify it.  My guess is Tertullian (sp?) and it goes:   "woman is a temple built over a sewer."  Can anyone suggest a resource that might help me pin that down?   Thanks,  Gary       Gerald L. (Gary) Peterson, Ph.D. Professor, Psychology Saginaw Valley State University University Center, MI 48710 989-964-4491 [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: archive@jab.org To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]