Olivier Roy; world-renowned authority on Islam and politics; finds in the modern disconnection between faith communities and socio-cultural identities a fertile space for fundamentalism to grow. Instead of freeing the world from religion; secularization has encouraged a kind of holy ignorance to take root; an anti-intellectualism that promises immediate; emotional access to the sacred and positions itself in direct opposition to contemporary pagan culture. The secularization of society was supposed to free people from religion; yet individuals are converting en masse to fundamentalist faiths; such as Protestant evangelicalism; Islamic Salafism; and Haredi Judaism. These religions either reconnect adherents to their culture through casual referents; like halal fast food; or maintain their momentum through purification rituals; such as speaking in tongues; a practice that allows believers to utter a language that is entirely their own. Instead of a return to traditional religious worship; we are now witnessing the individualisation of faith and the disassociation of faith communities from ethnic and national identities. Roy explores the options now available to powers that hope to integrate or control these groups; and whether marginalisation or homogenisation will further divide believers from their culture.
#730516 in Books Pink Dandelion 2008-03-20Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 4.20 x .60 x 6.70l; .28 #File Name: 0199206791160 pagesThe Quakers A Very Short Introduction
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Good Study GuideBy Vona Van CleefWe belong to the Quaker meeting in El Paso; TX; and we're using this book as a study guide. We always have new people coming in from other faith traditions and it is; as advertised in the title; a "very short" and informative introduction to the group known as the Religious Society of Friends - or Quakers; for short.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Stunningly well-written . . .By K. BaxterSuccinct and outstanding as a work for anyone curious or interested in the Quakers. Pink-Dandelion does exactly what one expects from the title of this book: introduces the reader to Quakerism. History; essential differences; historical figures and their significance; changes over time; and modern day Quaker aspects are all included. What really puts this particular book into a class by itself for me is the author's writing. Easy to read; right to the point; and not an ounce of fat. If I were to select one book for someone wanting to quickly get a handle on who the Quakers are; this might well be the one.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. History of quakers.By KathesmeI wanted a concise book on the Quakers from the beginning. That is what I received and it was what I learnt. I found knowledge but also enjoyment.what I had not known was the times that the religion split and changed. The membership is mostly on the African continent due to those adventurous missionaries.So glad I delved into those pages.
