Monét Davis Contributing Writer The Fall Academy of Religion will be hosting its 48th annual lecture series starting this month. Each semester, the Academy of Religion invites visiting and resident scholars at the College to speak on theological, textual and societal issues as they relate to religion and faith. Every Wednesday from Sept. 14 to Oct. 19, the Academy will host free lectures from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. in Lean Lecture Room in Wishart Hall pertaining to this semester’s theme “Religious Fundamentalisms: The Clash of ‘True Believers.’” The term “fundamentalism” was first used in the United States in the 1920’s to describe a theology which rejected modern aspects of society during the time, including science such as evolution. The Moral Majority, an organization founded by Jerry Falwell, has played a fundamental role in U.S. politics since the 1980’s. It has had a large influence in choosing political candidates in the Republican Party throughout the different levels of government.Fundamentalism has especially made a reappearance in U.S. politics with Donald Trump and the presidential election. This fundamentalism is known as “active political conservative Christianity” and is studied as “religious fundamentalism.” Fundamentalism is often rejected by academics due to its strong ties to Christianity; academics now prefer to use the term “strong religions.” There are misconceptions about other religions as well, such as Islamic fundamentalism; Jewish fundamentalism, which has an influence in Israel’s politics; Hinduism fundamentalism; and Buddhism fundamentalism which is a powerful political force in Myanmar. It should be noted that not all forms of fundamentalism are religious. The structure of beliefs, values and a shared psychology of belief are what make a Fundamentalist movement. The Academy will host sessions on: “The Fundamental of Fundamentalism” with Dr. Kammer on Sept. 14; “American Reactionary Movements: The Case of Christian Fundamentalism” with Dr. Rapport on Sept. 21; “Islamic Fundamentalism, Between Neo-Nazis and Neo-Communists” with Dr. Mirza on Sept. 28; “The Tension Between Hindu Universalism and Religious Exclusivism” with Dr. Harris on Oct. 12; and Dr. Welty as the wrap up speaker on Oct. 19 to conclude the series. These sessions will explore various forms of religious fundamentalists. The aim of this lecture is to better understand fundamentalist movements in hopes of reflecting on past conflicts which have led to many division in today’s world.
