Rabbi Jerry M. Danzig

 

 

"Religious Fundamentalism:

A Challenge to Tradition and Society"

 

February 14, 2010

 

The Age of Enlightenment which began in the 17th century has not resulted in a more civil, peaceful and moral world. There are people who feel out of control and vulnerable in a world of modernity with its pluralism and uncertainty. This world of moral and religious confusion is the fertile ground in which fundamentalism thrives.

Fundamentalists need certitudes which can be found in their respective sacred texts believed to be the inerrant word of their God. When nationalism and world events are cross-referenced with scripture, a fundamentalist easily graduates to extremist views, and for the passionate minority, to dangerously militants who fight in the name of God. In this session we will attempt to examine the psychological and political background of fundamentalists and those who go to ideological extremes.

Since 1983 Rabbi Danzig has lectured at the University of Judaism, Department of Continuing Education. He moved to Santa Rosa in 2005 and joined the faculty of Bay Area Classic Learning. In 2008 he was a lecturer for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Listen now: Download Rabbi Danzig's talk here