Religious fundamentalism is the enemy of all thinking people. It is also the enemy of peace and goodwill among the world’s populations. In this context, fundamentalism is using a literal interpretation of a religion’s holy book in a spiritually bankrupt way. Fundamentalists take their marching orders from their manuals. For Christians the manual is the Bible; for Muslims it is the Koran; for Jews it is the Torah.
Fundamentalists claim that their manuals are the inspired word of their god and therefore need no interpretation or updating. They must be followed blindly, word for word, leading to a dogmatic, non thinking and judgmental approach to the world. The spiritual value of these words is thus lost and the trouble begins.
Each of these books is full of conflicting statements and attitudes. Selective interpretation allows almost any kind of behavior. Understanding how these books were assembled may enable better understanding of how they can become problems instead of spiritual solutions.
I believe that the sad result of the fundamentalists’ literal acceptance of the antiquated words in all these books is the cause of much of the hatred and murderous warfare in our current world. Such interpretations are about social control, not spirituality. It is time to take our political lives back from these passionate but foolish people by applying the spiritual values that are contained in these books and denying the hatred and heartlessness of fundamentalism.
Veterinarian John Quick is the owner and operator of the Animal Care Center of Morgan Hill. He is a founder of the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center and Furry Friends Foundation and was the Morgan Hill Male Citizen of the Year in 2003. He’s a member of the Times editorial board.
