Page - 217 - in Limina - Grazer theologische Perspektiven, Volume 3:1

217 | Call for Papers – LIMINA 4:1 (Spring 2021) Religious fundamentalism Current manifestations, approaches and solutions LIMINA Grazer theologische Perspektiven | 3:1, 2020 | www.limina-graz.eu The first 2021 edition of LIMINA – Theological Perspectives from Graz will investigate the topic of religious fundamentalism. Since the beginning of this century, we have witnessed rising tendencies of radicalisation, polar- isation and ideologisation across society. From a perspective of religion, this involves different sets of phenomena and influences that take on dif- ferent forms depending on the specific religious, societal and political en- vironment. This edition of LIMINA seeks to understand religious radicalisation in its current iteration. It sets out to analyse underlying motives, objectives, pat- terns of behaviour and tactics, and considers possible approaches and so- lutions in theory and practice. The term fundamentalism forms the com- mon thread in this discussion. It describes the unyielding conviction in se- lectively chosen principles or religious beliefs and the categorical rejection of change, discussion, dialogue or compromise. It also often goes hand in hand with a strong belief in the idea of being chosen and that of proselytisa- tion. Across different religions, various religious communities and groups anchor these hard-line attitudes in supposed origins of unassailable truth that even the most traditional-minded representatives of a given religion consider overreaching. This strategy is characterised by a radical focus on narrow definitions of religious identity and practice, which are considered to be the only valid way of life and faith and which must be disseminated, often at all cost. Further, religious fundamentalism is also often linked to nationalist movements. These observations raise a number of questions regarding the manifesta- tion and strategies of current fundamentalist religious movements and ex- plores approaches and solutions that can be applied in theory and practice: Translation: Dagmar Astleitner MA PRISM Translations, London