Page - 12 - in Limina - Grazer theologische Perspektiven, Volume 4:1

Editorial Religious fundamentalism is on the rise. This rise is not limited to geo- politically charged conflict zones but also emerges in Western democracies. There is no politically neutral space from which to explore this pervading phenomenon and analyse its dynamics. LIMINA – Theological Perspectives from Graz broaches the subject with a dedicated issue on Religious Funda- mentalism. Current phenomena, strategies, and responses and does not shy away from attempting a delicate balancing act between context-sensitive analyses and practise-oriented engagement. The aim of this edition is to analyse religious radicalisation in its current form, to shed light on its motives, goals, patterns and strategies, and to discuss theoretical and practical approaches to address fundamentalist trends. Fundamentalism is a central topic whose relevance reaches far be- yond the domain of religion. It describes a staunch adherence to selected principles or beliefs, closed off to change and without willingness to enter into discussions, dialogue or compromise. Fundamentalism is a concomi- tant of the modern age. It is a reaction to the uncertainties arising from the changing tides in the personal, societal and cultural sphere and an attempt to overcome them by “drawing on sacrosanct traditions or artificially im- munised certainties” (Thomas Meyer; own translation). In current practice, various religious groups express and defend this stance and their unassailable assertions by citing alleged original principles and truths to a degree that causes disconcertment even among traditional pro- ponents of the same religion. They pursue a radical regression to certain archetypes of religious identity and practice, declare them to be the only legitimate form of religiosity and are often relentless in its propagation. There is also a growing overlap between religious fundamentalism and na- tionalist, right-wing populist movements. The ideological basis for both Citation reference: Thomas Meyer, Was ist Fundamentalismus? Eine Einführung, Wiesbaden: Springer 2011, 29. Translation: Dagmar Astleitner MA PRISM Translations, London LIMINA Grazer theologische Perspektiven | 4:1, 2021, 12–15 | www.limina-graz.eu | DOI: 10.25364/17.4:2021.1.1en