- 1. The Battle for God: Fundamentalism in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam by Karen Armstrong is a profound exploration of the rise of fundamentalism across the world's three major monotheistic religions. In this compelling work, Armstrong traces the historical and cultural contexts that have led to the emergence of fundamentalist movements as reactions to modernity and secularism. She delves into the origins and evolution of fundamentalism, highlighting how it seeks to reclaim a sense of identity and purpose in a rapidly changing world. By examining texts, doctrines, and the lives of significant religious figures, Armstrong illuminates the complexities and nuances of faith as it interacts with contemporary societal challenges. This book serves as a crucial reflection on the nature of belief, the struggles between tradition and modernity, and the ways in which different religious communities navigate their roles in today's globalized environment. Through her empathetic narrative, Armstrong invites readers to understand the motives and aspirations of fundamentalists, arguing that they are not merely reactionary but rather are driven by deep-seated fears and desires for security and meaning in an increasingly unpredictable world.
What is the primary subject of Karen Armstrong's 'The Battle for God'?
A) A history of atheism in the 20th century
B) The conflict between science and religion
C) The rise of fundamentalism in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
D) A biography of prominent religious leaders
- 2. Armstrong argues that fundamentalism is primarily a reaction against what?
A) Other religions
B) Economic inequality
C) Ancient traditions
D) Modernity and secularism
- 3. What does Armstrong identify as the 'logos' of a society?
A) The sacred texts of a religion
B) The pragmatic, rational, and scientific mode of thought
C) The system of government
D) The artistic and cultural output
- 4. Armstrong suggests that the pre-modern world generally maintained a balance between what?
A) War and Peace
B) Mythos and Logos
C) Wealth and Poverty
D) Church and State
- 5. Which event does Armstrong cite as a major catalyst for Christian fundamentalism in the US?
A) The Scopes Monkey Trial
B) The Second Vatican Council
C) The publication of Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species'
D) The American Civil War
- 6. What 1979 event is highlighted as pivotal for the rise of Islamic fundamentalism?
A) The Six-Day War
B) The Suez Crisis
C) The Iranian Revolution
D) The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan
- 7. For Jewish fundamentalists, what is the central, divinely promised possession?
A) The Land of Israel
B) The Torah
C) The city of Jerusalem
D) The Temple
- 8. According to Armstrong, how do fundamentalists typically view secular governments?
A) As divinely ordained
B) As irrelevant to spiritual life
C) As illegitimate and often satanic
D) As necessary partners
- 9. Which group does Armstrong use as a key example of Jewish fundamentalism?
A) The Reform Movement
B) Gush Emunim
C) The Jewish Bund
D) Hassidic Jews in New York
- 10. What does Armstrong identify as a key factor in the rise of the Sunni fundamentalist group, the Muslim Brotherhood?
A) Opposition to Western colonialism and influence
B) The discovery of oil
C) A reaction to the Iranian Revolution
D) The teachings of a single charismatic leader
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