Article August 12, 1996 ISSUE

No fear of religious extremism

Gail Haslam

While still in the minority in each of the world religions of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, fundamentalist movements are growing. Many people view extreme fundamentalism with alarm, fearing not only that it threatens religious diversity and freedom of choice but also that it could jeopardize world peace and stability.

We can take heart at the example of Christ Jesus. He walked calmly through a troubled world and met the extremist forces of his day with healing and love that triumphed over all obstacles. Following his resurrection, Jesus instructed his disciples to remain in Jerusalem and wait for God's promise of freedom from oppression. Perhaps anticipating an impending revolution, the disciples asked him, "Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" Jesus answered: "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you" (Acts 1:6–8).

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