Religious Extremism

This chapter analyses the use of violence in the name of religion. Religious extremism is an ideology of certain movements, groups, individuals in denominations and religious organizations, characterised by adherence to extreme interpretations of dogma. It also involves methods of action by these parties to achieve their goals and spread their views and influence. The purpose of religious extremism is a fundamental reform of the existing religious system as a whole or of any significance of its component. Achieving this goal involves deep transformations of the social, legal, political, moral and other foundations of the society associated with the religious system. Religious fundamentalism is meticulous adherence to the strict interpretation of religion, while religious extremism goes further by including violent action to ensure this adherence. Following this analysis, the chapter provides a brief account of extremist actions taken in the name of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. It then discusses the balance between countering religious extremism and ensuring human rights.