Foreword focus is leaving fundamentalism

Earlier this year, Wilfrid Laurier University Press published a book called, Leaving Fundamentalism: Personal Stories, with a foreword by Thomas Moore.

Editor: G. Elijah Dann
Paperback: 246 pages
Publisher: Wilfrid Laurier University Press (May 26, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1554580269
ISBN-13: 978-1554580262
Foreword by Thomas Moore

A Barque post in 2006 quotes Moore’s definition of fundamentalism as:

"Fundamentalism in religion is a defensive move that comes from fear of the other. Those who believe that God is on their side, that whatever they say is divinely sanctioned and it’s their right to force it on the world, become violent and aggressive in defending their anxious beliefs. But rather than vilify fundamentalists, I think it would be more effective to admit we are all fundamentalists on some level. We all adhere to certain beliefs and language. Such fundamentalisms get in the way of an open and adventurous spiritual life..."

For this year’s book with Moore’s foreword, a description includes, "The stories in Leaving Fundamentalism provide a personal and intimate look behind sermons, religious services, and church life, and promote an understanding of those who have been deeply involved in the conservative Christian church. These autobiographies come from within the congregations and homes of religious fundamentalists, where their highly idealized faith, in all its complexities and problems, meets the reality of everyday life. Told from the perspective of distance gained by leaving fundamentalism, each story gives the reader a snapshot of what it is like to go through the experiences, thoughts, feelings, passions, and pains that, for many of the writers, are still raw."