---

Uncertainty, Fear and Fundamentalism
A Gallup Poll released last month indicates that 34% of Americans believe that the Bible is "the actual word of God and is to be taken literally, word for word." Far more interesting than that number, at least in my opinion, is the trend. In February 2001, only 27% indicated that they so believed. That represents a 26% increase (if I'm doing my math right) of Biblical absolutists in America in merely three years. Yes, these polls do have a margin of error. But these results, even assuming the maximum amount of error, are statistically significant....

...It is become cliché to say that the events of September 11, 2001 changed everything. Nevertheless, I do think that the terrorists attacks and the consequent rise in public fears that massive violence and destruction could occur at any moment has been an important cause in the rising popularity of fundamentalism. In times of fear and crisis, people yearn for certainty, assurance and purpose.

Fundamentalism provides those psychological benefits. The Bible provides all historical, scientific, moral and theological answers. Fundamentalism tells us that God is in complete control; that the wicked will be punished in the end; that righteousness will eventually prevail....