Fundamentalism and Terrorism

Fundamentalism and Terrorism
In choosing whether fundamentalism is a positive or negative force in preventing terrorism engagement, I am inclined towards the former viewpoint. From a rational standpoint, fundamentalism, whether Islamic, Christian, Jewish, or any other religion, can be seen as a positive force in preventing terrorist engagement for a few reasons. For one, religious fundamentalism generally leads to a more black-and-white worldview, making it easier for individuals to see the world in terms of "us vs. them," (Unger, 2002). It makes it easier for individuals to draw a line between what is right and wrong and can make it less likely for them to engage in terrorist activities. Additionally, religious fundamentalism often leads to a greater sense of community and belonging, which can provide individuals with a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives, something that can be lacking in the lives of individuals who are more prone to terrorist activities (Unger, 2002). Religious fundamentalism often leads to a greater sense of self-discipline and self-control, making it less likely for individuals to engage in impulsive or violent behavior.
On the negative side, fundamentalism often leads to a black-and-whit...