The Idea
The text connects contemporary Islamic fundamentalism to a broader history of the intertwining of religion and power in monotheistic religions. It is not understood here as an isolated or exceptional phenomenon, but as one link in a long history of political theology. Within this framework, binary images of the West and the world also come into play, because they feed division and give conflict a sharply moral dimension.
Concise Formulation
Contemporary Islamic fundamentalism is historically linked to the political theology shared among
Its Place in the Book’s Argument
This claim occupies an important place because it broadens the field of inquiry from the Islamic case alone to a more general structure in the history of religions. In this way, the text does not reduce the phenomenon to internal causes alone, but situates it within a web of reciprocal representations between religion, power, and the Other. The argument here is that modern fundamentalism is better understood when read within this comparative history.
Why It Matters
The importance of this claim is that it prevents the simplistic reading that sees fundamentalism as an isolated deviation. It helps show that the crisis is not confined to a single group, but lies in historical patterns of linking the sacred to power. It also opens the door to comparison and makes Arkoun’s understanding broader than a merely situational critique.
Brief Evidence
And it is also fueled by binary images of the West that divide the world Contemporary Islamic fundamentalism is historically linked to the political theology shared among
Reading Questions
- What does placing fundamentalism within the history of political theology add, instead of isolating it from that history?
- How do binary images of the West contribute to strengthening the logic of religious and political division?
Documentation Level
High: the claim appears in a clear location in the book material.