The Fundamentalist Mind: How Polarized Thinking Imperils Us All

You're either democrat or republican. Pro-Choice or Pro-Life. There is no in between. "The Fundamentalist Mind: How Polarized Thinking Imperils Us All" take a look at the belief in extremes in American society and discussing the problems such opinions create in modern society. Fundamentalism is the target, and Larsen attacks it in its many forms, ranging from religion, to political fundamentalists, and even scientists are not innocent from this thinking. Suggesting a middle path and to open one's mind, "The Fundamentalist Mind" is an interesting treatise on extremes.

This highly readable book presents to those skeptics among us who love our religions a priceless understanding of our beliefs, ourselves and others. Stephen Larsen writes with great respect for faith,and appreciation for the divine. He clarifies for the reader those aspects of faith which bring on the horrors we have seen today and in the past. And he does this with the knowledge of a neuro-biologist, psychologist, mythologist, and is a really good writer.

I grew up as a fundamentalist Christian. I wish I could still be one, but the nagging discomfort I felt as a young man blossomed into a full-blown rebellion at the intellectual and spiritual bondage I felt. Dr. Stephen Larsen's book has been a formidable resource in assisting me as I still struggle to articulate my own thoughts and ideas about my spiritual life. I found the book compelling, that is, if I picked it up I almost couldn't put it down. His experience with Joseph Campbell has given him a perspective that resonated with me from the very first page. In particular I found Dr. Larsen's discussion of "fragmented gods" illuminating and satisfying. If I were teaching a university course that dealt with Christian fundamentalism, I would certainly make his book required reading, and I might even adopt it as a text.