Meaning: The quote by Karen Armstrong touches on the perception of fundamentalist movements in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, regarding their belief that secular liberal society aims to eradicate religion. Karen Armstrong, a well-known writer and scholar of comparative religion, has extensively studied and written about various religious traditions and their interactions with modernity and secularism.

Fundamentalism, in the context of religion, refers to a strict adherence to the basic principles and doctrines of a faith. It often manifests as a reaction against perceived threats to traditional beliefs and practices, particularly from secular or liberal forces. Armstrong's observation suggests that fundamentalist movements within these three major monotheistic religions share a common fear and suspicion of secularism and liberal values.

In Judaism, fundamentalist movements such as Haredi Judaism and religious Zionism have emerged as responses to modernity and secularism. These movements emphasize strict adherence to religious laws and traditions, often rejecting aspects of secular culture and governance. The fear of secularism eroding religious identity and practices is a recurring theme in the rhetoric of Jewish fundamentalist groups.

Similarly, in Christianity, fundamentalist movements have arisen in response to perceived threats from secular humanism and liberal values. This is particularly evident in the United States, where certain evangelical and conservative Christian groups express concerns about the influence of secularism on public policy, education, and moral values. The belief that secular liberal society seeks to undermine religious faith and values is a driving force behind the activism and mobilization of many Christian fundamentalist movements.

In the Islamic context, fundamentalist movements such as Salafism and Wahhabism are deeply rooted in a rejection of secularism and a desire to uphold strict interpretations of Islamic law and tradition. These movements often view secular liberal values as antithetical to Islamic principles and perceive secular societies as hostile to the practice of Islam. The fear of secularism encroaching upon Islamic identity and values is a central tenet of many Islamic fundamentalist movements.

Armstrong's observation highlights a common thread that runs through these fundamentalist movements: a profound fear of secular liberal society as a threat to religious identity and practice. This fear is often fueled by a sense of cultural, moral, and existential crisis, as traditional religious norms and values are perceived to be under siege by the forces of secularism and liberalism.

It is important to note that Armstrong's analysis does not imply a universal or monolithic viewpoint within fundamentalist movements. There is diversity and complexity within these movements, and not all adherents may share the same level of apprehension towards secularism. Additionally, the perception of secular liberal society as a threat to religion is not exclusive to fundamentalist movements and can also be found in more moderate or traditional religious communities.

In conclusion, Karen Armstrong's quote sheds light on the deep-seated apprehension within fundamentalist movements in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam regarding the perceived hostility of secular liberal society towards religion. This observation prompts critical reflection on the complex dynamics between religion, secularism, and modernity, and the impact of these dynamics on religious identity and practice in contemporary society.

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