Bad Faith: The Danger of Religious Extremism

by Neil J. Kressel

What separates constructive religious impulses from destructive ones? How does someone who begins by contemplating his relationship with God end by committing an act of murder? Some argue that religiously motivated evil always represents a corruption of true religion. Others are quick to suggest that religion itself―all religion―is the root of extremist violence.This is the first book to journey to the heart of religious militancy. Dr. Neil J. Kressel, who has spent decades researching genocide, terrorism, and anti-Semitism, brings to bear the insights of psychology and social science on this significant and critical problem. For those tired of simplistic bromides and obfuscating talk about the causes of religious terrorism, Kressel offers a clear and enlightening analysis of when and how religions become capable of inspiring evil. Specifically, he addresses the following key some religions, religious doctrines, and religious practices more apt to inspire hatred and extremism than others?Are people who commit evil acts in the name of their faith always corrupting the true message of religion and, if so, what is that message?Do other members of the same faith bear any responsibility for misdeeds carried out in the name of their religion?Which sorts of people are most prone to extremism?Which types of societies are most likely to become breeding grounds for extremists?Can (or should) anything be done to combat the various forms of religious extremism? What limits, if any, can (or should) be placed on religious practice in America and elsewhere?Beyond analyzing the nature of religious militancy, Kressel offers sensible recommendations for addressing what is to date the 21st century's most serious challenge.

327 pages, Hardcover

First published July 17, 2007

About the author

Neil J. Kressel is a professor of psychology at the William Paterson University in New Jersey, USA.

Areas of specialization:
Psychology of Religion, Political Psychology, Psychology of International Conflict, Prejudice and Race Relations, Antisemitism, Genocide, Forensic Psychology, Social Psychology, Arab-Israeli Conflict, Psychology of Social issues, Psychology of Personality, Psychology and History, Modern History.

Strong interest in journalism. Strong interest in political and methodological biases in social research.

Professional Background:
Visiting Associate Professor at Yale University (2008-2009). Taught at Harvard, New York University, Stevens Institute, and elsewhere. Trained in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy by Albert Ellis. Member, Editorial Board, Political Psychology and Member, Editorial Board, Journal for the Study of Anti-Semitism. Media Appearances: National Public Radio, Voice of America, MSNBC, Fox News, ABC-TV, History Channel, News12-NJ, and others.

Education/Licensing:

Ph.D. (Social Psychology) Harvard University
M.A. (Psychology and Social Relations) Harvard University
M.A. (Comparative History) Brandeis University
B.A. (History) Brandeis University (Magna cum Laude with Highest Honors in History)
New York State Psychology License

Research Projects: religious extremism, radicalization, antisemitism, psychology of religion

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Kressel has a fairly well-reasoned argument and does his research. It does seem to me like he spends more time talking about the problems than he does proposing a solution, but it does drive the point home that all the factors need to be taken into account. He treats the three majors faiths (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism) equally in discussion violence, extremism, etc. in those faiths, but he does spend more time discussing Islam's current problems, as that seems to be the main focus of the book. I found myself nodding my head in agreement for many of his statements. For this book being almost 10 years old (from 2007 I believe) everything he writes about is still, unfortunately, relevant, as we all know!

[Anna]

Not really sure on my feelings about this. While the author does make some interesting points, I believe he focuses too much on religious extremism as the reason for all terrorist attacks and fails to consider other factors that have been shown to be relevant.