Intolerance and Conflict Fundamentalism and fanaticism are darkening the psychic climate in some parts of the world. In the Middle East, hatred and fear between Jews and Muslims is growing. Both groups are of the same racial Semitic stock, yet the growing violence is driving a wedge ever deeper between them. Religious riots and armed conflicts between Hindus and Muslims in India are increasing. Fear of religious violence is a constant part of life amongst Buddhists and Hindus in Sri Lanka, amongst Christians and Muslims in Sudan, East Timor and the southern Philippines, between Christians and Protestants in Northern Ireland and between Sunni and Shiite Muslims of Iran and Iraq.
Structural violence is equally terrifying.
In Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh and other Muslim countries, the oppression of women and the violence that the courts mete out to criminals are barbaric and repulsive. Too many people feel they have no future. Unemployment, heavy debt, insecurity, urbanization and Westernization are marginalizing millions. They clearly do not feel part of the capitalist dream presented by Hollywood with beautiful, rich, happy American actors. Alienated, confused, with little hope for the ever-elusive material wealth and romantic fulfillment, people fall into personal despair or turn to religion as a way out.