Terrorism and religious fundamentalism

Abstract

AbstractAt the beginning of the second decade of the third millennium, terror acts in Indonesia significantly shifted domestic national issues. Given that religion‐based terrorism can be traced back to religious fundamentalism, this paper will set out a theological reflection from a biblical‐Christian perspective on the essence of religion. In enhancing religious life for peacebuilding, this paper highlights the importance of preventing religious fundamentalism. This paper highlights three suggestions in relation to efforts for peacebuilding in Indonesia. First is the importance for society to enhance religious life more critically. Second is the urgent need to develop a religious attitude that encourages reinterpreting religious texts in the frame of peacebuilding. And third is the urgent need to enhance social justice and welfare that might prevent the spread of religious fundamentalism.