Fundamentalism

[poliphilo]

Religious fundamentalism thrives in deserts. The Middle East (obviously) and (less obviously) rural Texas- where George W Bush grew up.

I've just been reading an article about W's home town of Midland. Nothing there but grit and oil and everyone believes in the Rapture.

Why? Well I guess that kind of landscape isn't conducive to the kind of romantic nature worship that has softened European Christianity. The bushes (no word-play intended) either grow spikes or they burn. No leaves, no flowers, no green pastures for the sheep to lie down beside.

A simple landscape gives birth to a simple faith.

A violent landscape gives birth to a violent faith.

Jihad, crusade, apocalypse. In a place where life struggles against the environment it's easier to believe, and even love, a doctrine of the imminent End of the World.

Comments

[isoldout.livejournal.com]

I, being from South Texas, have traveled past Midland quite a few times in my day, and that place is quite scary. Let me tell you that that place isn't very friendly to outsiders. Especially if they're brown like me.


fafafaf

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

That's interesting. The photos accompanying the article showed nothing but white faces.

Apparently they've planted the lawn outside the abortion clinic with lots of little white crosses- and a big portrait of a sorrowing Jesus. Brrr!