1 - Introduction – A Theory of Religious Intensification

Summary

The ranks entered [Jerusalem] magnificently at the noonday hour on Friday, the day of the week when Christ redeemed the whole world on the cross. With trumpets sounding and with everything in an uproar, exclaiming: “Help God!” they vigorously pushed into the city, and straightaway raised the banner on top of the wall. All the heathen, completely terrified, changed their boldness to swift flight through the narrow streets of the quarters.

(Fulcher of Chartres, Chronicle of the First Crusade)

The landscape of history is marked with the unmistakable imprints of ideology and religion. Key historical events across the globe can be credited to or blamed on the influence of religious agents, who show no signs of relinquishing their power in the foreseen future. In an era of constant scientific innovation, relentless global capitalism, and instantaneous coverage by an extensive and cynical media, much of humanity still esteems and fears supernatural forces and dedicates time, efforts, and funds to placate them. Secular ideologies based on science, social justice, or nationalism emerge and later fossilize or dissipate. Religion, like the proverbial Phoenix, even where thrown into the fires of rational thought and secular zealotry, always rises from its ashes. Its versatility and adaptability deserve much of the acclaim for its admirable survival. Religion not only has something for everyone — it is something for everyone. It balances spiritual concerns and material needs, provides moral guidance, alleviates suffering and avenges grievances. Its agents fill complex and sometimes contradictory capacities.