Satan’s Cauldron: Religious Extremism And the Prospects for Tolerence

Why is it that for so many to validate their beliefs they must deny the beliefs of others? Religious extremism is driven by fear, in many cases authentic, and helps perpetuates today’s increasingly polarized and contentious environment. Visceral protective emotions notwithstanding, there have been notable eras of relative religious tolerance in history that were characterized by Ecumenism and genuine inter-religious dialogue that still exists today. Using these historical periods as a guide, Satan’s Cauldron proposes steps towards achievement of increased religious understanding today.

Charles Stewart Goodwin is the acting Director of the Heritage Museums and Gardens. He is the author of several other University Press of America titles including The Third World Century (1994), A Resurrection of the Republican Ideal (1995), and most recently Tocsin (2001).