copernicus

I agree, BB. In reality, most religious sects claim to be defending the original inspiration. The name "fundamentalist" is what we tend to use in place of the politically incorrect term "religious fanatic". Fundamentalists justify their rigid views not so much by adhering to religious scripture as by placing extreme emphasis on certain words in that scripture. For example, the fundamentalist Taliban sect uses obscure references to forbid men from shaving and ignores explicit references in the Koran that say Islam is "without compulsion". So it is probably better to look at nationalistic buddhist sects as being more like Christian fundamentalists.

Eudaimonist

How would this issue apply to Buddhism?

kalamasutta

Eudaimonia,

..or anyone else interested.......there is a great discussion board for "Pure Land" on Tricycle.com...just click the Bulletin Boards on the intro page......

.......many of the points being raised here are being discussed there...Other Power, grace, "heaven"....all in a Buddhist context...