ABSTRACT:
This research examines the gap between religious messianic extremists who seek to impose a radical fundamentalist order, and the forces of pragmatism that strive for society’s progress and well-being by employing rational, utilitarian considerations. In Israel, the national orthodox fundamentalist adherents wield great power and energies in the battle over the Land of Israel, especially in Post-Colonial times. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to provide an overview and analysis of those young people who incorporate the beliefs of the most extreme national Orthodox settlers and to suggest possible solutions of their integration into the mainstream of the cultural-religious structure of Israeli society. Applying a pragmatic philosophy as a common base, intermediating between orthodox religious, messianic national religious, liberal and secular worldviews of members of Israeli society should be a better starting point for a fruitful dialogue between the different groups. Prophetic pragmatism is a positive enlightening tool to overcome the contradictions between religion and democratic principles so that religious leaders and educators will have no difficulty in adjusting to the realities of democratic life in a post-colonial society.
