Can authority counteract extremism in traditional education?

The very purpose of traditional-especially religious-
education is to induct the young into a unique vision of reality.
When the compelling religious vision conflicts with other
visions, extremist confrontations may result. This paper
explores ways to ‘square the circle' of the educational
conundrum of how to educate for fervent commitment to
tradition without precluding autonomy and diversity, both
within the tradition but especially vis-a`-vis outsiders. Some
liberal educators see educating for autonomy as an antidote
to extremism, but such an approach is found wanting both
ethically and empirically. Reinforcing the roots of toleration
within religious traditions is offered as a more effective
alternative.