Fundamentalism

• What is a major trend in contemporary religion?

  Growth in fundamentalism
• How does fundamentalism relate to secularisation?

  It seems contradictory but has significant connections
• What is argued to be a reaction to globalisation?

  Fundamentalism
• How did Almond (2003) define fundamentalism?

  As a pattern of religious militancy
• Who leads fundamentalism according to Almond?

  Self-styled true believers
• What does Giddens argue about globalisation and insecurity?

  It causes significant levels of insecurity for people
• Why do people find fundamentalist religion attractive?

  It offers simple answers in confusion
• How are religious texts viewed in fundamentalist religion?

  They are taken entirely literally
• What type of society does fundamentalism clash with?

  Pluralistic and liberal society
• What do fundamentalists want to change in society?

  Contemporary liberal society into conservative society
• What is a significant cause of conflict related to fundamentalism?

  Conflict with other religions and interpretations
• How do sociologists view the relationship between globalisation and fundamentalism?

  • Fundamentalism is not new, just more noticeable
  • Some countries have experienced desecularisation
  • Fundamentalist movements have historical roots
• What does Karen Armstrong (2000) argue about contemporary fundamentalist movements?

  They are thoroughly contemporary, not medieval throwbacks
• How do contemporary fundamentalist movements differ from medieval religion?

  They are populist and use modern technology
• How do fundamentalism and secularisation relate to globalisation?

  They are reactions to globalisation
• What is a predictable response to globalisation according to the material?

  Local and traditional reactions to cultural erosion
• What are two responses to globalisation mentioned in the text?

  Retreat into traditional beliefs and embrace secular culture