fundamentalism

• Religious fundamentalism


  A pattern of religious militancy, a form of religion (especially Islam or Protestant Christianity) that upholds belief in the strict literal interpretation of scripture and demands adherence to these interpretations from followers
• Fundamentalism is in direct opposition to the idea of secularization
• Fundamentalism is often simplified into a conflict approach between believers and non-believers who are seen as the 'other'
• Features of fundamentalist worship

  • Presence of a sacred text (the Bible or the Quran) from which literal translations are applied to govern the behavior of followers
  • Division between true believers and the 'other'
  • Presence of authoritative personalities in leadership
  • Patriarchal control
• Threat of modernity to traditional values

  Leads to increased fundamentalism
• Fundamentalism


  Offers certainty and security against the chaos of social change
• Globalization


  Increases insecurity, particularly in employment, and impacts of greater cultural diversity
• Religion


  Offers simple answers to complex questions through blind faith, providing control and certainty in uncertain times
• Increased reflexive thinking and rejection of traditional religions


  Leads to a form of cosmopolitanism and acceptance of diverse views and lifestyles
• Fundamentalism is a reaction to the growth of more liberal ideas
• Monotheistic religions (Islam and Christianity)


  Have one all-powerful god, making them more susceptible to fundamentalism
• Polytheistic religions


  Believe in more than one god, making them more open to changes as they have never had one singular truth about the world
• Christian fundamentalism is a reaction to social changes that occur organically, such as same-sex marriage and women's control over their reproductive rights
• Other forms of fundamentalism are reactions to enforced social change or cultural imperialism, such as the rejection of western norms and values by terrorist groups
• Fundamentalism offers people an opportunity to develop a resistance identity
• Fundamentalism has embraced elements of globalization, such as the use of technology, to engage with its adherents and grow its membership
• The rise of fundamentalism has occurred in times of rapid social change, providing evidence that it gives certainty in times of chaos