Topic 5 Religion in a global context

What is religious fundamentalism?

when people believe their religion is the only true way and that everyone should follow it exactly as written in holy books.

key features of religious fundamentalism

• authoritative sacred text

• us vs them mentality

• use of modern technology to promote their beliefs

What does Davie argue causes fundamentalism?

when religious beliefs are threatened by modernity, such as science, freedom and social change

What does Giddens argue about fundamentalism?

is a product of globalisation → exposes people to new cultures, lifestyles and ideas, making some people feel threatened and return to strict religious beliefs.

Why do people turn to fundamentalism according to Giddens?

to feel safe, certain and in control during rapid social change

What is cosmopolitanism?

a way of thinking that accepts modernity, globalisation, diversity and change.

How is cosmopolitanism different from fundamentalism?

Cosmopolitanism embraces global change, while fundamentalism rejects it and returns to strict traditional beliefs.

What is a criticism of Giddens’ view?

Not everyone is either a fundamentalist or a cosmopolitan; some people are in the middle.

What does Bauman argue about postmodern society?

society is full of uncertainty, choice and change, which can make people feel confused and insecure.

What two responses to postmodernity does Castells identify?

resistance identity and project identity.

What is resistance identity?

defensive reaction by groups who feel threatened by social change.

what is project identity?

when people embrace change and engage in new social movements to create a new identity.

What does Bruce argue about fundamentalism?

fundamentalism is mainly found in monotheistic religions (believe in one God only)

Why does Bruce link fundamentalism to monotheistic religions?

those religions have sacred books believed to contain the words of God → one sacred text

Why are polytheistic religions less likely to have fundamentalist movements

less likely to have one single authoritative sacred text

What do New Christian fundamentalists want to restore?

traditional religious values and traditional morality.

What do Islamic fundamentalists try to protect?

religion, culture and way of life from Western influence.

what does Davie argue

fundamentalist can happen in two different ways

Davie- religious fundamentalist

Some religious groups felt threatened by change ->they reacted by going back to strict, traditional beliefs

Davie- secular fundamentalist

when non religious people feel threatened by religion -> want less religion e.g France banning hijab 

what does Huntington argue

clash of civilisation → clashes will be between religions now not nations

How does Huntington view Islam?

a major threat to Western values such as democracy, gender equality and freedom of speech.

How does globalisation create conflict according to Huntington?

brings different cultures closer together, which can create tension, misunderstanding and conflict.

How does Jackson criticise Huntington?

he is stereotypical to muslim → Huntingon makes Islam look like the enemy of the west 

How does Casanova criticise Huntington?

views are too simplistic and ignores religious divisions within the civilization e.g sunni vs shia     

What is cultural defence?

when religion unites a community against an external threat.

who argues cultural defence

Bruce

Poland cultural defence

• poland was under soviet union who tried to reduce the power of the church

• Church was seen as a symbol of resistance against soviet control

Iran cultural defence

• leader was Shah who tried to modernise everything in

• people overthrow Shas in 1970s → Islam became central to their lives now

What did Nanda study?

how Hinduism is changing in India because of globalisation.

what % said they started becoming more religions in 2007

30%

whose more religious in India and why

urban Indians are more religious than people in rural areas → MC have more money so more religious

What is Hindu ultra-nationalism?

Hinduism closely to Indian national identity.

What does Hindu ultra-nationalism claim about being truly Indian?

promotes the idea that to be truly Indian, one must be Hindu.

What has happened to worship of Hindu gods according to Nanda?

become linked to worshipping the nation of India.

what % of indians  agrees with statement ‘our people aren’t perfect but our culture is superior to others’

93%

what does Redding argue about capitalism in East Asia?

have industrialised and become important players in the global economy → G7

How does Redding link religion and development?

religion may have played a role in the growth of successful East Asian economies.

What is Pentecostalism?

fast-growing branch of evangelical Christianity.

what does Berger argue

Pentecostalism promotes hard work and discipline, saving money