Religious fundamentalism

Define religious fundamentalism

The approach of religious groups that look for the literal interpretations of original religious texts or books, and that these beliefs need to extend into social, economic and political spheres

What is the difference between religious fundamentalism and traditional religion

Fundamentalist religion is where religious texts are taken entirely literally, and provide a strict set of rules which people should live by.

What are the 7 characteristics of fundamentalism

An authoritative sacred text

An ‘us and them’ mentality

Aggressive reaction

Use of modern technology

Patriarchy

Prophecy

Conspiracy theories

Describe the importance of an authoritative sacred text to fundamentalists

Fundamentalists would be intolerant of other religious sects that did not view religious texts literally (eg christian literalists)

What does Aldridge say about sacred texts?

That they need to be interpreted, and literalists see it as factual as opposed to symbolic or poetic

How do fundamentalists have an us v them mentality according to Davie

They seek to establish islands of certainty against what they see as social and cultural chaos

How do fundamentalists view technology

They see it as corrupting, but also will use it to achieve their aims

Televangelism

What does Hawley say about fundamentalists and the patriarchy

Fundamentalists favour a world in which men have control over a womens sexuality, reproductive systems and economic and social roles

How do fundamentalists use prophecy

They relate biblical prophecies to contemporary events

How do fundamentalists use conspiracy theorists

They are attracted to the idea that evil hidden forces are in control of destiny eg Jews control the banks

How does Davie define fundamentalism

Fundamentalism occurs when traditional values are threatened by modernity and will defend themselves against it

How does Giddens define fundamentalism

Fundamentalism is a product of and reaction to globalisation

People turn to this because it makes promises (dogmatic beliefs) in what they believe to be an uncertain world, it turns away from uncertainty to focus on faith

Define cosmopolitanism

All people are entitled to equal respect and consideration regardless of their other affiliations

Who contrast fundamentalism with cosmopolitanism

Giddens

How does Giddens contrast fundamentalism with cosmopolitanism

He notes that cosmopolitan societies are tolerant of other views, and that people use rational arguments to justify personal beliefs as opposed to traditional text

Focus on spirituality, self improvement and autonomy as opposed to hierarchal religions

What are Castells two responses to postmodernity

Resistance identity: Defensive reaction of those who are threatened and retreat into fundamental circles

Project identity: Becoming forward thinking and engaging in social movements and protest

What are 3 criticisms of Giddens

• Ignores hybrid systems of fundamentalism and cosmopolitanism

• Groups types of fundamentalism together

• Ignores the impact of globalisation on non-fundamentalists

How does Bruce view monotheism and fundamentalism

Fundamentalism is confined to monotheistic faiths (christianity, islam, judaism) as they have a single God and authoritative text. This limits scope of interpretation, and there is a monopoly on the truth.

Polytheistic religions do not have this, making fundamentalism harder to develop

What are Bruces two types of fundamentalism

Western

Third world

Define Western fundamentalism

• Forms in reaction to change taking place in society (religious diversity)

• It aims to reassert true religion and restore society to a ‘moral’ state

Define third world fundamentalism

It is a reaction to changes being thrust upon a society from outside. It is triggered by globalisation in which Western values are forcibly imposed. It is resistance to these values.

What is Davies theory on fundamentalism

There is now secular fundamentalism, which happened in two stages

What is the first phase of secular fundamentalism and what reaction does it create

the 'Enlightenment project'- which held an optimistic beliefs in certainty of progress based on science.
This helped secularise all social life undermining religious views.

Gives basis for religious fundamentalism

What is the second phase of secular fundamentalism

Secular fundamentalism is restricting religious liberties in response to the loss of significance of secular fundamental ideologies such as liberalism and Marxism.

What is evidence of secular fundamentalism

France banning veiling in public spaces in 2010

How does Ansell support Davie

Cultural racism uses liberal language of universal equality and social integration whilst denying racist aims. Legitimises that exclusion of religious and cultural minorities

Describe Huntington’s clash of civilisations

Religious differences between the 7 types of society are a major source of conflict due to a different history, culture and norms. Globalisation has emphasised the difference between these 7 types, as it is harder to gain identity from a nation state

Why does Huntington blame Islam specifically for religious fundamentalism

Huntington argues that the Islamic civilisation has experienced a massive population explosion which is fuelling instability both on the borders and in its interior, where fundamentalist movements are becoming increasingly popular. It contradicts Western values too deeply, leading to conflict

How does Jackson criticise Huntington

His theory of ‘clash of the civillisation’, is rooted in orientalism, a western ideology that views Middle Eastern as other to jusify exploitation

How do Horrie and Chippingdale criticise Huntington

The clash of civilisations is a grossly misleading theory neo conservative ideology that isn’t representative of all muslims