5. Religion in a global context

Define fundamentalism

A belief system characterised by strict or literal interpretation of sacred text or ideology

Give examples of fundamentalist groups

Taliban, ISIS, Zionists, conservative protestants

What are the 7 characteristics of fundamentalism?

Authoritative sacred text, us vs them mentality, agressive reaction, use of modern tech, patriachy, prophecy, conspiracy theories

Authoritative sacred text

Believe every word of the bible is true, the text is inerrant (without error). For example, Christians would believe Jesus actually did turn water into wine. They reject religious pluralism and are intolerant of other views.

Evaluate an authoritative sacred text

Aldridge said no texts speaks for itself so every text must be interpreted so fundamentalists don’t hold the truth but their interpretation of it which may be a set of historical facts in their mind

Describe the us vs them mentality fundamentalists hold

They seperate themselves from the rest of the world and refuse to compromise with it. Davie said this may be because globalisation has made the modern would have too many choices such as abhortion and sexuality therefore fundamentalists assert the value of tradition by rejecting what they call “social and cultural chaos”.

Describe the aggressive reaction?

Fundamentalist movements like to draw attention to how their belief is being threatened through aggression. For example: protesting. This is often directed by the leaders or clergy of the religion and is used to intimidate or cause harm.

Describe the use of modern technology?

Fundamentalists are keen to use modern technology to televangelism and for military weaponry and to spread the message using social media.

Describe patriarchy as a characteristic of fundamentalism?

Hawley says that fundamentalists favour a world where there is control over women’s sexuality, reproductive powers and their social and economic roles is fixed all the time by divine decree.

Describe prophecy in fundamentalism?

Christian fundamentalists that proclaim the relevance of biblical prophecies to contemporary events. For example, the second coming of Christ.

Describe conspiracy theories as a character of fundamentalism?

The idea that powerful, hidden, evil forces and organisations are in control of human destiny. Many Islamic fundamentalists believe Jews are conspiring to secure world domination.

What does Davie argue?

Fundamentalism occurs when people who hold traditional beliefs and values are threatened by modernity so need to defend themselves against it.

What does Giddens argue?

Fundamentalism is a product of and reaction to globalisation which undermines traditional social norms eg: nuclear family, abortion. He said in todays “late modernity” fundamentalism promises certainty in an uncertain world through sets of rigid beliefs and promises.

What does Giddens contrast fundamentalism with?

He contrasts it with cosmopolitanism where people are tolerant of other people’s views and ideas. Here the personal growth of individuals rather than submission to authority is encouraged and one’s lifestyle is seen as a personal choice. He calls this “reflective thinking” where beliefs are modified in light of new information.

What does Castells argue?

There are 2 responses to postmodernity:

1. Resistance identity - defensive reaction for those who feel threatened by the freedom of choice so retreat to fundamentalist communities and beliefs

2. Project Identity - response of those who are forward-thinking and engage with social movements such as feminism and environmentalism

What did Beckford say for evaluation against Giddens and Castells who contrast fundamentalism with cosmopolitanism 

• They distinguish too sharply between cosmopolitanism and fundamentalism ignoring hybrid movements such as Global Pentecostalism which mixes fundamentalist doctrine (biblical literalism, moral conservatism) with cosmopolitan features (individual self-improvement, consumer-style worship).

• Fixation on fundamentalism ignoring how globalisation has affected other religious organisations such as Catholicism. This lead to talks on Laudato Si and the introduction of priests + popes from all around the world.

• Giddens description of the defensive reaction to modernity may be seen as reflective instead.

What does Haynes argue?

We shouldn’t focus on globalisation resulting in fundamentalism as in the Middle East conflicts are caused by the failure of local elites (governing bodies) to deliver and improve the standard of living.

What does Bruce argue about fundamentalism?

Fundamentalism is confined to monotheistic religions because monotheistic religions have a clear infallible source of truth. Polytheistic religions mean there is more scope for interpretations so there is no absolute truth.

How does Bruce differentiate between the two fundamentalisms?

• In the West - Here fundamentalism is often a response to change in society and diversity. For example, in America there is opposition to family diversity and abortion so the country aims to reassert “true” religion and restore it to a public role where it shapes the laws and morals of society

• In the Third World - Here fundamentalism is a reaction to changes being thrust upon a society from outside. For example, the Islamic Revolution in Iran where “Western values” are imposed by foreign capitalism or local elites so fundamentalism involves the resistance of the state’s attempts to confine it.

What did Davie say about the emergence of secular forms of fundamentalism?

1. First Phase 18th Century to 1960’s - this gave rise to religious fundamentalism where enlightenment philosophy showed the power of science and human reason in improving the world. This dominated European thought and social life and undermined religious certainties. Fundamentalism is a response.

2. Second Phase 1970’s+ - growing uncertainty due to globalisationso supporters of secular ideologies eg: nationalism join fundamentalist groups. Creates an us vs them between ethnic groups.

Give an example of Davie’s aggressive secularised fundamentalism.

2010 - illegal for woman to wear the veil in public

2015 - French local councils stop selling alternatives to pork in school as religion must be kept outside of the public sphere. However, this discriminates against Jews and Muslims who can’t eat pork. 

How does Ansell evaluate secular fundamentalism?

Argues it is a form of cultural racism which is about preserving “our” way of life and cultural identity while discriminating against others. H

How does Hervieu-Leger view fundamentalism?

As a form of recreated memories in late modern societies which have suffered cultural amnesia and forgotten their historical religious traditions.

What did Huntington argue?

There has been a “clash of civilisations” due to globalisation which has increased the contacts between civilisations increasing the likelihood of conflicts. Also, there are “us vs them” relationships involving economic and military power.

Evaluate against Huntington

1. Jackson sees it as an example of orientalism which is a Western ideology stereotyping Eastern ideas as untrustworthy, inferior or fanatical

2. Horrie and Chippindale say it is misleading as only a tiny amount of the world’s 1.5 billion muslims are itnerested in a holy war against the West.

3. Some religious divisions may be necessary to avoid conflict and preserve religious teachings eg: division between Sunni and Shi’a Islam.

How is Poland an example of cultural defence?

Polish peple used the Catholic church to oppose communism which means now the church regained a public role and has significant influence on Polish politics

Explain how Iran is an example of cultural defence?

Iran used fundamentalism as a reaction to Western values being imposed into society. This lead to the Sharia law being implemented in 1979.

How does Nanda argue Hinduism, consumerism and ultra-nationalism as being linked?

Many people in India work in scientifically based and educated environments therefore you would presume religion declined in the area however it increased by 30% due to religious tourism. This is because middle class Indians have mixed opinions regarding their wealth so spiritually balance their wealth by paying for extravagant religious rituals

Also, the worship of Hindu Gods have become the same as worshipping the nation of India however, this may create conflict between Hindus and non-Hindu minorities. For example, Hindu sciences eg: astrology are now taught as school subjects

What does Redding argue?

The Asan tiger countries such as China have industrialised considerably becoming global economic powers. He sees their post-Confucian values as encouraging hard work as seen with the protestant work ethic. However, 47% of China is atheist.