Religious fundamentalism

Definition

Religious fundamentalism is a strict and literal interpretation of sacred texts and a desire to return to what adherents believe are the foundational principles of their faith. This movement often emerges in response to modernity and secularization, as individuals or groups seek to reaffirm their religious identity and values in an increasingly pluralistic world. Fundamentalists may advocate for a return to traditional practices and resist influences they perceive as threats to their beliefs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Religious fundamentalism can be found across various faiths, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism, each having its unique characteristics and motivations.
2. Fundamentalist movements often arise during periods of rapid social change or perceived threats to traditional values, leading to a push for stricter adherence to religious doctrines.
3. Many fundamentalists advocate for political activism that aligns with their beliefs, sometimes seeking to influence or control government policies based on their interpretation of religious texts.
4. Fundamentalism can lead to both positive community cohesion among adherents and negative outcomes such as intolerance toward other belief systems or violent extremism.
5. The relationship between fundamentalism and secularization is complex; while fundamentalism often reacts against secularization, it also reflects the ongoing negotiation between faith and modernity.

Review Questions

• How does religious fundamentalism respond to the challenges posed by secularization?
  • Religious fundamentalism often emerges as a counter-response to the challenges posed by secularization. As societies become more secular and pluralistic, fundamentalists may feel threatened and seek to reaffirm their religious identity by returning to the strict tenets of their faith. This reaction can lead to increased activism aimed at preserving traditional values and resisting influences that are seen as corrupting or diminishing their beliefs.
• In what ways do fundamentalist movements reflect broader societal tensions between tradition and modernity?
  • Fundamentalist movements illustrate the tensions between tradition and modernity by advocating for a return to foundational religious principles while simultaneously reacting against the changes brought about by modern life. These movements often arise in contexts where rapid social changes are perceived as undermining traditional values. The emphasis on strict adherence to sacred texts serves as a way for adherents to navigate these tensions, asserting their identities in a world that feels increasingly alien.
• Evaluate the implications of religious fundamentalism on interfaith relations in multicultural societies.
  • The rise of religious fundamentalism can significantly impact interfaith relations in multicultural societies by fostering division and conflict. Fundamentalist groups may adopt exclusionary attitudes towards those outside their faith, viewing them as threats or opponents. This can lead to increased tension between different religious communities, undermining efforts for dialogue and mutual understanding. However, it can also spur some communities to engage in dialogue, advocating for coexistence amidst differing beliefs in response to fundamentalist extremism.

Related terms

Secularization: The process by which religious institutions, practices, and beliefs lose their social significance and influence, often leading to a more secular society.

Revivalism: A movement aimed at reawakening or intensifying religious faith and practice, often in response to perceived declines in religious adherence.

Millenarianism: The belief in a coming transformation of society, often involving an apocalyptic event, which will lead to a utopian future governed by divine principles.