Religious fundamentalism

Definition

Religious fundamentalism is a strict adherence to specific theological doctrines, often accompanied by a belief that these doctrines should be the guiding principles for both personal and societal conduct. This movement typically arises in response to modernity and perceived threats to religious traditions, leading to a desire to return to what adherents see as the core tenets of their faith. Fundamentalist groups may use various strategies and tactics to advocate for their beliefs, influencing social movements and political landscapes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Religious fundamentalism often emerges as a response to rapid social changes or perceived threats from secularization and globalization.
2. Fundamentalist movements can be found in various religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism, each with unique doctrines and practices.
3. These movements may adopt aggressive tactics, including protests or activism, but can also engage in dialogue or form coalitions with other groups to further their objectives.
4. The rise of religious fundamentalism has been linked to increased polarization in societies, leading to conflicts between secular and religious communities.
5. In some cases, fundamentalist groups have sought political power to implement laws based on their interpretations of religious texts, influencing national policies.

Review Questions

• How do strategies and tactics of religious fundamentalist movements differ from those of more moderate or progressive groups?
  • Religious fundamentalist movements often utilize more assertive and sometimes aggressive strategies compared to moderate or progressive groups. While moderates may focus on dialogue and compromise to promote their beliefs, fundamentalists might employ direct action, protests, or even political pressure to assert their ideologies. These differences stem from their distinct goals; fundamentalists often seek to reshape society according to strict interpretations of their faith, while moderates typically advocate for gradual change within existing frameworks.
• What role does modernity play in the rise of religious fundamentalism in contemporary societies?
  • Modernity plays a significant role in the rise of religious fundamentalism as it often brings about rapid social change, secularization, and challenges to traditional values. In response, fundamentalist groups emerge as a counter-movement that seeks to reinforce their beliefs and practices against perceived encroachments from modern ideologies. This reaction can result in heightened tensions between secular authorities and religious groups, leading to conflicts that manifest in various forms of activism and social movements aimed at restoring traditional values.
• Evaluate the impact of religious fundamentalism on social movements within different cultural contexts.
  • The impact of religious fundamentalism on social movements varies significantly across different cultural contexts, shaping both local and global dynamics. In some cases, it can catalyze movements aimed at preserving cultural identities against globalization or secular influences, fostering community solidarity. Conversely, it may also lead to increased polarization and conflict within societies by challenging secular institutions or promoting exclusionary practices. Overall, understanding this impact requires analyzing how local traditions intersect with global forces in shaping the goals and methods of social movements influenced by fundamentalist ideologies.

Related terms

Theocracy: A system of government in which priests or religious leaders control the state, and religious law is used as the basis for legal decisions.

Social Conservatism: A political ideology that seeks to promote traditional values and social norms, often aligning with religious beliefs and opposing progressive social changes.

Millenarianism: The belief in a coming transformative event, often linked to religious prophecies, where a major change or end to the current social order will occur.