Religion in a global context Flashcards
What is religious fundamentalism?
Religious fundamentalism is characterized by an appeal to tradition and a desire to return to the basics, often in response to perceived threats from modern society.
What threats do traditional beliefs face?
Threats can come from outside, such as capitalist globalization and Western culture, or from within, such as the adoption of new secular ideas.
What is an ‘us and them’ mentality in fundamentalism?
Fundamentalists separate themselves from the rest of the world and refuse to compromise, seeking to establish certainty against perceived chaos.
What role does patriarchy play in fundamentalism?
Fundamentalists favor fixed control over women’s sexuality and roles, believing these are determined by divine decree.
What attraction do conspiracy theories have for fundamentalists?
Fundamentalists often believe in conspiracy theories that suggest hidden forces control human destiny, including anti-Semitic theories among some Christian and Islamic fundamentalists.
How does Giddens contrast fundamentalism with cosmopolitanism?
Cosmopolitanism embraces modernity, is tolerant of others’ views, and relies on rational arguments rather than sacred texts.
What is the view of lifestyle in cosmopolitanism?
Lifestyle is seen as a personal choice rather than dictated by external authority, emphasizing personal meaning and self-improvement.
How does Bauman view fundamentalism in relation to postmodernity?
Bauman sees fundamentalism as a response to the uncertainties and freedoms of postmodernity, offering claims of absolute truth.
What are Castells’ two responses to postmodernity?
Resistance identity is a defensive reaction retreating into fundamentalism, while protect identity engages with social movements.
What criticisms does Beckford have of Giddens and others?
Beckford argues that they overlook how reinventing tradition is also a modern activity and too sharply distinguish between cosmopolitanism and fundamentalism.
What does Bruce identify as the main cause of fundamentalism?
Bruce sees the perception of threats to beliefs in a globalizing world as the main cause of fundamentalism, particularly in monotheistic religions.
Why does Bruce believe fundamentalism is confined to monotheistic religions?
Monotheistic religions have a single authoritative sacred text, which lays down specific rules, unlike polytheistic religions that allow for varied interpretations.
What distinguishes different fundamentalist movements according to Bruce?
Different fundamentalist movements may arise from internal societal changes or external pressures, such as globalization.
What does Huntington argue about global conflicts?
Huntington claims that global conflicts are symptoms of a ‘clash of civilisations’, intensified since the collapse of communism.
What are Huntington’s seven civilisations?
Huntington identifies Western, Islamic, Latin American, Confucian, Japanese, Hindu, and Slavic-Orthodox civilisations.
How does globalisation affect religious identity according to Huntington?
Globalisation reduces the significance of nation-states, creating a gap filled by religion, which can lead to conflict.
What does Huntington say about resolving religious conflicts?
He believes religious differences are harder to resolve than political ones due to their deep cultural and historical roots.
What is Jackson’s criticism of Huntington’s work?
Jackson views it as orientalism, which stereotypes Eastern nations and justifies exploitation by the West.
What is cultural defense in the context of religion?
Cultural defense refers to religion uniting a community against external threats, symbolizing collective identity.
How did religion serve as cultural defense in Poland?
The Catholic Church embodied Polish national identity and supported opposition to Soviet communism during its rule.
What role does Hinduism play in India’s globalisation?
Hinduism legitimates a new Hindu ultra-nationalism and the prosperity of India’s middle class amidst globalisation.
What does Nanda say about Hindu ultra-nationalism?
Hindu ultra-nationalism promotes the idea that Hindu values contribute to India’s success in the global market.
How has Hinduism influenced public life in India?
Hinduism has penetrated public life, with ‘Hindu sciences’ being taught in universities and influencing state policies.
What is the role of religion in East Asian capitalism?
Some sociologists argue that religion has played a role similar to Calvinism in the development of capitalism in East Asia.
What does Redding say about Chinese entrepreneurs?
Redding describes their ‘post-Confucian’ values as encouraging hard work and self-improvement, similar to the Protestant ethic.
How does Berger relate Pentecostalism to capitalism in Latin America?
Berger argues that Pentecostalism acts as a functional equivalent to Weber’s Protestant ethic, promoting capitalism today.
What lifestyle does Pentecostalism promote?
Pentecostalism emphasizes personal discipline, hard work, and abstinence from alcohol, encouraging upward mobility.
What does Berger conclude about Pentecostalism and economic development?
He believes an ethic of this-worldly asceticism can lead to economic development, but natural resources are also necessary.
