Religion in a global context

Question 1

Key features of fundamentalism

Answer 1

1. An authority sacred text- have their holy book which they see to be completely true- the only answer
2. Us and them mentality- separate from the rest of the world and refuse to compromise with it.
3. aggressive reaction- aim to draw attention to the threat of their beliefs and values, and their reactions are therefore aggressive and intended to shock, intimidate and cause harm.
4. use of modern technology- use technology to achieve their aims.
5. patriarchy- men control women, sexually etc
6. prophecy- believe in the end of the world.
7. conspiracy - believe in conspiracy theories

Question 2

Davie

Answer 2

fundamentalism occurs when those who hold traditional orthodox beliefs and values are threatened by modernity and feel the the need to defend themselves against it.

Question 3

Giddens - cosmopolitanism

Answer 3

opposite to fundamentalism, embraces modernity and is tolerant of others views, justify views through rational argument and are constantly changing based on society.

Question 4

Giddens and Bauman

Answer 4

fundamentalism is a response to living in post-modern society, it brings uncertainty and risk. Fundamentalism claim s to have the whole truth and certainty so people join

Question 5

Bruce- two fundamentalisms

Answer 5

In the west- its a reaction to change within society, New Christian Right formed against abortion and gay marriage
In the third world- changes thrust onto a society from outside. Islamic revolution in Iran, triggered by change to western values such as women drivers.

Question 6

Davie- secular fundamentalism

Answer 6

1st phase gave rise to religious fundamentalism- from enlightenment in 18th century to 1960s. enlightenment lead to secularisation, fundamentalism occurred due to this, it attacked tradition and created risk.
2nd phase gave rise to secular fundamentalism- enlightenment is now losing faith, therefore, movements like Marx are being ginned and then these create new fundamentalism, becoming extreme. France 2004 banned students wearing religious symbols.

Question 7

Huntington- clash of civilisations

Answer 7

globalisation has made nation states less significant as a source of identity and religion has instead filled this, nations are now seen as what their religion is. Religion has created an us and them mentality, west see islam as barbaric and must get involved.

Question 8

Inglehart and Norris

Answer 8

difference between the muslim and western world is gender and sexuality. difference is attitudes to gay marriage, divorce abortion etc.

Question 9

Bruce- cultural defence

Answer 9

Poland- church was a national symbol as they were being oppressed by USSR, church helped to regain freedom and now is involved in their politics and high religion.

Question 10

Nada- Hinduism and consumerism

Answer 10

educated Indians are believe more in Hinduism than the poor. tis is because their religions says they shouldn’t be wealthy, but the new version means they use money to pay for rituals and go to church often, it legitimates their wealth.