religion in a global context

Question 1

what are fundamentalists

Answer 1

appeal to tradition-they seek return to the basics or fundamentals of their faith/ it arises when traditional beliefs and values are being threatened in modern society, particularly due to the impact of the globalised economy

Question 2

the characteristics of fundamentalism

Answer 2

• An authoritative texts
• An “us and them” mentality
• Aggressive reaction
• use of modern technology
• patriarchy
• prophecy
• conspiracy theories

Question 3

why does Davie argue that fundamentalism happens

Answer 3

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

Question 4

what does Giddens believe fundamentalism is

Answer 4

fundamentalism is a response to globalisation which undermines traditional social norms concerning the nuclear family, sexuality abortion etc.

Question 5

what does globalisation lead to

Answer 5

feelings of void, meaningless and uncertainty.

Question 6

what does Giddens contrast fundamentalism

Answer 6

cosmopolitanism

Question 7

what is cosmopolitanism

Answer 7

refers to the way of thinking that embraces modernity, is open to alternative views and modifies beliefs based on mew ideas (relative thinking)

Question 8

what do fundamentalism and spirituality emphasise

Answer 8

personal choice and self improvement, rather than submission to authority. Hervieu-leger would refer to these as pilgrims

Question 9

why are people attracted to fundamentalism

Answer 9

people are attracted to fundamentalism because they are intimidated by uncertainty and find sanctuary in “old certainties”

Question 10

what does Bauman see fundamentalism as

Answer 10

as a response to living in postmodernity. post modern society brings freedom of choice, uncertainty and a heightened awareness of risk, undermining the old centuries way of living that were grounded by tradition

Question 11

castells distinguished between two types of postmodernity

Answer 11

resistance identity- people who feel threatened and retreat to fundamentalist communities

project identity- forward looking and engage with social movements e.g. feminisms

Question 12

Beckford criticism for Giddens, Bauman and Castells on several grounds

Answer 12

• they distinguish too sharply between cosmopolitanism and fundamentalism, ignoring “hybrid” movements
• Giddens lumps all types of fundamentalism together, ignoring important differences between them.

Question 13

what does Bruce see fundamentalism as

Answer 13

sees fundamentalism as being confined to monotheistic religions believing in a single, almighty God-Judaism, Islam and Christianity

Question 14

Monotheistic religion

Answer 14

follow the teachings on one authoritative sacred text which lays down specific rules

Question 15

polytheistic religion

Answer 15

have no overriding claim to one, single truth

Question 16

Bruce distinguishes between two fundamentalisms

Answer 16

in the west- fundamentalism is a response to trend towards diversity and choice e.g. New Christian Right oppose gender equality, sexual “permissiveness”, abortion and the privatisation of religion. the aim is to integrate the state and the state and the church

in the third world- fundamentalism is a reaction to changes being thrust upon society by the outside world, which are triggered by globalisation e.g. western values being imposed by foreign capitalism or by local elites supporting the west. the aim is to resist the states attempt to confine religion to the private sphere

Question 17

what does Davie argue about fundamentalism

Answer 17

may also be a secular response to changes in modern society

Question 18

what does Davie believe are the phases of modernity

Answer 18

the first phase gave rise to religious fundamentalism- enlightenment philosophy held an optimistic secular belief and helped secularise all social life

the second phase is giving rise to secular fundamentalism- since the 1970s, the enlightenment came under attack and a different type of fundamentalism-loss of faith so secular ideologies struggle for survival

Question 19

conclusion about secular fundamentalism

Answer 19

both religion and secular movements can become fundamentalist as a result of greater uncertainties of life in a late modern or postmodern world.

when secular ideologies, such as nationalism, come under attack, some supporters resort to fundamentalism

Question 20

clash of civilisations

Answer 20

The Clash of Civilizations is a thesis that people’s cultural and religious identities will be the primary source of conflict in the post-Cold War world

Question 21

what does Samuel p. Huntington argue about the clash of civilisations

Answer 21

Samuel P. Huntington argued that future wars would be fought not between countries, but between cultures.

Question 22

what are the 7 civilisations that Huntington identifies

Answer 22

western
Islamic
Latin American 
China 
Japanese
Russia and Eastern Europe 
Hindu

Question 23

why are religious differences between civilisations a major source of conflict

Answer 23

because nation states are less significant as a result of globalisation