religion in a global context Flashcards
what are fundamentalists
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
the characteristics of fundamentalism
- An authoritative texts
- An “us and them” mentality
- Aggressive reaction
- use of modern technology
- patriarchy
- prophecy
- conspiracy theories
why does Davie argue that fundamentalism happens
occurs when those who had traditional orthodox beliefs and values are threatened by modernity and feel the need to defend themselves against it.
what does Giddens believe fundamentalism is
fundamentalism is a response to globalisation which undermines traditional social norms concerning the nuclear family, sexuality abortion etc.
what does globalisation lead to
feelings of void, meaningless and uncertainty.
what does Giddens contrast fundamentalism
cosmopolitanism
what is cosmopolitanism
refers to the way of thinking that embraces modernity, is open to alternative views and modifies beliefs based on mew ideas (relative thinking)
what do fundamentalism and spirituality emphasise
personal choice and self improvement, rather than submission to authority. Hervieu-leger would refer to these as pilgrims
why are people attracted to fundamentalism
people are attracted to fundamentalism because they are intimidated by uncertainty and find sanctuary in “old certainties”
what does Bauman see fundamentalism as
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
castells distinguished between two types of postmodernity
resistance identity- people who feel threatened and retreat to fundamentalist communities
project identity- forward looking and engage with social movements e.g. feminisms
Beckford criticism for Giddens, Bauman and Castells on several grounds
- they distinguish too sharply between cosmopolitanism and fundamentalism, ignoring “hybrid” movements
- Giddens lumps all types of fundamentalism together, ignoring important differences between them.
what does Bruce see fundamentalism as
sees fundamentalism as being confined to monotheistic religions believing in a single, almighty God-Judaism, Islam and Christianity
Monotheistic religion
follow the teachings on one authoritative sacred text which lays down specific rules
polytheistic religion
have no overriding claim to one, single truth
Bruce distinguishes between two fundamentalisms
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
what does Davie argue about fundamentalism
may also be a secular response to changes in modern society
what does Davie believe are the phases of modernity
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
conclusion about secular fundamentalism
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
clash of civilisations
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
what does Samuel p. Huntington argue about the clash of civilisations
Samuel P. Huntington argued that future wars would be fought not between countries, but between cultures.
what are the 7 civilisations that Huntington identifies
western Islamic Latin American China Japanese Russia and Eastern Europe Hindu
why are religious differences between civilisations a major source of conflict
because nation states are less significant as a result of globalisation
