Religious Fundamentalism

Question 1

What is the first characteristic of fundamentalism?

Answer 1

An authoritative text for Christian fundamentalists, every word of the bible is the literal truth the text does not have error and is not open to any interpretations

Question 2

Who criticises an authoritative text?

Answer 2

Aldridge
No texts speak for itself, it must be interpreted, fundamentalists hold their meaning of the text to be true but not the actual text itself. They interpret the bible solely as a set of historical facts ignoring other viewpoint of it as poetry, symbolism

Question 3

What is the second element of fundamentalism?

Answer 3

‘Us and them’ mentality Fundamentalists separate themselves from the rest of the world and refuse to compromises with it
Davie — they seek to establish islands of certainty against what they see as social and cultural chaos

Question 4

What are the third and fourth elements of fundamentalism?

Answer 4

Aggressive reaction —actions are intended to shock, intimidate or cause harm
Use of modern tech — although they oppose modern culture, they are keen to use modern tech to achieve their aims
Patriarchy — hawley; fundamentalists favour a world in which control over women’s sexuality, reproductive system and social roles are fixed by divine decree