Religious Fundamentalism Flashcards
Who are fundamentalists?
Fundamentalists are traditionalists who seek a return to the basics or fundamentals of their faith
What can religious fundamentalism be seen as?
Religious fundamentalism can be seen as both a conservative and a radical force:
- it is conservative because it values tradition
- it is radical because it wants to change society back to traditional values
What are the features of religious fundamentalism?
A literal interpretation of religious texts
A monopoly view of the truth
- theirs is the only truth
Hostile and intolerance of other views
Opinions are justified with sacred texts rather than rational argument
Dislike change
Detest todays modern/postmodern social world
- although they use modern technology to spread their views
How can religious fundamentalism be seen as a conservative force?
Want to maintain traditional values and are against modern society
e.g. the Westboro Baptist Church want all marriages to be heterosexual
How can religious fundamentalism be seen as a radical force for change?
Wants society to change by returning to the basics of their religion and removing all modern changes (e.g. gay marriage)
e.g. the Westboro Baptist Church seek to change America into a Christian nation where everything is based upon the bible
Why might fundamentalist religions such as the Westboro Baptist Church may not succeed in changing society?
They aren’t allowing for individualism and are opposing who people are e.g. they oppose homosexuality and picket gay and lesbian events and funerals
Most of society disagree with them
