religious fundamentalism and typologies

Question 1

what is a fundamentalist religious organisation

Answer 1

A religious organisation that takes a literal interpretation of religious ideas or texts.

Question 2

how can we explain the growth of religous fundamentalism

Answer 2

Fundamentalism is not new, however there has recently been a growth in this type of religious organisation. The past 40 years have seen a huge increase in the speed of globalisation, leading to the spread of liberal values and people turning to Fundamentalism as a response

Question 3

reason for appeal

cultural defence, bruce

Answer 3

argues that religion today is being used to protect and maintain people’s cultural or ethnic identity. People feel it is more necessary to protect their cultural or religious values because they perceive that these values are under attack, due to rapid social changes or the spread of liberal values. Cultural defence may also be a response to discrimination, for example islamophobia. People may seek to strengthen their religious beliefs to seek comfort from a world that is hostile or simply to seek relief from the discrimination. It is a way of resisting social change

Question 4

reason for appeal

cultural transition, bruce

Answer 4

argues that increased migration has led to the spread of religious ideas. As people move, religion plays an important role in helping groups settle and function in society. Bruce suggests that people may become more religious as a mechanism by which to settle into a new location, to cope with the change.

Question 5

reason for appeal

religous disengagement

Answer 5

As states are becoming more secular, separating their views from any type of religious doctrine, people in society may resent this and respond by becoming more religious and trying in some cases to influence state politics. We have seen how in the USA for example, Christian Fundamentalist groups have had huge political presence, culminating in the election of President Trump in 2016.

Question 6

reason for appeal

marginality

Answer 6

People who find themselves at the edges of society, in light of rapid social changes and growing economic inequalities, may feel that strong religious values provide them with security and meaning. Norris and Inglehart (2002) argue that people are more likely to turn to religion when they face famine or conflict. In fact, turning to religion they argue is a response to an existential crisis and a lack of state support. Among some of these cases, people turn to fundamentalist organisations.