theories of religion Flashcards
Identify two characteristics of religious fundamentalism
- AUTHORITATIVE SACRED TEXT - Fundamentalists interpret their sacred text on a literal level - they believe every single word.
- ‘US VS THEM’ MENTALITY- Fundamentalists believe they are different from the rest of the world and therefore refuse to compromise with their beliefs > opposite of cosmopolitanism.
According to Castells, what is the difference between a resistance identity and a project identity?
A resistance identity is a defensive (fundamental) reaction of people that feel threatened and therefore retreat into fundamental communities as a result, whereas a project identity responds to change by engaging and embracing social movements like feminism.
What is fundamentalism?
A form of religion that upholds a belief in the strict, literal interpretation of the truth.
When does fundamentalism arise?
When religion is under threat, from forces such as capitalist globalization, the penetration of western culture, a military invasion. internal threats include when sections of society adapt to new, secular ideas.
What do fundamentalists use modern technology for?
They use modern technology in order to achieve their aims; despite the fact they see technology as ‘corrupt’, they still use it in order to spread their message and radicalize people online
What does DAVIE argue is the root of fundamentalism?
Davie argues fundamentalism is produced by today’s modern society - it is a product of what is happening now and is a clash between traditional culture and liberal modern culture.
According to Giddens, how does late modern society encourage fundamentalism?
‘Globalisation’ is a product of late modern society, which undermines traditional, social norms like the nuclear family, gender and sexuality. Today individuals have choice,which produces uncertainty and risk.
Fundamentalism is deemed attractive because it consists of rigid, dogmatic beliefs - certainty in an uncertain world.
Cosmopolitanism
An acceptance of change and choice - a way of thinking that em
According to Giddens, how does late modern society encourage fundamentalism?
‘Globalization’ is a product of late modern society, which undermines traditional, social norms like the nuclear family, gender and sexuality. Today individuals have choice,which produces uncertainty and risk.
Fundamentalism is deemed attractive because it consists of rigid, dogmatic beliefs - certainty in an uncertain world.
- Giddens is criticized for lumping all types of fundamentalism together, ignoring the fact their are huge variations between them.
Cosmopolitanism (usually associated with the WEST)
An acceptance of change and choice - a way of thinking that embraces modernity and keeping with today’s modernizing world.
Why does BAUMAN say that postmodern society will lead to fundamentalism?
He argues that postmodern society encourages ‘freedom of choice, uncertainty and a heightened awareness of risk’ - People will be attracted to fundamentalism as it claims and offers an ‘absolute truth’
criticisms of giddens, bauman, castells
- they distinguish too sharply between fundamentalism and cosmopolitanism, ignoring hybrid movements in between.
- they focus too much on fundamentalism and fail to recognize other important developments, like the impact globalization is having on non fundamentalist religions.
Why does BRUCE argue that fundamentalism comes out of Monotheistic religions only?
‘The belief that there is only one God’ - he argues that since they believe God’s will is revealed through one single sacred text, they adopt an over riding claim of ‘legitimacy’ and ‘absolute truth’
According to Huntingdon, why is a clash of civilisations increasingly likely
After the end of the cold war, Huntingdon argues that the loss of identity of states will inevitably lead to war.
Suggest two criticisms for the view that there is a clash of civilisations
Jackson argues that Huntingdon favours Western ideology whilst Muslims are portrayed as ‘untrustworthy, inferior and fanatical’. He justifies the West’s exploitation of the IS, which he argues is wrong.
Casanova argues Hundington ignores important religious divisions within civilisations.
