Topic 5: Religion in a global context:

Question 1

Key word:

What are religious fundamentalists?

Answer 1

Are individuals or groups who strictly follow their faith interpreting sacred texts literally and seeking to apply these beliefs in all aspects of life e.g. The Taliban.

Question 2

Religious fundamentalism:

How does religious fundamentalists believe?

Answer 2

They seeks a return to the core beliefs of faith in response to perceived threats from modern society, such as globalisation, Western culture, or secular ideas, which challenge traditional values.

Question 3

Religious fundamentalism:

Key features of religious fundamentalism e.g. An authoritative sacred text (use sociologist)

Answer 3

Take their sacred text very literally. Fundamentalists are intolerant of all other views and refuse to engage in rational argument with them.

Aldridge (2013) suggests that fundamentalists follow their own literal interpretation of the Bible, ignoring other possible meanings like poetry or symbolism.

Question 4

Religious fundamentalism:

Key features of religious fundamentalism e.g. An ‘us and them’ mentality

Answer 4

Fundamentalists separate themselves from the world, seeking to create stable communities in contrast to what they view as social and cultural disorder.

Question 5

Religious fundamentalism:

Key features of religious fundamentalism e.g. aggressive reaction

Answer 5

Fundamentalist movements react aggressively to threats to their beliefs, aiming to shock, intimidate, or cause harm.

Question 6

Religious fundamentalism:

Key features of religious fundamentalism e.g. use of modern technology

Answer 6

While fundamentalists oppose modern culture for being too secular and liberal, they still use modern technology, like the internet and TV, to achieve their goals e.g. Televangelism.

Question 7

Religious fundamentalism:

Key features of religious fundamentalism e.g. patriarchy (use sociologist)

Answer 7

Hawley (1994) - fundamentalists desire a world where women’s sexuality, reproduction, and social roles are permanently controlled by divine law.

Question 8

Religious fundamentalism:

Key features of religious fundamentalism e.g. conspiracy theories

Answer 8

Fundamentalists are often drawn to conspiracy theories, believing that hidden evil forces control the world.

Some Christian and Islamic fundamentalists accusing Jews of plotting world domination.

Question 9

Key word:

What does modernity mean?

Answer 9

Refers to the changes in society due to industrialisation, less focus on religion and more emphasis on individual rights.

Question 10

Religious fundamentalism:

Why do people become religious fundamentalists? (use sociologists)

Answer 10

Davie (2013) argues that fundamentalism arises when traditional beliefs are threatened by modernity, making fundamentalists a product of this clash.

Giddens (1999) sees fundamentalism as a reaction to globalization, which challenges traditional norms on family, gender, and sexuality. In an uncertain, risk-filled world, fundamentalism offers certainty and a retreat into faith-based answers.

Question 11

Key word:

What does Cosmopolitan mean?

Answer 11

Means being open to different cultures, ideas, and global connections, and accepting diverse identities and beliefs.

Question 12

Cosmopolitanism:

How does cosmopolitanism contrast with fundamentalism? (use sociologist)

Answer 12

Giddens contrasts cosmopolitanism, which embraces change, diversity, and open thinking, with fundamentalism, which resists change and sticks to rigid, traditional beliefs.

Question 13

Key word:

What is resistance identity? (use sociologist)

Answer 13

A defensive reaction of those who feel threatened and retreat into fundamentalist.

Question 14

Key word:

What is project identity? (use sociologist)

Answer 14

The response of those who are forward-looking and engage with social movements such as feminism and environmentalism.

Question 15

Cosmopolitanism:

What are religious fundamentalists responses to post-modernity (use sociologists)

Answer 15

Bauman (1992) argues that fundamentalism is a response to the uncertainty and risk of postmodernity, offering certainty in a world of choice and unpredictability.

Castells (2010) argues that there are two responses to post-modernity with fundamentalists with resistance identity (rejecting new ideas/beliefs) and project identity (embracing new ideas/beliefs).

Question 16

Cosmopolitanism:

Criticisms of the responses to modernity (use sociologist)

Answer 16

Beckford (2011) Giddens oversimplifies the divide between cosmopolitanism and fundamentalism e.g. New Age spirituality uses both openness to diversity and certainty about spiritual truths.

Haynes (1998) argues that Islamic fundamentalism is driven not just by globalisation, but by local issues, like government failures, leading people to groups like the Taliban for security and services (when the Taliban first started).

Question 17

Key word:

What does monotheism mean?

Answer 17

The belief in the existence of only one God.

Question 18

Monotheism and fundamentalism:

How does monotheism link to fundamentalists? (use sociologist)

Answer 18

Bruce (2008) argues that fundamentalism is found in monotheistic religions like Judaism, Islam, and Christianity because they follow a single, powerful sacred text (more likely to be only one ‘right’ interpretation’.

In contrast, polytheistic religions like Hinduism have many gods and no single authoritative text, allowing for more varied beliefs and interpretations.

Question 19

Monotheism and fundamentalism:

What is fundamentalism like in Western countries (use sociologist).

Answer 19

Bruce says fundamentalism shares common traits but can arise from internal or external changes. Seen in Christian and Islamic fundamentalist groups.

In the West, fundamentalism, like the New Christian Right in America, often reacts to societal changes such as family diversity, sexual freedom, gender equality, and secularism, aiming to restore “true” religion and influence public laws and morals.

Question 20

Monotheism and fundamentalism:

What is fundamentalism like in third world countries? (use sociologist)

Answer 20

Bruce says fundamentalism shares common traits but can arise from internal or external changes. Seen in Christian and Islamic fundamentalist groups.

In the Third World, fundamentalism is a response to external changes like modernisation and globalisation, where Western values are forced upon those people.

It resists attempts to push religion into the private sphere e.g. Islamic Revolution in Iran which was a response to Western culture which Iranians didn’t like and wanted to go back to traditional ways.

Question 21

Key word:

What does secular fundamentalism mean?

Answer 21

The strict, rigid belief in non-religious ideologies, often leading to policies that limit religious expression and promote secular values, sometimes with intolerance toward religion.

e.g. The hijab ban in France (2010) - ban full-face veils in public (2010).

Question 22

Secular fundamentalism:

How did the first phase of religious fundamentalism come around?

Answer 22

In the late 18th century - 1960s people started believing more in science and using their brains to solve problems, instead of just following old religious rules.

This made religion less important in many parts of life. Fundamentalism is when some people get upset about this and want to bring religion back to the centre of everything.

Question 23

Secular fundamentalism:

How did the second phase of religious fundamentalism come around?

Answer 23

Since the 1970s, secular fundamentalism has emerged alongside religious fundamentalism, driven by uncertainty from globalisation and the decline of traditional ideologies.

This leads to movements that seek to reassert certainty and protect cultural identity.

Question 24

Key word:

What is the clash of civilisations mean?

Answer 24

Global conflicts, like the 9/11 attacks, are a result of cultural and religious differences, e.g. between the West and Islam.

Question 25

The ‘clash of civilisations’:

What is the ‘clash of civilisations and how does link to fundamentalism? (use sociologist)

Answer 25

Huntington’s “clash of civilisations” theory argues that global conflicts, like the 9/11 attacks, are a result of cultural and religious differences, especially between the West and Islam.

Huntington argues that globalisation has made religion a key source of identity, increasing conflict, especially between the West and Islam believing the West is trying to reassert its Christian identity in fear of people being radicalised by Islam.

Question 26

Criticisms of the ‘clash of civilisations’.

What are the criticisms of the ‘clash of civilisations’ (use sociologist)

Answer 26

Jackson (2006) views Huntington’s work as orientalism, which stereotypes Eastern nations, particularly Muslims, as inferior and justifies Western exploitation.

Armstrong (2001; 2015) argues that hostility towards the West comes not from fundamentalist Islam, but as a reaction to Western foreign policy, including support for oppressive regimes.

Question 27

The clash of civilisations:

How is there a clash between different values not between the ‘West’ and Islam? (use sociologist)

Answer 27

Inglehart and Norris argue that the real clash is between differing values, like tolerance and gender equality, with Muslim societies being more traditional and the West more liberal.

Question 28

Key word:

What is cultural defence?

Answer 28

When a group protects its way of life and values against outside changes or influences.

Question 29

Cultural defence:

How did Poland use its cultural defence?

Answer 29

From 1945 to 1989, Poland was under communist rule by the Soviet Union. During this time, the Catholic Church was suppressed it continued to embody Polish national identity.

The Church served as a popular rallying point for opposition to the Soviet Union and the Polish communist party which lead to the fall of communism.

Question 30

Cultural defence:

How did Iran use its cultural defence?

Answer 30

Western powers helped install the Shah of Iran, who pushed modernisation and Westernisation, worsening inequality.

This led to protests, and Islam became a form of resistance, culminating in the 1979 revolution that created the Islamic Republic.

Haynes argues that unlike in some other Middle Eastern countries, the Iranian revolution was led by religious leaders, not by elites supporting Western powers.

Question 31

Key word:

What does globalisation mean?

Answer 31

When the world becomes more connected, and things like ideas, products, and people move easily between countries.

Question 32

Key word:

What does ultra nationalism mean?

Answer 32

An extreme belief in the superiority of one’s nation, often leading to exclusion of others and a desire for dominance.

Question 33

Key word:

What does nationalism mean?

Answer 33

The belief that a group of people who share a common culture, language, or history should have their own nation or be loyal to their nation.

Question 34

Religion and development:

How does the link between God and globalisation apply in India? (use sociologist)

Answer 34

Nanda (2008) looks at how Hinduism helps support the rise of Hindu nationalism and the growing wealth of India’s middle class, which has come with the country’s economic growth and global influence.

Question 35

Religion and development:

How does Hinduism and consumerism link? (use sociologist)

Answer 35

In India, the growing urban M/C despite being wealthy and educated remains highly religious (which usually those who are wealthy are less religious due to existential security theory). Poor - religious as they don’t have much.

Nanda suggests this is because they seek to balance traditional Hindu values with their new material success, using modern Hinduism and spiritual leaders to reconcile consumerism with spirituality.

Question 36

Religion and development:

How has Hindu ultra-nationalism developed? (use sociologist)

Answer 36

Nanda (2003) argues that Hinduism is being used to promote a nationalist view of India, where Hindu values are seen as key to the country’s success.

This has led to a closer connection between Hinduism and Indian identity, but also created tensions with non-Hindu minorities (as Hindu’s see themselves as superior to others)

Hindu beliefs are increasingly influencing public life e.g. astrology being taught in universities and government projects based on ancient Hindu practices.

Question 37

Religion and development:

How has capitalism developed in East Asia? (use sociologist)

Answer 37

Redding (1990) argues that Confucian values e.g. hard work and self-discipline have lead to the success of Chinese economy, similar to the Protestant ethic’s influence on capitalism in Europe.

Question 38

Religion and development:

How has Pentecostalism lead to the rise in capitalism in Latin America? (use sociologist)

Answer 38

Berger (2003) compares Pentecostalism in Latin America to the Protestant ethic, arguing it promotes capitalism by encouraging hard work, discipline and self-denial.

This has helped create a growing middle class in regions like southern Brazil and Chile.

However, Berger also notes that economic development requires both religious values and natural resources.

Question 39

Religion and development:

How has Pentecostalism not lead o the rise in capitalism in Latin America? (use sociologist)

Answer 39

Berger argues that religious values alone can’t drive economic growth; natural resources are also needed.

While Pentecostalism has grown in northern Brazil, the lack of resources has slowed development, whereas the resource-rich south is growing faster.

Question 40

Religion and development:

How has Christianity spread globally? (use sociologist)

Answer 40

Lehmann (2002) - Christianity has spread globally in two phases.

First Phase: It was imposed during colonization, replacing local religions.

Second Phase: Christianity, particularly Pentecostalism, gained popularity from the grassroots level by adapting to local cultures and appealing to the poor through the media.

Question 41

Religion and development:

How has Pentecostalism been able to spread locally and globally? (use sociologist) (use sociologist)

Answer 41

Lehmann (2002) - Pentecostalism’s success comes from blending with local cultures, incorporating beliefs like spirit possession while maintaining Christian teachings.

It appeals to the poor in developing countries and spreads widely through global media.