Topic 5 - Religion In A Global Context Flashcards
What do fundamentalists want regarding religion ?
-Fundamentalists appeal to tradition and often look back to a supposed golden age in the past.
-They seek a return to the basics or fundamentals of their faith
How does religious fundamentalism arise ?
-religious fundamentalism is different from traditional religion
-it arises only where traditional beliefs and values are threatened or challenged by modern society and especially by the impact of an increasingly globalised economy
What are the 7 key features of fundamentalism which have been identified by sociologists ?
1.An Authoritative Sacred texts
2.An us and them mentality
3.Aggressive reaction
4.Use of Modern technology
5.Patriarchy
6.Prophecy
7.Conspiracy theories
Key features of Fundamentalism - explain authoritative sacred texts ?
-For Christian Fundamentalists every word of the Bible is literally true , its truths are valid for all eternity and it contains answers to all of life’s important questions. The text is inerrant (without error) and not open to questioning
-Thus , For example ,Christian fundamentalism requires belief in the virgin birth of Christ , his bodily resurrection from the dead etc which are described in the Bible
-Only those who accept all of these historical facts are true Christians
-Fundamentalists are intolerant of all other views and refuse to engage in rational arguments with them
How does Aldridge criticise the feature of fundamentalism - authoritative scared texts ?
-Aldridge , notes that no texts speaks for itself , it has to be interpreted , so in reality what fundamentalists hold to be true is not the text itself , but their interpretation of its meaning . They interpret the Bible Solely as a set of historical facts and prophecies about the fate , ignoring other interpretations of its as a symbol or metaphors
Key features of Fundamentalism - explain an us and them mentality ?
-Fundamentalists separate themselves from the rest of the world and refuse to compromise with it
Key Features of Fundamentalism - Explain aggressive reaction ?
-Fundamentalist movements aim to draw attention to the threat to their beliefs and values , and their reactions are therefore aggressive and intended to shock , intimidate or cause harm .
-Authoritative leaders such as the clergy or elders who interpret the sacred texts are important in giving directions to the reactions
Key Features of Fundamentalim - Explain Use of modern technology ?
-Although fundamentalists oppose modern culture , which they see as corrupted , they are keen to use modern technology to achieve their aims - from computers and the internet to televangelism
Key feature of fundamentalism - how does Hawley explain Patriarchy ?
-Hawley notes that fundamentalists favour a world in which control over women’s sexuality , reproductive powers , and their social and economic roles os fixed for all time
Key feature of Fundamentalism - Explain Prophecy ?
-Christian fundamentalists proclaim the relevance of biblical prophecies to contemporary events . They believe that the last days will soon be upon us , when the faithful dead will be resurrected and transported to heaven with the faithful living
Key feature of Fundamentalism - Explain Conspiracy theories ?
-Fundamentalists are often attracted to conspiracy theories , the idea that powerful , hidden , evil forces and organisations are in control of human destiny.
What does Davie argue leads fundamentalism to occur ?
Davie argues ,fundamentalism occurs where those who hold traditional orthodox beliefs and values are threatened by modernity and feel the need to defend themselves against it.
What does Giddens believe Fundamentalism is a product of ?
-Giddens argues that fundamentalism is a product of and a reaction to globalisation , which undermines traditional social norms concerning the nuclear family , gender and sexuality.
-In todays late modern society , individuals are constantly faced with choice , uncertainty and risk
What is meant by Cosmopolitanism ?
Cosmopolitanism - a way of thinking that embraces modernity and is in keeping with todays globalising world
How does Giddens contrast fundamentalism with cosmopolitanism ?
-Giddens contrasts fundamentalism with cosmopolitanism.
-Cosmopolitanism is tolerant of the views of others and open to new ideas , constantly reflecting on and modifying beliefs in the light of new information .
-It requires people to justify their views by the use of rational arguments and evidence rather than by appealing to sacred texts
What does Giddens mean by Cosmopolitan meaning (remember it differs from fundamentalism ) ?
Cosmopolitan religion and spirituality emphasises the pursuit of personal meaning and self improvement rather than submission to authority
What does Bauman see fundamentalism as a response to ?
-Bauman sees fundamentalism as a response to living in post modernity
-Postmodern society brings freedom of choice , uncertainty , and a heightened awareness of risk
-In this situation , while some embrace the new freedom , others are attracted to fundamentalism by its claims of absolute truth and certainty
What are the 2 responses that Castells distinguishes between which are responses to post modernity ?
-Resistance identity - A defensive reaction of those who feel threatened and retreat into fundamentalist communities
-Project identity - the response of those who are forward looking and engage with social movements such as feminism and environmentalism
How does Beckford criticise Giddens, Bauman and Castells on Several grounds ?
-They distinguish too sharply between cosmopolitanism and fundamentalism , ignoring hybrid movements
-They are fixated on fundamentalism , ignoring other important developments , including how globalisation is also affecting non fundamentalist religions such as Catholicism
-Giddens lumps all types of fundamentalism together , ignoring important differences between them
What type of religions does Bruce see fundamentalism as being confined to ?
-Bruce regards fundamentalism as being confined to monotheistic religions - those who believe in a single almighty God
-Polytheistic religions that believe in the existence of many Gods are unlikely to produce fundamentalism
What are the definitions of Monotheistic and Polytheistic religions ?
-Monotheistic religions - believe in a single all mighty God
-Polytheistic religions - believe in the existence of many Gods
Why does Bruce belive only monotheistic religions will be fundamentalist ?
-In Bruce’s View , this is because monotheistic religions are based on a notion of Gods will as revealed through a single authoritative sacred text such as the Bible or Qur’an
-This is believed to contain the actual word of God and it lays down specific rules for believers to follow
-By contrast , Polytheistic religions lack a singly all powerful deity and single authoritative text so there is more scope for different interpretations and none has an overriding claim to be the absolute truth
What does Davie argue in recent decades we have seen an increase in ?
Davie argues that in recent Decades we have seen the emergence of secular forms of fundamentalism , this links to changes in the nature of modern society
