topic 5: religion in a global context Flashcards
what are fundamentalists
- look back at the golden age in the past
- they seek a return to the basics of fundamentals of their faith
how is religious fundamentalism different to traditional religion
- arises were trad beliefs are challenged/ threatened by modern society especially global society
- threat can come from outside eg western culture
- threat can come from within eg eg sections of society adopt new beliefs
what are the key features of fundamentalism
- An us and them mentality= separate themselves from the rest of world, Davie= seek to establish islands of certainty against what they see as social and cultural chaos
- patriarchy= Hawley= they want a world which controls women’s sexuality, reproductive powers, social and economic roles by divine decree
- use of modern tech= although oppose modern culture which they see as corrupted they use tech for aims eg televangelism
what does Davie argue about fundamentalism
occurs when those who hold traditional orthodox beliefs and values are threatened by modernity and feel the need to defend themselves
what is argued about cosmopolitanism
the opposite of fundamentalism - refers to the way of thinking that embraces modernity, is open to alternative views and modifies beliefs based on new ideas
cosmopilitanism religion and spirituality emphasises personal choice and self improvement, rather submission to authority. hervieu - leger would link this to pilgrims
what is fundamentalists response to cosmopolitanism
- too much freedom of choice and uncertainty
- people are attracted to fundamentalism because they are intimidated by uncertainty and find sanctuary in old certainties
what are the two response to postmodernity which castell distinguishes between
- resistance identity = people who feel threatened and retreat to fundamentalist communities
- project identity= forward looking and engages with social movement eg feminism
what are the criticism of fundamentalism
- Beckford criticises castell and Giddens for distinguishes cosmopolitanism and fundamentalism. Ignoring hybrid movements (mix)
- fixated on fundamentalism- ignoring other important developments such as how globalisation is affecting non fundamentalist religions
what does Bruce argue about monotheism and polytheistic
- sees fundamentalism as being confined to monotheistic religion believing in one single, almighty God eg Christianity and Islam
- on the other hand, polytheistic religion such as Hinduism are unlikely to fundamentalist
what are the comparisons between polytheistic and monotheistic
M religions follow the teachings of one, authoritative, sacred text which lays down specific rules in contrast, P religion have no overriding claims to one single truth
how does christen and Islamic fundamentalism differ
in the west = fundamenatlism is a response to the trends towards diversity and choice eg NCR oppose gender equality and abortion. The aim is to integrate the state and the church.
in the third world= fundamentalism is a reaction to changes thrust upon society by the outside world which are triggered by globalisatrion eg western values being imposed by foreign capitalism. Their aim is resist the states attempt to confine religion to the private sphere
what does Davie argue about secular fundamentalism
fundamentalism may be a secular response to changes in modern society. secular societies can be fundamnetal. distinguishes between two phases of modernity:
- 1st phase- rise to religious fundamentalism
enlightenment project: optimistic secular belief in human progress based on science and reason.
- 2nd phase- rise to secular fundamentalism
Optimism of the enlightenment project has come under attack because of the growing pessimism and uncertainty. Led to a loss of faith in the enlightenment ideologies.
