What is religious fundamentalism?

Anthony Giddens

Fundamentalists are traditionalists who want to return to the basics and fundamentals of their faith. They believe

in the literal truth of scripture and that it provides answers to all life’s important questions, from politics to

family life. Fundamentalists believe that theirs is the only true view of the world.

1. Patriarchal - men are to lead and women are to follow.

2. Strict - the rules of religion and complex and rigid and must be followed.

3. No pluralism – only their belief is true.4. Anti-modernity – want to return to the past.

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=anthony+giddens&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=lIV5PKBbEm1ejM&tbnid=qP9whFEoULPY4M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Giddens,_Baron_Giddens&ei=dA59UcXxGMO30QXz9IDgBA&bvm=bv.45645796,d.d2k&psig=AFQjCNFy_iP2WJAeHnsDcyMnpi6DWXTWag&ust=1367236593242641http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=anthony+giddens&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=lIV5PKBbEm1ejM&tbnid=qP9whFEoULPY4M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Giddens,_Baron_Giddens&ei=dA59UcXxGMO30QXz9IDgBA&bvm=bv.45645796,d.d2k&psig=AFQjCNFy_iP2WJAeHnsDcyMnpi6DWXTWag&ust=1367236593242641

Can you think of any examples of

fundamentalists?

What examples are there of religious fundamentalism?

Over the last few decades there has been a growth in Fundamentalism in all parts of the world and in all religions.

Christian Fundamentalism

Islamic Fundamentalism

The Aim of Islamic Fundamentalism is to

return to the traditional values of Islam

Based:Northern Regions of

Pakistan and Afghanistan

They introduced a brutally repressive form of sharia law. Music, movies, TV, card playing, singing, dancing, boxing, and even kite flying are outlawed. Homosexuals are buried alive. Women are virtually enslaved. These were also involved in 9/11 as they found America as a threat to them.

http://www.billionbibles.org/sharia/sharia-law.html

AIM: To rebel against cultural modernism.

BACKGROUND:Christian fundamentalists were

American evangelical Christians who in the 20th century opposed the

cultural changes.

NOTABLE EVENTS: They tend to campaign against abortion, sex

before marriage, and sex education. In the 1940s and 1950s, a lot of money was spent on radio and television broadcasts (often known as TV

Evangelists).

BASED: Christian Fundamentalism is widespread, as is

Christianity, however it is found more in America.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xtfgxo_the-most-hated-family-in-america_shortfilms

When watching the clip, write down any ways that fundamentalism is

illustrated.

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=christian+fundamentalism+in+the+uk&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=B6KyOcgNUDgsrM&tbnid=Q1_p9Jb0Sj93YM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.ecalpemos.org/2011/02/similarity-of-christian-fundamentalists.html&ei=VTqCUYvGEuXU0QXWgIGIBw&psig=AFQjCNG6OvhtwANaB1rgfVNllM643rU8_A&ust=1367575501562206http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=christian+fundamentalism+in+the+uk&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=B6KyOcgNUDgsrM&tbnid=Q1_p9Jb0Sj93YM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.ecalpemos.org/2011/02/similarity-of-christian-fundamentalists.html&ei=VTqCUYvGEuXU0QXWgIGIBw&psig=AFQjCNG6OvhtwANaB1rgfVNllM643rU8_A&ust=1367575501562206

Why does it occur?

Why has it grown?

Mind map as many ideas as you can think of.

Why has Fundamentalism grown?

Steve Bruce

In the West, fundamentalism is often a reaction to change taking place in society, especially the trends

towards diversity and choice typical of late postmodern societies. For example, the Christian Right in the USA is

against family diversity.

In the Third World, fundamentalism is usually a reaction to changes being forced upon a society by outside –

normally by American foreign policy.

A rational response of traditionally religious people to social, political and economic changes

that threaten their religious values.