Religious Fundamentalism

Question 1

Who are fundamentalists?

Answer 1

Fundamentalists are traditionalists who seek a return to the basics or fundamentals of their faith

Question 2

What can religious fundamentalism be seen as?

Answer 2

Religious fundamentalism can be seen as both a conservative and a radical force:

• it is conservative because it values tradition
• it is radical because it wants to change society back to traditional values

Question 3

What are the features of religious fundamentalism?

Answer 3

A literal interpretation of religious texts

A monopoly view of the truth
- theirs is the only truth

Hostile and intolerance of other views

Opinions are justified with sacred texts rather than rational argument

Dislike change

Detest todays modern/postmodern social world
- although they use modern technology to spread their views

Question 4

How can religious fundamentalism be seen as a conservative force?

Answer 4

Want to maintain traditional values and are against modern society

e.g. the Westboro Baptist Church want all marriages to be heterosexual

Question 5

How can religious fundamentalism be seen as a radical force for change?

Answer 5

Wants society to change by returning to the basics of their religion and removing all modern changes (e.g. gay marriage)

e.g. the Westboro Baptist Church seek to change America into a Christian nation where everything is based upon the bible

Question 6

Why might fundamentalist religions such as the Westboro Baptist Church may not succeed in changing society?

Answer 6

They aren’t allowing for individualism and are opposing who people are e.g. they oppose homosexuality and picket gay and lesbian events and funerals

Most of society disagree with them