This past week we talked about fundamentalism, and there were a lot of elements that lead people towards a fundamentalist viewpoint.
This past week we talked about fundamentalism, and there were a lot of elements that lead people towards a fundamentalist viewpoint.
Including, but not limited to-
-A belief system underpinned by a strict literal interpretation of scripture (and tradition)
-Scripture is considered historical documentation that is to be read factually, like a report
-Religious Teaching is superior to all others
-Strict division between GOOD and EVILDOERS, with no one in between
-All other groups/belief systems are heretical
-Response to (small L) liberalism/enlightenment, secularization, modernit
-Society is broken and in moral decay and the political leaders are separate/disrespectful to God’s will
-The ‘Nation’ is a chosen instrument of God
-Religious citizens have moral obligation to actively fight for God
-Must put people into state office that support fundamentalism
Remember that fundamentalism is pretty common across many different nations and cultures, but political success (in getting people elected, changing laws, taking over governments) varies a lot.
For this weeks discussion, there are two points I’d like you to think about:
Point 1- Society
What leads to fundamentalist political success in a country? Are there certain social conditions (cultural, economic, technological, legal, etc) that lead to it’s spread? Why is it more successful in some countries compared to others?
Point 2- People
What are the social conditions that lead some people to join fundamentalists movements? Why do some people support fundamentalist political movements, even if they aren’t fundamentalists themselves? Are there certain demographics, economic conditions, or positions in the social hierarchy that are more likely to agree with or push for fundamentalists ideas?
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REMEMBER, the question is not about whether or not you like or dislike fundamentalism or if you think fundamentalism is good or bad for a society. Do not discuss your personal values around this religious/political belief system. The question is about what social/political conditions that lead to its spread and support from the people.
