Define Fundamentalism?

Question

Serious answers, please. How would a sociologist use the term?

Answer 1

"Fundamentalism" was a term coined in the early 20th century that was born from a book describing the "fundamentals" of Christian faith. It was written and published in opposition to a more social gospel that was arising in support of the rising labor movement, etc. The fundamentals started out as a Christian theological stance that highlighted the inerrancy of the Bible, the virgin birth, the miracles of Jesus, his crucifixion and resurrection, and his ascension into heaven. It also emphasized the need to believe these things and become "born again" in order to enter heaven.

The term has been broadened in its application to any wing of a religion that has dogmatic strictness and rejects pluralism.

Answer 2

I am not a sociologist, but my definition is a belief that will not be shaken even when you know it may be wrong,and a belief that religious texts are not to be questioned. If your question is in relation to Islam then the term used to describe terrorist as "fundamentalists" is not accurate as they are hiding behind religion and defy very clear directives within the Koran,if anything they are fundamentally wrong in what they do. I am a Muslim.

Answer 3

Being a Fundamentalist myself, though not a sociologist, it is believing in a literal interpretation of the Bible and the basic tenets it teaches. Not open to debate, not open to interpretation, it says what it means and it means what it says. It is the literal Word of God and should be adhered to strictly.

(Before anyone feels the need to point it out, I know that nobody adheres to it strictly because we are all sinners and incapable of such perfection, but we should have the desire to do so)

Answer 4

Fundamentalism has come to refer to several different understandings of religious thought and practice, through literal interpretation of religious texts such as the Bible or the Qur'an and sometimes also anti-modernist movements in various religions.

The term can also refer specifically to the belief that one's religious texts are infallible and historically accurate, despite possible contradiction of these claims by modern scholarship.

Many groups described as fundamentalist often strongly object to this term because of the negative connotations it carries, or because it implies a similarity between themselves and other groups, which they find objectionable.

Answer 5

Fundamentalism: The haunting feeling that someone,somewhere might be happy and the uncontrollable urge to put an immediate stop to it.

A sociologist might use it to describe misery and suffering in society.

Answer 6

A "fundamentalist" in any belief system is someone who believes that there are fundamental principles in that system that are true, and never subject to revision or change. No matter what evidence is presented to the contrary, no matter how the world or societies change, those principles are true and always will be.

Such a position is intellectually untenable.

Answer 7

Following the literal meaning.

Answer 8

I believe that fundamentalist, when hurled at a Christian, means that person literally believes the bible.

I take this as a compliment.

Answer 9

Its the wrong way to assume a religion. Religions must be in balance with human nature to create spirituality.

Answer 10

dictionary.com....I'm very serious.

No really, I think it's most often used for right wing, conservative Christian groups...ie: Baptists. Usually called Christian Fundamentalism.