Fundamentalism | 8values ​​Interpretation of ideological ideology of political tests

Deeply interpret the Fundamentalism ideology in the 8values ​​political test, explore its origins, core characteristics, expressions, disputes and global impacts across religious and secular fields, helping you fully understand this complex trend and find your position in the political spectrum.

8values ​​political test-Political tendency test-Political position test-Ideological test results: What is fundamentalism (Fundamentalism)

"Fundamentalism" is a highly controversial and profound term in contemporary society. It not only refers to an extremely conservative trend of thought in the religious field, but also a deeply rooted thinking pattern and ideology that transcends religious boundaries and extends to a wide range of fields such as politics, economy, culture and even secular atheism. For explorers who want to have a deep understanding of different ideologies through the 8values ​​political test , accurately grasping the connotation and multiple manifestations of fundamentalism is a key step in understanding the complexity of global society.

The Definition of Fundamentalism and Historical Origin

The original definition of fundamentalism, in short, refers to a person who strictly follows the basic principles of a particular topic . For example, a good mathematician needs to follow and practice the basic principles of mathematics. Applying it to the field of thought is manifested as adhering to basic principles, especially religious dogma . This ideology usually manifests itself as a reactionary position , prioritizing strict adherence to fundamental religious doctrines or core ideas that are not influenced by modernist interpretations. It desires to return to the original doctrines and ideas of its beliefs, ideas, or principles, and insists on literal and traditional interpretations of religious classics or core literature .

The origin of the term has a clear historical context. It was first widely used in the United States in the 1920s as a counterattack against liberal theology among Protestant denominations. The core demand of this movement is to defend the "basic teachings" of Christian faith and resist the impact of modern scientific ideas such as Darwin's theory of evolution and "higher criticism" on the Bible.

Between 1910 and 1915, a series of pamphlets, called The Fundamentals: A Testimony to Truth, funded and published by brothers Lyman Stewart and Milton Stewart, aimed at defending the five basic creeds of the Christian faith: the full text of the Bible, the divine nature of Jesus Christ; the birth of a virgin; the suffering of Christ for sin for mankind; and the resurrection of the body and the resurrection of the flesh . These texts were distributed for free on a global scale of 3 million copies. In 1920, CL Laws first used the term “fundamentalist” in the journal Baptist Watchman-Censors to describe Christians who fought for the basic principles of faith.

Over time, although the concept originated from the West and had a positive self-identity color, its meaning gradually expanded and largely evolved into a derogatory term . It is used to refer to groups that are considered intolerant, extreme, and even violent, especially when describing beliefs in non-Western societies, which is often used by the media to demonize specific groups .

The core characteristics of fundamentalism: belief, purity and confrontational ideology

Fundamentalism, as a powerful ideology, possesses several core features that enable it to be identified and applied in different cultures and contexts:

Literal interpretation and absolute authority of original belief

Fundamentalists insist on literal and traditional interpretations of their religious canons or core literature . They consider these texts to be absolutely reliable and unmistakable ultimate authority , excluding any liberal, modernist, or historical critical interpretation, and not allowing puns or room for reservation. For them, the acquisition of knowledge is like an archaeological process, which is to dig out existing truths from the classics. This belief in absolute truth is the cornerstone of its worldview and cannot be doubted.

However, this literal interpretation itself is contradictory. Fundamentalists from different denominations claim to “literally interpret” the Bible, but come to very different conclusions, suggesting that all readings are an interpretation . Religious languages ​​often use symbols and analogies, which fundamentalists often misunderstand as scientific facts.

Anti-Modernism and Anti-Semitic Position

Fundamentalism is a stance against modern trends . It resists the impact of liberal theology, modernism, secularization trends, as well as modern scientific ideas such as Darwinian evolution and higher biblical criticism that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They view secularization as a deviation from the nature of faith and believe that this has led to the degradation of social values.

It is worth noting, however, that fundamentalism is not a simple rejection of modernity, but is often a product and reaction of modernity . While fighting modernity, it can also effectively utilize modern tools and technologies , such as mass media and social mobilization strategies, to achieve its goals. Some scholars even believe that modernity itself also has potential fundamentalist characteristics because it may also impose ideas and suppress dissent.

Exclusiveness, confrontation and "purity" pursuit

Fundamentalists are absolutely sure of their beliefs and believe that the knowledge they possess is sacred and 100% correct. This leads them to deny the authenticity of other beliefs and to show strong exclusivity, confrontation and combativity . They often draw a line between themselves and the “other” and believe that “we” are the true believers, and that anyone who is different from them is ignorant and even evil. This desire to pursue "purity" is reflected by distinguishing between "internal groups" and "external groups".

This exclusivity is not only reflected in the doctrinal level, but also in real life, such as separating from other members of society by establishing boundaries between space and culture. They believe that the only way to eliminate violence is to make everyone “same”, i.e., be consistent with them.

The comprehensive application of social and political doctrines

Fundamentalists firmly believe that the principles obtained from their beliefs should be applied to all aspects of social, economic and political life . They advocate that religion should comprehensively guide national, legal and social life and oppose the separation of church and state. This tendency to politicize and religious politics is the highest goal of its movement.

In the pursuit of ideals, fundamentalists are often willing to make sacrifices and even see self-sacrifice as part of their core philosophy. They feel threatened by their enemies, whether real or imagined, and believe they are on the mission of defending God’s rights and carrying out their will .

Interreligious expressions of fundamentalism

The core characteristics of fundamentalism enable it to be reflected in major religions around the world, but the specific forms and emphasis points vary. In the ideological analysis of 8 values, fundamentalism in these religious contexts forms an important dimension to understand its global impact.

Christian fundamentalism: Basic belief and social impact

"Fundamentalism" is the earliest form of fundamentalism that appeared and recognized by Christian Protestantism. Its core claim is the absolute inertia and divinity of the Bible, resisting evolutionary theory and liberal theology.

Christian fundamentalism has profound influence in American history:

  • Law and Education : In the 1925 Scopes Trial, Tennessee’s law prohibiting the teaching of evolution in schools was challenged, a case highlighting the cultural conflict between modern science and biblical doctrines. Some American churches are still pushing "creationism" into public school curriculum.
  • Political Participation : In the late 1970s, organizations such as the "Moral Majority" rose to the rise, bringing Christian fundamentalists back to the American political stage, promoting policy legislation such as anti-abortion and anti-same-sex marriage , and forming a powerful "Christian right." The "moral majority" led by Rev. Jerry Falwell won the 1980 election with Ronald Reagan.
  • Theological school : Pentecostalism emphasizes charismatic experience and miraculous healing, while Dispensationalism advocates the development of history in stages and supports the restoration of Israel. These have had a profound impact on global Christianity.
  • Catholic traditionalism : For example, the Society of St. Pius X, who opposed religious freedom and the unity of religion and politics, advocated the restoration of Catholic liturgy and theology before 1962, and worked with right-wing nationalist parties.

Islamic fundamentalism: a return to the Quran and Shariah

Islamic Fundamentalism, also known as "Islamic Retroism", advocates the return to the doctrines and practices of the early days of Islam . Its core slogan is "The Qur'an is the Constitution", advocating that religion should comprehensively guide national, legal and social life and oppose secularization.

Main factions and forms of expression:

  • Wahhabism : Saudi Arabia's state religion is characterized by strict compliance with early Sharia law and opposition to idolatry.
  • The Islamic Republic of Iran : Establish theories with the theory of "Fakih Guardianship" and actively export revolutionary ideas.
  • Muslim Brotherhood : A broad-influence Islamic fundamentalist organization whose ideas are revolutionary to Sunni Muslim society.
  • Taliban : As an extreme representative, it violently promotes strict Islamic law, restricts women's rights, prohibits women from receiving education, and even destroys cultural heritage (such as the Bamian Buddha). The Taliban refused to cooperate with secular states and was unable to establish an orderly central government.
  • Sayyid Qutb : His thoughts are an important sign of the shift of Islamic fundamentalism to radicalism. He believes that all systems around the world betray Islam and action must be taken to change.

Judaism fundamentalism: Traditional law and political identity

Judaism is often used to describe Haredi Judaism (extremely orthodox Judaism) . They strictly follow the literal interpretations of Torah and Talmud, resist modern secularization, adhere to traditional lifestyles (such as clothing, education), and reject the Israeli government's military service policy.

Furthermore, radical religious Zionism also has fundamentalist characteristics, claiming the sacredness of the “holy land of Israel” and placing the “higher law” (such as the commandments of the Torah) above existing political institutions. They even had violence, such as the assassination of a fanatical believer in Prime Minister Rabin.

Hinduism and Sikh fundamentalism: Nationalism and tradition maintenance

  • Hindu fundamentalism : mainly manifested as "Hindutva", which is a nationalist ideology designed to clearly define Indian identity as Hindus. They advocate restoring traditional Hindu social order and excluding other religions (such as Muslims and Christians). Unlike Islamic and Christian fundamentalism, Hindu fundamentalism emphasizes more "orthopraxis" than "orthodoxy", that is, insisting on certain unchangeable religious practices and social forms associated with it (such as caste systems).
  • Sikh fundamentalism : It developed rapidly in the Indian subcontinent, combining with nationalism and separatism. They demanded to act in accordance with Sikh doctrines and had led to conflicts with the Indian government due to opposition to secularization and Western cultural factions, as well as socio-economic factors such as injustice of resource allocation.

Buddhist fundamentalism: national identity and exclusivity

Buddhist fundamentalism also exists in different branches:

  • Sri Lanka : Buddhist monks use non-classical texts (such as Mahavamsa) to defend the use of force in protecting Buddhism, combining it with nationalism.
  • Japan : Some members of the Nichiren sect have been accused of fundamentalism, condemning other sects through radical ways.
  • Tibet : The worship of Dorje Shugden's guardian deity in 19th century Tibetan Buddhism is seen as an example of fundamentalism, which opposes mixed non-Gelug doctrines and even protects the Gelug tradition by violent means.

Application of fundamentalism and political thoughts in the secular field

The application scope of the term "fundamentalism" has far exceeded the religious field, extending to secular contexts such as politics, economy, culture and even atheism, and is used to describe dogmatic and uncompromising adherence to certain basic principles or ideologies.

Political fundamentalism: Absoluteization of ideology

Political fundamentalism refers to elevating a particular political ideology, party or state leader to supremacy and limiting competitive ideas. For example, there were "Fundis" (fundamentalists) in Germany who refused to compromise with other parties. Left and right terrorism, such as the IRA, the Basque Country and Freedom (ETA), the Red Army faction (RAF), etc., are also considered violent fundamentalism.

At the national level, it manifests itself as putting certain political principles or leaders above everything else. For example, some state leaders view the Cold War as a “jihad”, using religious rhetoric to support military intervention or domestic counter-terrorism operations.

Economic fundamentalism: the belief in the universal theory of market

A typical example of economic fundamentalism is "market fundamentalism". It believes that free market economic policies are the best way to solve economic and social problems, and are flawless, advocating the minimization of government intervention and promoting the wave of privatization. This belief believes that all economic entities should face exactly the same competition conditions and advocates the elimination of state borders to promote trade.

Culture and Ethnic Fundamentalism: Exclusiveness of Identity

Cultural or national fundamentalism refers to believing that certain cultures, languages, and traditions are "better" or better than others and regarding them as a guideline. This is often confused with racism and xenophobia.

  • Confucian fundamentalism in Chinese history : The late Qing officials' dogmatic understanding of the books of sages and hated all changes, including the introduction of practical technology, seriously slowed down China's modernization process.
  • Italy's Lega Nord : In the wave of immigration, it attempts to construct its unique "Padanian" mythological identity and excludes southern culture.
  • American Nativism : a combination with xenophobic movements such as the "KKK", emphasizing the return to "old-fashioned gospel" and "pure Americanism", and treating the Bible and the US Constitution as one.
  • Modern Right-wing Populism : In Europe, right-wing populism (such as the National Front in France, the Selection Party of Germany) combines Christianity with nationalism as a symbol of defensive identity by attacking immigrants and Muslim culture.

Atheistic fundamentalism: Secular Doctrine and Critical Thinking

Atheistic fundamentalism refers to the dogmatic persistence of secular ideology or atheism, which is the only source of objective truth, and dogmatically refutes any evidence that conflicts with materialism. Some commentators even see the Enlightenment itself as having the characteristics of “fundamentalism” because it can also impose ideas and suppress dissent. For example, during the Cold War Albania declared itself as an “atheist state”, or France’s restrictions on religious display in public were called “secular fundamentalism.”

The fundamentalist tendency of modernity itself

Many scholars point out that fundamentalism is not an "unearthed cultural relics" separated from modern life, but a phenomenon of modernity and a reaction to the trends and problems of the contemporary world. It can use modern technology (such as mass media, advanced weapons) to spread and achieve its goals. What's more, some scholars believe that "modernity" itself also has potential fundamentalist characteristics because it may also impose ideas and suppress dissent. For example, belief in scientific universalism, secular hope for history, and political messianism can all be regarded as the fundamentalist foundations of modernity itself.

Controversy and critical reflection on fundamentalism

The widespread use of the concept of “fundamentalism” makes it a highly complex and controversial analytical tool and one of the ideological results that need to be carefully interpreted in the 8values ​​political test .

Derogatory and stigmatization of terms: barriers to debate

The word is often used as a “derogatory word” or “swearing word” to connect intolerance, extremes and violence to specific groups, thereby eliminating dissidents, ending dialogue, and even convicting or demonizing specific groups . This usage is often intended to maintain one's own position or social status quo, and once labeled as "fundamentalist" is excluded from any reasonable dialogue from the very beginning . Many experts even reject the term altogether.

Relationship with violence and terrorism: Distinguishing and connecting

Although “Islamic fundamentalism” has almost equated with “terrorists” in recent years, not all fundamentalists support violence . Research on the world's largest fundamentalist project shows that the vast majority of fundamentalists, regardless of their tendencies, are not violent and have few political ambitions .

However, religious extremism is often seen as the superficial root and special manifestation of international terrorism . When fundamentalism is combined with political power, it may slide to extremism. Terrorism is not only done by fundamentalists, but fundamentalism destroys the embankment of conscience through the so-called "faith", making people believe that killing people for "faith" is not doing evil but doing good.

Selectivity and ambiguity: The limitations of concepts

Critics believe that the term often "takes the whole pot" of complex and diverse groups and phenomena, covering up the huge differences and diversity among different groups. The examples are often selective and reflect more of the reviewer's preferences or dislikes than rigorous academic standards. The academic community has no unified and recognized definition of "fundamentalism", which leads to the vague meaning of the word in different contexts, which easily leads to communication difficulties.

For example, some scholars criticize the word for oversimplifying its immense diversity within it when describing American evangelicals. Furthermore, there are double standards for the use of the word, such as Waldorf schools are rarely called “fundamentalism”, despite the huge differences in how they teach and government regulations.

Fundamentalism is a modern phenomenon: reflection on modern society

Many scholars point out that fundamentalism is not an "unearthed cultural relics" separated from modern life, but a phenomenon of modernity and a reaction to the trends and problems of the contemporary world. It can use modern technology (such as mass media, advanced weapons) to spread and achieve its goals.

Fundamentalists often see themselves as groups working to preserve traditional values ​​in a rapidly modern world. The insecurity they feel may be partly due to the impact of globalization and secularization. Therefore, fundamentalism can be seen as a “religious transformation determined by modernity.”

The Way to Deal with Fundamentalism: Dialogue and Understanding

Faced with the challenges brought by fundamentalism, the data proposes a series of response strategies:

  • Dialogue and tolerance : fundamentalists should not be simply stigmatized or excluded, but radicalization should be resolved through constructive dialogue and tolerance. Excessive simplification and stigmatization will only hinder real dialogue and understanding.
  • Respect for human rights and religious freedom : A group that respects religious freedom should not be called fundamentalism, on the contrary, rejection of religious freedom is a clear indicator of fundamentalism's direction . Discussions on truth of religious beliefs should be distinguished from the desire for peaceful political life.
  • Distinguishing behavior from belief : Being able to distinguish between religious remarks and practical actions is crucial. Not all those who read the scriptures literally resort to violence.
  • Cultivate critical thinking and self-criticism : Encourage calm discussions of higher laws and regulations, question authority, and maintain a self-critical perspective. Critical thinking can help people realize that not all traditional values ​​are negative.
  • Solve the root cause : The breeding of fundamentalism is often related to social and economic problems such as social alienation, cultural dislocation, lack of values, and poverty and unemployment. By providing education, employment opportunities and welfare guarantees, it helps to weaken its appeal.

Summary: Understanding the fundamentalist ideology of a diverse world

Fundamentalism is a complex global phenomenon that exists in religious and secular realms in many forms. It is not only a reaction to the impact of modernity, but also a manifestation of modernity itself. In the 8values ​​political test , understanding the diverse connotation of the ideological result of "Fundamentalism" will help us better understand the complexity of global political thoughts and avoid the tendency to simplify and stigmatize.

To fully understand fundamentalism, we need to:

  1. Take a critical rather than judgemental perspective : Recognizing that the term is often abused, aiming to end conversations through stigma.
  2. Distinguish between belief and behavior : Not all firm belief in fundamental principles leads to violence or extremism.
  3. Understand its modernity dimension : fundamentalism is not a historical relic, but a response to problems and trends in the modern world, and can effectively utilize modern tools.
  4. Conduct cross-cultural and cross-domain analysis : see it as a universal human tendency rather than a patent for a particular religion or culture.
  5. Seeking dialogue and understanding : Only through open dialogue and tolerance of dissent can the challenges it brings can it truly solve.

By delving into the origins, core features, interreligious and secular applications of fundamentalism, and the controversy surrounding the concept, we are able to better think critically in a complex and changeable global landscape and promote mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence between different beliefs and ideologies.

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