Types of Fundamentalism

Fundamentalism is both a religious phenomenon, a political movement and a state of consciousness.

Theological Fundamentalism
A theological movement concerned with defending "traditional" doctrine against modern thinking.

Political Fundamentalism
This is a combination of theological fundamentalism and the personal commitments of religious adherents to combat worldly vices.

Global Fundamentalism
As a phenomena denotes many religiously motivated politically active groups existing in a variety of religious traditions and political systems.

Defining Fundamentalism
The affirmation of religious authority as holistic and absolute, admitting of neither criticism nor reduction; it is expressed through the collective demand that specific creedal and ethical dictates derived from scripture be publicly recognized and legally enforced.

Characteristics of Fundamentalism

  1. Fundamentalists are the advocates of a minority viewpoint. They see themselves as a righteous remnant. Even when they are numerically a majority, they perceive themselves as a minority.
  2. They are oppositional and confrontational towards both secularists and "wayward" religious followers.
  3. They are often led by charismatic males.
  4. Fundamentalists generate their own lexicon. This language may not always be readily understood by those outside of it.
  5. It is a form of religious idealism that is seen as a basis for personal and communal identity.
  6. Fundamentalists may see themselves as part of a cosmic struggle. Historical events may be interpreted in light of the cosmic struggle.
  7. Opponents may be demonized or vilified.
  8. They are distrustful of modernist cultural hegemony. (the dominance of one social group over another)

Ideological characteristics

  1. Fundamentalists are concerned with the erosion of religion and its "proper" role in society.
  2. Fundamentalism is selective of their tradition and what part of modernity they accept or choose to react against.
  3. Fundamentalists stress absolutism and inerrancy in their sources of revelation.
  4. They embrace some form of Millennialism or Messianism

Organizational Characteristics

  1. An elect or chosen membership.
  2. Sharp group boundaries.
  3. Charismatic authoritarian leadership.
  4. Mandated behavioural requirements.