Religious Fundamentalism

Dynamics of Fundamentalist Movements

Religious fundamentalism is basically concerned with the strict preservation of certain moral-ethical values, a set of ideals, inherited traditions, interpretations of spiritual dogmas, and a clear stance on modern concerns and controversial issues. There are always individuals, wings, and parties in every society and denomination that desire to tightly hold on to their history, cherished values, conventional norms, vital truths, established practices, pure doctrines, and old-time traditions. Thus, the innate desire to be on the right side, find all major answers, hold on to pure beliefs, and be part of a select and faithful group is as old as human nature itself. That process reflects people's stage of moral development, level of socioemotional maturity, and type of world-view mentality.

Naturally, every person or clan has certain areas and faculties, as part of their heritage and value systems, which they are very passionate about and are willing to maintain and promote diligently. At times, these passions become so acute and narrow in scope that, once threatened, the owners react strongly, even irrationally, unaware of their skewed attitude, blind spots, or high intensity. Lay people and professionals alike possess such push buttons and tender spots, regardless of background, education, persuasion, status, or exposure.

Thus, fundamentalism is found in religious circles, faith systems, and other areas of modern and civic life, such as governments and states, businesses and corporations, education and academia, families and social movements, politics and military, and so on (even in secular humanism and radical atheism). Religious fundamentalism is not a cult in the technical sense of the word. But when the movement becomes excessive and fanatic, it may lead to a cultic nature and flavor and, therefore, develop a skewed way of thinking and a pathological setting.

Virtually, religious fundamentalism is an extreme form of faith conservatism turned strict and rigid in an effort to dwell on complete truths and avoid compromises, faults, or potential errors, either in matters of doctrine (beliefs and convictions) or conduct (habits and lifestyles) or both. Inner legalistic circles do not encourage mixing, openness, tolerance, diversity, or pluralism because these may constitute a challenge to their cohesiveness and a danger to their membership. Conformity to the central teachings and loyalty to leadership are essential traits that are reinforced frequently. Rigid conservatism develops its own criteria, mind-set, norms, customs, lifestyle, subculture, practices, philosophy, and worldview.

...