Religion in a Global Context

The characteristics of fundamentalism

• An authoritative sacred text
• An "us and them" mentality
• Aggressive reaction to the threat to their beliefs & values
• Use of modern technology to achieve their aims
• Patriarchy
• Conspiracy theories

Fundamentalism & modernity

• Giddens: Fundamentalism is a reaction to modernity, which undermines traditional norms
• Criticisms: Ignores other ways that globalisation & modernity affect religion; ignores differences between fundamentalists

Monotheism & Fundamentalism

• Bruce: monotheistic religions are more likely to produce fundamentalism

Two Fundamentalisms

• In the West: Fundamentalism is usually a reaction to change within society
• In the Third World: Fundamentalism is usually a reaction to change being thrust on society from outside
• Evaluation: Fundamentalist groups that operate across borders

Davie: Secular fundamentalism

• The first phase: The Enlightenment & rationalism undermined religious institutions
• The second phase: Postmodernism & uncertainty, pessimism & insecurity

The Clash of Civilisations

• There are seven civilisations, each with a common cultural background & history & closely identified with a particular religion
• Religious differences between civilisations are a major source of conflict –“us and them” relationship
• Globalisation has increased the likelihood of conflict

Criticisms

• Orientalism – a western ideology that stereotypes other ethnicities as untrustworthy, inferior or fanatical
• Ignores divisions within each civilisation
• Deterministic
• Hostility towards the West is a result of unwanted interference

God & Globalisation in India

• Emergence of large, prosperous, educated Indian m/c
• Vast majority of these remain religious
• "Hindu sciences" e.g. astrology taught as academic subjects

Pentecostalism in Latin America

• First Phase: By oppression
• Second Phase: By popularity