Fundamentalism, << `fuhn` duh MEHN tuh lihz uhm, >> commonly refers to a broad movement within Protestantism in the United States. The fundamentalist movement tries to preserve what it considers the basic ideas of Christianity against criticism by liberal theologians.
Development of Protestant fundamentalism.
At the end of the 1800’s, many liberal religious scholars challenged the accuracy of the Bible. They also used historical research to question previously accepted Christian beliefs. The liberals attempted to adjust Christian theology to then-new discoveries in the sciences, particularly in biology and geology. Many Christians believed the work of the liberals threatened the authenticity and even the survival of Christianity.
From 1910 to 1915, anonymous authors published 12 small volumes titled The Fundamentals. Fundamentalism got its name from these booklets. The authors tried to explain what they felt were basic Christian doctrines that should be accepted without question. These doctrines included the infallibility (absolute accuracy) of the Bible, including the story of creation and accounts of miracles. Other doctrines included the virgin birth of Jesus, Christ’s atonement for the sins of humanity through his Crucifixion, and his Second Coming.
Fundamentalism began in the North, but it has gained its greatest strength in Southern areas. Baptists and Presbyterians have been most directly affected by the theological debates between liberal and conservative Protestants. Fundamentalism, however, has had an influence on all Protestant denominations, particularly such groups as the Church of God, Assemblies of God, and Pentecostal churches. Television evangelism has also been influenced by conservative fundamentalist beliefs.
Organizations within a movement called the New Religious Right have adopted social and political positions based on a literal use of Biblical texts. They work to elect candidates whose views reflect their positions. The most controversial positions include those that concern abortion, homosexuality, and the teaching of creationism and intelligent design as opposed to evolution in public schools (see Evolution (Acceptance of evolution) ).
Fundamentalism in other religions.
Beginning in the mid-1900’s, the word fundamentalism has increasingly been used to describe conservative or extremist movements in non-Christian religious traditions. In Islam, fundamentalist views are often associated with strict interpretations of the sacred book called the Qur’an and precise obedience to such interpretations. Islamic fundamentalists consider the book as a guide not only to religious faith, but also to civil law. They are generally hostile to any form of secularism (nonreligious attitudes), and often suggest that the United States and Western culture in general promote secularism.
In Israel, Jewish fundamentalists have challenged efforts of government leaders to make peace with Palestinians. They have also called for making Jewish religious law binding on all Israelis.
Hindu fundamentalism in India has added to longstanding tension between Hindus and religious minorities, especially Sikhs, Muslims, and Christians. Some disputes have resulted in armed conflict, especially between India and Muslim Pakistan in the region of Kashmir.
See also Bob Jones University ; Christian Coalition of America ; Scopes trial .
