religious fundamentalism
Strict doctrinal literalism
Religious fundamentalism is strict adherence to what believers consider the original, unalterable truths of their faith—typically involving literal interpretation of sacred texts and rejection of modern reinterpretations.
The term emerged from early 20th-century American Protestantism but now applies across religions: Islamic fundamentalism, Hindu fundamentalism.
Fundamentalists often oppose secular influences and see compromise as betrayal of core doctrines.
- theocracyRule by religious authority
- holy warArmed conflict over faith
- traditionalismAdherence to inherited customs
- dogmaUnchallengeable official beliefs
- secularizationReligion losing social significance
orthodoxy · infallibility · true believer · rituals · scripture · sacred text · morality · heritage · heresy · purity · obedience · literalism · modesty · creed · customs · patriarchy · chastity · identity
religious fundamentalismsecular humanism
Nonreligious ethical philosophy
secularism · atheism · rationalism · freethought · agnosticism
religious fundamentalismReform Judaism
Progressive Jewish religious movement
demythologization · liberation theology · biblical criticism
religious fundamentalismmodernism
Favoring contemporary approaches
progressivism · cosmopolitanism · pluralism · open society · reformism
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