Deck 19: B: Religion

Question 1

How is religious fundamentalism distinct?

Answer 1

Religious fundamentalism is distinct in several key ways:

1. **Literal Interpretation of Sacred Texts**: Fundamentalists often adhere to a literal interpretation of their religion's sacred texts. They believe that their scriptures are the infallible and inerrant word of God, and therefore, must be followed precisely as written, without room for metaphorical or contextual interpretation.

2. **Exclusivity**: Religious fundamentalists typically hold that their religious beliefs and practices are the only true path to salvation or enlightenment. They often reject the validity of other religions and may consider them misguided or even heretical.

3. **Resistance to Modernity**: Fundamentalism often arises as a reaction against the perceived moral and cultural decay brought about by modernity. Fundamentalists may reject contemporary science, secularism, and the cultural changes that come with modern life, advocating for a return to what they see as the pure and authentic practices of their faith.

4. **Political Activism**: While not always the case, many fundamentalist groups are politically active. They seek to influence or control political processes to align laws and social policies with their religious principles. This can lead to efforts to impose religiously-based moral views on a broader society, such as opposition to abortion, same-sex marriage, or the teaching of evolution in schools.

5. **Intolerance of Dissent**: Fundamentalist groups often exhibit intolerance towards internal dissent and external criticism. Questioning the established beliefs or practices can be seen as heresy or betrayal, and those who do so may face ostracism or punishment.

6. **Community and Identity**: Fundamentalism provides a strong sense of community and identity to its adherents. Members are often bound together by a shared commitment to their faith's fundamentals, which can create a strong in-group cohesion and a clear demarcation from those outside the group.

7. **Apocalypticism**: Some fundamentalist groups have an apocalyptic worldview, believing in an imminent end of the world or a transformative event that will vindicate their beliefs and practices. This can lead to a heightened sense of urgency in spreading their message and preparing for the anticipated event.

8. **Gender Roles**: Many fundamentalist groups adhere to traditional gender roles, often based on their readings of sacred texts. This can result in strict expectations for the behavior, dress, and roles of men and women within the community.

9. **Authoritarian Leadership**: Fundamentalist groups often have authoritarian leadership structures, with power concentrated in the hands of a few or even a single leader who is believed to have special insight into the will of God.

10. **Global Presence**: While the specifics of belief and practice vary widely, religious fundamentalism is a global phenomenon, found within Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and other religions. Each fundamentalist movement is distinct, shaped by its particular religious, cultural, and historical context.

Religious fundamentalism is distinct from other forms of religious expression in its strict adherence to foundational beliefs, resistance to modern influences, and often, its active engagement in the public sphere to promote its values and worldview.

Question 2

What is the significance of "prime-time preachers"

Answer 2

no answer

Question 3

Does science threaten religion? Explain.

Answer 3

no answer

Question 4

Is religion getting weaker in Canadian society? Explain briefly.

Question 5

What is Max Weber's thesis regarding Protestantism and capitalism?

Question 6

What is secularization?

Question 7

In one sentence,what was Karl Marx's concern about the effects of religion on society?

Question 8

How is each of these types of religious organizations distinctive: (a)church, (b)sect,and (c)cult?

Question 9

How do you see the internet and other technologies impacting religion in the 21^st century?

Question 10

Why do researchers have difficulty measuring religiousity?

Question 11

Identify six major world religions and briefly describe each in one or two sentences.Which is the largest in terms of number of followers?

Question 12

What are two ways in which Eastern and Western religions differ?

Question 13

What are three societal functions of religion pointed out by Emile Durkheim?

Question 14

What is the distinction between the sacred and the profane?

Question 15

How do spiritual "seekers" differ from members of established churches?