Define Fundamentalism.

Fundamentalism is a religious or ideological movement characterized by a strict adherence to fundamental principles, doctrines, or beliefs, often accompanied by a rejection of modernity, secularism, and cultural pluralism. Fundamentalist movements typically arise in response to perceived threats to traditional values, beliefs, or identity, seeking to preserve or restore what they see as the authentic or original teachings of their faith or ideology.

Key aspects of fundamentalism include:

1. Literalism and Inerrancy: Fundamentalists adhere to a literal interpretation of sacred texts, scriptures, or ideological principles, believing them to be infallible, inerrant, and directly revealed by a divine authority. They reject allegorical or metaphorical interpretations in favor of a strict adherence to the letter of the text, regarding it as the ultimate source of truth and guidance.

2. Religious Conservatism: Fundamentalist movements are often characterized by religious conservatism, advocating for the preservation of traditional religious beliefs, practices, and moral values. They reject secularism, modernism, and cultural relativism, viewing them as corrosive influences that undermine religious faith and morality.

3. Cultural and Moral Traditionalism: Fundamentalists uphold conservative social and moral values, advocating for strict adherence to traditional gender roles, family structures, and moral codes. They oppose social change, secularization, and liberalization of cultural norms, seeking to resist or roll back perceived moral decline and societal decay.

4. Resistance to Modernity: Fundamentalist movements often emerge in response to the perceived challenges of modernity, globalization, and cultural pluralism. They reject secular ideologies, scientific rationalism, and multiculturalism, viewing them as threats to their religious or ideological identity and autonomy.

5. Activism and Militancy: Some fundamentalist movements adopt activist or militant strategies to advance their agenda, including proselytization, political mobilization, and even violent extremism. While not all fundamentalists resort to violence, some may justify it as a means of defending their faith, community, or way of life against perceived threats or enemies.

6. Exclusivism and Intolerance: Fundamentalist movements tend to be exclusivist and intolerant towards alternative beliefs, ideologies, or lifestyles. They may reject pluralism, religious diversity, or freedom of conscience, viewing dissent or deviation from their own beliefs as heresy, apostasy, or moral corruption.

In summary, fundamentalism is a religious or ideological movement characterized by a strict adherence to traditional principles, beliefs, and values, often accompanied by a rejection of modernity, secularism, and cultural pluralism. Fundamentalist movements seek to preserve or restore what they see as the authentic or original teachings of their faith or ideology, often through conservative, exclusivist, and sometimes militant means.