religion in a global context Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is religious fundamentalism?
Is it the same to traditional religion?
Returning to the basics of religion ‘the golden age’
No
When does religious fundamentalism arise?
When traditional beliefs are challenged by modern society, especially the impact of the globalised economy?
Where does the challenges to religious fundamentalism come from? (2)
External e.g. globalisation, western culture, military invasion
Internal e.g. society secular ideas, liberal ideas e.g. attitudes to sexuality
What are 3 features of fundamentalism?
Patriarchy
‘Us and them’ mentality
An authoritative sacred text
Explain the patriarchy in fundamentalism
They favour a world that’s in control of women’s sexuality, reproductive powers and their social roles
Explain the authoritative sacred text
Criticise this
Christian fundamentalists believe the Bible is the absolute truth and not open to questioning
They are intolerant to other views and refuse to engage in rational debate
- Aldridge: All texts are to interpretate
What are the 2 types of fundamentalism?
(how are they different?)
(Different origins):
West- fundamentalism is a reaction to change in society e.g. secularisation, opposition to family diversity
‘Third World’- fundamentalism is a reaction to change outside society e.g. modernisation and globalisation>Islamic revolution
How does Hervieu-Leger see fundamentalism?
Form of ‘recreated memories’ in late modern society, which has suffered ‘cultural amnesia’ and forgotten their historic religious traditions
What does Bruce see the function of religion as?
What does religion symbolise?
What is an example of this?
A cultural defence- religion serves to unite a community against external threat e.g. political domination, capitalism
Religion symbolises society as a collective identity
1979 Iran Revolution
What inspired the Iran revolution?
What did the revolution lead to?
What role did religion play?
Western capitalist powers had long influence in Iran
Westernisation policies were made e.g. banning the veil, replacing the Muslim calendar
Islamic republic- held state power
Revolution was led by religious leaders
What is a criticism of religion in the Iran revolution?
Local religious leaders were opposed by local fundamentalists, regarding them as enemies of Islam
How has globalisation impacted India religiously?
How is Hinduism dominant in India?
Hinduism allowing India to be important in world political stage
85% of the population
Give examples of how globalisation has created a prosperous India
What does this contradict?
Scientifically educated e.g. IT, biotechnology, this is all tied in with the global economy
Survey found that more Indians are becoming religious -*contradicts rationality secularistion
Why is there are an increase in spiritual Hinduism? (3)
Growth of religious tourism e.g. temples
Nada argues it is becoming fashionable to be religious
More attracted to worshipping the same godesses as the poor do, in opposition to tradition Hindu ‘greater Gods’
What does Nanda argue as an explanation to the increase of religiosity in Hindu?
How is this done?
Therefore, modern versions of Hinduism legitimise the position of what?
Uncertainty about their newfound wealth (rejects idea as a cultural defence or poverty)
Relieve guilt by teaching middle class consumerism can be spiritually balanced by paying rituals -displays ones wealth
The middle class, allowing them to adjust to globalised consumer capitalism
What does Nanda argue about Hindu ultra-nationalism? (2)
Worship of Hindu Gods has become the same as worshipping the nation of India
Hinduism has penetrated public life e.g. ‘Hindu sciences’ like astrology are taught as an academic subject at unis
How is globalisation seen in the UK?
^ of New Age Movements
^ of world religions
Decrease of traditional Christianity
How did Penteostalism (Christianity) expand itself from Europe to Africa?
How is it different to traditional Pentecostalism?
What does this create?
Colonialisation- forcibly supressing local religions
Incorpreated symbols from their culture e.g. value of cults, exorcisms to evil spirits
New religious forms, rather than simply replacing local beliefs
‘Africanisation’ of Christianity
What is a strength of pentecostalism?
Successful in developing countries
Due to it appealing to the poor, who make up majority of the population and its use of global media to spread its message
