Religion in a Global context Flashcards
(26 cards)
What are the characteristics of fundamentalism?
-Authoritative sacred text
-Us and them mentality
-Aggressive reaction to threat
-Conspiracy theories
-Prophecy e.g last days
What does Davie argue about the cause of fundamentalism?
Occurs when those who hold traditional beliefs are threatened by modernity
-Use fundamentalism to defend themselves against it
According to Giddens, what is the cause of fundamentalism
-Globalisation undermines traditional norms e.g about gender, sexuality (sex outside of marriage etc.) which creates uncertainty/risk
-Fundamentalism provides certainty through its dogmatic beliefs
According to Giddens what is the opposite of fundamentalism?
-Cosmopolitanism
-This way of thinking embraces modernity in our globalising world and is open to new ideas
-It is a reflexive form of thinking in which in light of new information we modify our actions
What are key features of a Cosmpolitan religion
-Emphasises self-pursuit
-Lifestyle is personal choice not dictated by religious authority
-Seek self-imporvement
According to Bauman, what causes fundamentalism?
Postmodernity brings freedom of choice and uncertainty so individuals are attracted fundamentalist beliefs that provide ‘absolute truth’
What are the two responses to postmodernity according to Castell
Resistance identity-A defensive reaction where individuals retreat to fundamentalist communities
Project identity-The response of those who are forward looking and open to the change
How can Giddens, Bauman and Castell be criticised?
-Groups all types of fundamentalism together, ignoring differences
- Too focused on fundamentalism Ignore how globalisation has affeced non-fundamentalist religions
-Giddens sees fundamentalism as a defensive reaction but ignores that reinventing tradition is a reflexive reaction too (a form of cosmopolitanism)
What does Bruce argue about fundamentalism?
-Agrees with Giddens that fundamentalism is a result of globalisation
-Argues that it is only confined to monotheistic religions as they have a single authoritative text that displays Gods will
-Less open for interpretation than polytheistic religions as they have a claim of absolute truth
How does Bruce differentiate between different forms of fundamentalism?
Fundamentalism has different origins depending on where it occurs
-In the west it is a response to a change within that society e.g New Christian Right responding to secular changes such as abortion laws, secular education
-In developing countries it occurs do to changes from the outside e.g Iran where state trys to reduce western influence
What is secular fundamentalism?
Davie- Rigid dogmatic beliefs in secular ideology
-This occurs when secular ideologys come under attack in the second phase of modernity e.g in postmodern society where many beliefs are regarded as ‘meta-narratives’ individuals may turn back to religions for absolute truth
-This produces hostile reactions> secular fundamentalism
Give an example of secular fundamentalism?
-France banning women from wearing the veil in schools
-France banning the selling of alternatives to pork in school meals as religion should be ‘kept out of the public sphere’
What does Huntingdon argue is the cause of conflict in todays world?
Religious differences between civilisation create an ‘us and them’ mentality
-Dissolution of nation states has created a gap that has been filled by religion
-Globalisation also means that countries are in more frequent contact so more likely to have conflict
What are the seven civilisations according to Huntingdon
Western,Latin American , Islamic,Confucian,Japanese,Hindu, Slavic-orthodox
-each civilisation has differences that are deep rooted and thus more difficult to resolve than political problems
What does Huntingdon argue about the West?
The wet is under threat from islam and needs to reassert its identity
How can Huntingdons view be criticised
-Jackson sees it as orientalism as it stereotyes Eastern nations as inferior to justify exploitation from the superior west
-Ignores religious divisions within his civilisations e.g Shia and Sunni muslims
What do Norris and Inglehaart argue about the real clash of civilisations?
The East are not fundamentally different not based on democracy but instead gender and sexuality
-Support for democracy is the same in both regions
-They differ in attitudes to divorce,abortion and gay rights
what is Cultural defence?
A function of religion according to Bruce
-Religion serves to unite a community against external threat creating a collective identity
Give two examples of cultural defence
Poland-Under communist rule after WW2. Catholic church was suppressed but still served as a rallying point to oppose USSR e.g actively supporting Solidarity free trade union movement that lead to the fall of communism
Iran-Western powers led pro-Western regime/interference in Iran led to rapid modernisation and westernisation e.g banning veil and muslim calendar. Also an increasing wealth divide
-Islam became the focus of change leadinf to a revolution> Islamic republic
What did Nanda find about the religiosity of the Indian middle class?
Contrary to secularisation theory, they are more religious than rural, leaa literate groups
What does Nanda arguing is causing this increased religiosity?
Tension between their new prosperity (due to rapid economic growth/globalisation) and their hindu beliefs of renouncing materialism
-They resolve this by turning to tele-gurus
How do tele gurus help middle class deal with their tension
get them to redirect their wealth into extravagant religious rituals that show their devotion to religion whilst also allowing them to display their wealth
What is meant by Hindu-ultranationalism
The idea that Hinduism has now become not only the worshipping of hindu Gods but also the worshipping of the nation of India
-Hinduism now the essence of Indian culture and Idneity
-e.g Hindu sciences such as astrology are being taught in universities as an academic subject. Cow urine used as medical treatment (cows seen as sacred animal)
-Shows how the religion is becoming part of secular life and disembedded from its religious context
How has Pentecostalism in Latin America led to the development of capitalism?
Berger
-Pentecostalism demands a n ascetic lifestyle that encourages hard work> prosperity
-This has led to economic development and upward mobilty
