Meaning & Definition of word "Fundamentalism"

Fundamentalism

/ˌfʌndəˈmɛntəlɪzəm/

1. A form of a religion, especially Islam or Protestant Christianity, that upholds belief in the strict, literal interpretation of scripture.
- Example: Many critics argue that fundamentalism can lead to intolerance and extremism.
2. A strict adherence to the basic principles of any religion or ideology.
- Example: The rise of fundamentalism in various parts of the world has sparked intense debates about the role of religion in society.
3. In a broader cultural context, a movement characterized by a return to traditional values and a resistance to modernity.
- Example: The backlash against globalization has given rise to a type of fundamentalism in several communities.

The term originated from the early 20th-century American Protestant movement that advocated a return to fundamental Christian doctrines.

religious fundamentalism:

Strict adherence to religious doctrines.

fundamentalist movement:

A collective action by those who support fundamentalist beliefs.

fundamentalist extremism:

Radical actions taken by fundamentalists often leading to violence.

orthodoxy:

Authorized or generally accepted theory, doctrine, or practice.

literalism:

The interpretation of words in their most basic sense without metaphor or allegory.

traditionalism:

Adherence to tradition, especially in cultural or religious practices.

Meaning: Fundie

Example Sentence: He's such a fundie; he can't accept any other view than his own.

Meaning: Bible-thumper

Example Sentence: She's always acting like a Bible-thumper when discussing her beliefs.