Fundamentalism

Fundamentalism: the strict and meticulous following of specific doctrines. In Layman’s

terms, it is the unshakable devotion to a set of irreducible beliefs and ideals. Despite what some

people think, fundamentalism is not only present in Islam. Religions such as Christianity,

Hinduism, and even Buddhism have different fundamentalist groups attached to them.

Fundamentalism is not restricted to religion. Political fundamentalism is very much present,

especially in the Republican Party of the United States. Supremacist fundamentalism, such as

white supremacy is existent. The one aspect that links all these various forms of fundamentalism

is that members of such groups have an “us versus them” mentality. For example, Islamic

fundamentalists, particularly members of Al Qaeda have been known to use the term “infidel”,

which means unbeliever. Members of Islamic fundamentalist groups are almost always taught

that non-believers, or infidels are inferior to them in every way. Members of white supremacist

movements have also been known to harbour an “us versus them” mentality. White supremacists

believe that the white race is being suppressed by other races and that the white man is superior

to every other race and should be dominant. Fundamentalism, particularly Christian and political

fundamentalism is very relevant in today’s society, especially in the United States. As stated in

the documentary “Jesus Camp”, there are around 75 million Evangelical Christians living in the

United States. That is roughly 24 percent of the population. Because of this significantly large

group of men and women, politicians, particularly Republicans, have begun to appeal to

Evangelical Christians with policies favouring them. This means that when these politicians are

voted into the position of State Governor, Senator, or even President, they could drastically

change laws to favour Christian ideals and doctrines. Schools in states below the “bible belt”

(most southern states) already have laws in place forcing schools to teach creationism rather than

the theory of evolution due to Republican Governors passing laws to preserve the connection

between religion and government. Abortion in certain states could become illegal again if

enough Republican and Christian fundamentalists are voted into the Senate. Islamic

fundamentalism has changed the way people in both Canada and the United States perceive

Muslims. Ever since 911, there has been a growing distrust and fear of Islam thanks to the

actions of a few Islamic fundamentalist and terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda. Many people,

including the people that I have met in my short time here on this Earth, harbour this deluded

idea that all or many Muslims are willing to wear a bomb vest and blow up the nearest

population centre for Allah. In reality, many Muslims have nothing in common with the

fundamentalist subgroups of Islam. In its essence, Islam is a religion of peace and

multiculturalism. In recent years, people in Western society have begun to see Islam as a religion

of violence and hatred, aimed at implementing an Islamic world state. The topic of

fundamentalism, which has been addressed in the documentaries Jesus Camp, Undercover

Mosque, and DPRK: The Land of Whispers, has greatly broadened my horizons. I used to

believe that I had a solid understanding of fundamentalism before the unit began in this class.

After this unit, I realized just how widespread fundamentalism is in society. Frankly, knowing

that there are religious groups brainwashing children into following their beliefs, as shown in

Jesus Camp, terrifies me. That scene in the beginning of Jesus Camp, with the kids putting on a

presentation for God’s Army while dressed in military attire and war paint, made shudder and

cringe. There is already the Lord’s Resistance Army in Ethiopia and Uganda; the thought of

there being a group similar to that using children to further their aims prevents me from sleeping

well at night. When the televangelist from Colorado talks about how easily kids can be

influenced and how kids are naturally attracted to the Christian faith, I came to the realization

that an entire generation of children could be raised into becoming Christian fundamentalists.

The unit has broadened by perspective exponentially, hopefully making me more aware of

fundamentalism in our society and in various religious and political organizations.