fundamentalism

[Pilks]

So im writing an essay for my psychology of religion class and its based on fundamentalism, so my question is "is fundamentalism based on devotion to religious doctrine or is it based on an experience occuring before that has made them have fundamentalist views?"

really im asking on here for views from different cultures and parts of the world, no bias please, any input is appreciated

[sleeps]

Personally I think more true fundamentalist would be that way based on personal experience, rather then just taught. Even though alot of people start out believing in something because of what they have been told or taught, but purists are usually that because of finding fault in others teaching of something.

[Oh Damn, it's Sam]

You're going to have to define what you mean by fundamentalism. Since the advent of terrorism becoming a dominating force in the world media, fundamentalism has become conflated with extremism. I would argue that there is a big difference between the two concepts.

Fundamentalism, at least in the traditional meaning of the word, suggests an individual or group believing that their faith system has become corrupt over time and they seek to get back to the "fundaments" of that belief system. Under that definition, many non-extremists apply, including none other than Martin Luther. Many many fundamentalist groups never wind up doing anything we would consider terrorism or extremism, and yet, due to their seeking to return to the "core values" of their belief system, nevertheless fully qualify as fundamentalists.

Certainly there are areas where the two overlap, of course, but plenty of fundamentalists are not blowing up buildings, and plenty of extremists are not calling for a return to fundamental religious values.