Modern dictionary definitions of fundamentalism:
From Merriam Webster:
Definition of FUNDAMENTALISM
1
a often capitalized : a movement in 20th century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching b : the beliefs of this movement c : adherence to such beliefs
2
: a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles
A definition of modern Christian fundamentalism:
–noun
1.
( sometimes initial capital letter ) a movement in American Protestantism that arose in the early part of the 20th century in reaction to modernism and that stresses the infallibility of the Bible not only in matters of faith and morals but also as a literal historical record, holding as essential to Christian faith belief in such doctrines as the creation of the world, the virgin birth, physical resurrection, atonement by the sacrificial death of Christ, and the Second Coming.
2.
the beliefs held by those in this movement.
3.
strict adherence to any set of basic ideas or principles: the fundamentalism of the extreme conservatives.
In the cold war the 'other' was communism...
1min 50 seconds in :
A:We were all just muslims and not aware that we were muslims -
S: So there was no sense of 'Us' and 'Them'
A: us and them was all about communism and the rest (i.e. cold war politics)
The following video shows how angry rhetoric has always been able to bias society AND there is always someone who thinks violence is the only answer and takes action on such beliefs [ It also reminds me of the following quote "Naturally, every age thinks that all ages before it were prejudiced, and today we think this more than ever and are just as wrong as all previous ages that thought so. How often have we not seen the truth condemned! It is sad but unfortunately true that man learns nothing from history." - Carl Jung ].
[Nowadays there is movement away from religious war to a more tenable 'cold war' type scenario (as fundamentalist war leads to annihilation -i.e. the fighting must go on till the other groups 'follows you or are annihilated'.]
Other types of fundamentalism:
The above video is an example of tax fundamentalism - Where no matter what the economic situation is OR how much tax rates have already been dropped, 'they must never rise again' [This pledge has been signed by several top Republicans, who are now stuck between a rock and a hard place - On one side is the economy and on the other a tax fundamentalist probably chase them for any tax increase for the rest of their lives.]
An article on the spread of hate groups in USA (The part of Hitler planning an invasion is a joke but the idea that such intelligent people can influence a certain segment of the population isn't - Also, they would accumulate money over time and probably have enough to make some politicians seek out their donations by promoting issues that appeal to such individuals). [Note: In the comments section of this post will will find this quote: “Through clever and constant application of propaganda, people can be made to see paradise as hell, and also the other way round, to consider the most wretched sort of life as paradise.”
Adolf Hitler].
More views of fundamentalism in the USA...
Above: Rand Paul's approach to identifying terrorists is perfectly consistent with his libertarian constitutional ideals.
Article: USA Mosque issues - An issue motivated by Christian Fundamentalism?
Finally, in politics, you will find a move from common sense economics to a more ideological perspective (who are known as fiscal conservatives) [Note: In the USA this is a clear move away from True Republicanism. This new form of republicanism follows a philosophy that prizes ruthlessness over caring for society AND is believe because the techniques utilized encourage belief without proof - more in a bit on this].
Conclusion: Modern trends in terrorism, or violent fundamentalism, is one of either being an individual and connected to a small hate group OR an individual nutcase with hate over personal grievances.
For example: The Virginia Tech massacre is an example of personal grievances, the Norway massacre is an example of an individual who is influenced by extreme rhetoric who decides to take violent action - there may be another but the point is the group is extremely small ) [comparison: the Pakistani terrorist attack in NY with the useless bomb fits the 'one individual' connected to a small hate group pattern - same as Timothy McViegh (the Oklahoma City bomber)] .
[Note 4th Jan '12 - More information on Christian fundamentalism (and a 'born again' attempt) at this link. (read all links for info)]
