What is a key component of religious fundamentalism?

A key component of religious fundamentalism is a response to perceived threats from modernity. This phenomenon often arises when individuals or groups feel that their traditional beliefs and practices are under attack from societal changes, secularism, or modern scientific understanding. In such contexts, fundamentalists tend to reaffirm their core beliefs and practices to maintain their identity and to resist the influences they view as detrimental to their faith.

This reaction can manifest in various ways, including a strict adherence to sacred texts, an opposition to liberal or progressive interpretations of religious teachings, and a desire to return to what they perceive as the original essence of their faith. The emphasis on traditionalism and orthodoxy serves as a safeguard against the uncertainties and challenges posed by contemporary life.

In contrast, a willingness to adapt to new ideas, an embrace of pluralism and diversity, and a focus on promoting ecumenism do not align with the fundamentalist approach. Such perspectives suggest openness and acceptance of different beliefs and interpretations, which fundamentally contradicts the exclusivity and rigidity characterizing religious fundamentalism.