The Origins of Fundamentalism

Abstract

Fundamentalism is defined as “forming a foundation or basis,”¹ yet the word today resonates with destruction and annihilation. It evokes strong emotions and impulses. Originally characteristic of American conservative Protestantism, Fundamentalism is now associated with violence and terror. In her bestseller, Battle for God, Karen Armstrong underscores the meaning of Fundamental and the power it evokes:

One of the most startling developments of the Twentieth century has been the emergence within every major religious tradition of a militant piety popularly known as “fundamentalism.” Its manifestations are sometimes shocking. Fundamentalists have gunned down worshipers in a mosque, have killed doctors and nurses who work in abortion clinics, have shot their presidents, and have even toppled a powerful government. It is only a small minority of fundamentalists who commit such acts of terror, but even the most peaceful and law-abiding are perplexing, because they seem so adamantly opposed to many of the most positive values of modern society. Fundamentalists have not time for democracy, pluralism, religious toleration, peace-keeping, free speech, or the separation of church and state.²

Because of the stark realism of these words, Fisher Humphrey and Philip Wise hesitated quoting them in their recent book entitled Fundamentalism.³ Though disturbing, the realism does reflect the power and passion of a concept far from its roots and intended mission, one driven to its extreme.