Fondamentaliste

Fondamentaliste is a term commonly used to describe individuals or groups within religious communities who advocate for a strict and literal interpretation of sacred texts and doctrines. The word originates from the American Protestant context of the early 20th century, particularly associated with the fundamentalist movement that sought to defend traditional Christian beliefs against modernist critiques.

Historically, fundamentalists emphasize the inerrancy of religious scriptures, the importance of maintaining doctrinal orthodoxy, and often oppose secular influences or progressive ideas that they perceive as threats to their faith. While originally referring to Protestant evangelical Christians in the United States, the term has since been adopted to describe similar attitudes in various religions, including Islam, Judaism, and others, denoting a conservative approach to religious practice and interpretation.

Fundamentalist movements often emerge as reactions to social, political, or cultural changes, asserting the primacy of faith and tradition over modern secular values. They may advocate for policies aligned with their religious beliefs and sometimes participate in activism or political movements to influence societal norms and laws.

The usage of "fundamentalist" can carry connotations—some view the term as neutral or descriptive, while others see it as pejorative, implying rigidity or extremism. The concept remains a significant subject of study in religious studies, sociology, and political science, as it relates to issues of modernity, religious identity, and societal development.

Overall, fundamentalism is characterized by its focus on preserving and promoting what adherents believe to be the core, unaltered principles of their faith tradition, often emphasizing a literal interpretation of sacred texts and resistance to relativistic or secular ideas.