It is generally accepted that fundamentalism leads to violence and hatred: we apply the label fundamentalist to the most violent and fanatical followers of any faith, the most apparent in these days being the Christian right wing, those Muslims who enforce sharia law without mercy and suicide bombers.
A recent conversation with a muslim colleague has made me look at 'fundamentalism' differently.
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My colleague told me that he considers himself a fundamentalist, and that he finds it offensive when violence and hatred are associated with fundamentalism. He went on to explain that to him a fundamentalist is one who observes the fundamentals of their faith. In Islam, all this means is to be strictly observant of the 'Five Pillars of Islam'
The Five Pillars are:
Faith in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammed
Prayer, five times a day
Concern for, and giving to, the needy.
Self-purification through fasting
A pilgrimage to mecca for those who are able
A minority sect did attempt to add Jihad (holy war) as a sixth pillar, but it wasn't accepted by the wider muslim community.
As we can see, there is nothing here about the oppression of women (in fact the Koran is clear about giving woman respect and rights), nor is there anything that suggests hatred and violence.
So what of christian fundamentalists? if they are to adhere to the fundamentals of their faith then what does that mean? It could be the 10 commandments, but as christians are supposed to follow the teachings of Jesus, then the beatitudes would seem more fundamental to christian faith:
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God
Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
When Jesus was questioned about what a man must do to attain the kingdom of heaven, he made it even simpler: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' All the law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Mathew 22:37-40 This instruction was followed with the parable of the Good Samaritan, to illustrate that 'neighbour' meant anyone, not just those who are the same colour/faith/culture/social class.
So it can be seen that those we call 'fundamentalists' do not adhere to any recognised fundaments of faith, whether christian or muslim. I think it isn't helpful to call the extremists and fanatics fundamentalists because the word implies firm principles, whether principles we accept or not. I suggest that fanatic or extremist is a much more useful and accurate description and one that will help to strip away the veneer of religion that these hate mongers hide behind.