Giddens says fundamentalists are traditionalists who seek to return to the basics of fundamentals of their faith.
They believe in the literal truth of scriptures and provides answers to ALL life's important questions.
Fundamentalists tend to avoid contact with others who think differently. They rely upon guardians of tradition such as clergy to interpret the sacred text and lay down rules.
Giddens notes that the term fundamentalism is new and therefore a product of and reaction to globalisation. In today's late-modern society, individuals are constantly faced with choice, uncertainty and risk.
Giddens contrasts fundamentalism with cosmopolitanism - a way of thinking that embraces modernity and is in keeping with today's globalising world.
Cosmopolitanism is tolerant of the views of others and open to new ideas, constant reflexive thinking (modifying beliefs in the light of new information)
Cosmopolitan religion emphasises the pursuit of personal meaning than submission to authority. Giddens see fundamentalism as the enemy of cosmopolitan thought and modernity.
However, fundamentalists reject modernity, they use modern methods to express beliefs (internet, t.v)
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