Beyond Theology: Toward an Anthropology of "Fundamentalism"

Abstract

Once considered exclusively a matter of religion, theology, or scriptural correctness, use of the term fundamentalism has recently undergone metaphorical expansion into other domains and, depending on whose voice is being heard, may be applied to extreme forms of nationalism, certain socioreligious (especially Islamist) movements, and other forms of extremist ideological expression. An anthropological approach seeks the common elements amid these apparently diverse cases and, taking into account the hermeneutical problems of exegesis by multiple constituencies, proposes that most "fundamentalisms" involve special forms of identity politics, meaning, and labeling, characterized by a quest for certainty, exclusiveness, and unambiguous boundaries, where the "Other" is the enemy demonized. It also reflects a mind‐set uncompromising and antirelativist, as one response to the openness and uncertainties of a cosmopolitan world, and to chart a morally black and white path out of the gray zones of intimidating cultural and religious complexity, [fundamentalism, religion, hermeneutics, Islam]