Religious Fundamentalism in India: Christian Response Paominlen Kipgen INTRODUCATION: The abstract noun, fundamentalism, ultimately derived from the root fundo-are (latin) meaning (1) to lay the foundation of, to found; (2) to make firm, to strengthen. Webster Dictionary define fundamentalism as, “The belief that the basic truths of the Bible are fundamental to Christianity, that the miracles described in the Bible are inerrant, and especially that the virgin birth and Christ’s resurrection and substitutional atonement must not be doubted.” 1 Scaria Kuthirakkattel defined it as “The strict maintenance of traditional orthodox religious beliefs or doctrines; especially the creeds as fundamentals of Protestant Christianity.” 2 Isaac Padinjakekuttu defined it as, “A proclamation of reclaimed authority over a sacred tradition which is to reinstated as an antidote for a society that has strayed from its structural mooring.”3 M.T. Cherian said, “Fundamentalism is neither a ‘new religious movement’ (in the technical
sense of the term) nor ‘traditional’, ‘conservative’ or ‘orthodox’ expression of religious faith and practice. Rather fundamentalism is a category by itself.” 4 According to Ravi Tiwari, “Fundamentalism, in its positive aspect, is always an acceptable term, if it refers to ‘going
back to the fundamentals of one’s religion and its religiosity. The negative aspect, however, does not bring cheers in the minds and lives of most of its own adherents, certainly not in the life of the minority religious communities. It tends to see the world from its own limited worldview of religio-cultural contest, rejecting all the others, and imposes it upon others as well, whether they agree to it or not.” 5 Fundamentalism is characterized by six elements.6Today Fundamentalism is one of the most detested term. It is often felt to be a hostile and opprobrious term, suggesting narrowness, bigotry, obscurantism and sectarianism.
Noah Webster, Webster’s New Twentieth Century Dictionary (Cleveland and New York: The Word Publishing Company), 1951. 2 Scaria Kuthirakkattel, “Fundamentalism: Biblical Prespective” jnanadeepa Vol 6/2 (July 2003), 25. 3 Isaac Padinjakekuttu, “Fundamentalism: Historical Perspectives” jnanadeepa Vol 6/2 (July 2003), 5. 4 M.T. Cherian, Hindutva Agenda and Minority Rights A Christian Response (Bangalore: Centre for Contemporary Christianity, 2007), 28. 5 Ravi Tiwari, “Religious Fundamentalism and Nationalism: Reflections on Hindu perspective,” National Council of Churches Review Vol. CXX/10 (November 2000), 983. 6 (1) The religious text(s) becomes central and is interpreted in a literal factual way. (2) The ancient leader of a religion, or mythical leaders or gods, are transformed into historical figures and all the stories which surround them are seen as literally true. Myth becomes history. (3) A geographic area, usually a nation or civilization, is seen as sacred and must be purified and defended. (4) The world is divided into believers and infidels. Opponents of the fundamental religion are demonized and Satanized. The goal shall be saved and the 1
Page | 1