Religious Fundamentalist Sub-Tradition Fundamentalist? (the

¶ … religious fundamentalist sub-tradition fundamentalist? ("The ten characteristics of fundamentalism," are all derived from Godfrey, 2007).

Fundamentalists are counter-modernist.

Fundamentalists are backward-looking. They desire to recreate a purer model of life from past, whether bringing the pure past of the ancient sacred Bible to life, like some religious fundamentalists in the Middle East, or recreating a false ideal of Leave it to Beaver with stay-at-home mothers as is common in secular, conservative ideology.

Fundamentalists are generally assertive, clamorous, and often violent.

From the 9/11 terrorists to anti-abortion activists this principle is evident,

Fundamentalists believe that they are "the Chosen," "the Elect," "the Saved" and are privileged or burdened with a special mission on behalf of the divine that they must realize for the benefit of the world or their subgroup.

As well as seeing themselves as separate from ordinary society, fundamentalist subgroups may see themselves as acting counter to the more moderate orthodoxy of their particular faith, like fundamentalist polygamous Mormons who distance themselves from the official Mormon Church or radical Catholics who advocate a return to pre-Vatican II practices. They may see themselves as superior to these 'heretics' as well as secularists.

Public marks of distinction are needed to maintain the fundamentalist sense of superiority and distinctive identity.

Fundamentalists may dress more conservatively, observe special taboos, or otherwise separate themselves from 'others.'

Fundamentalists have a belief in one true religion and one correct way of life; that must be defended against inroads from other religions and secularism.

Secularism's pluralism and tolerance is seen a weakness, not a strength.

There is an inerrant holy book, prophet or charismatic leader to whom literal obedience is mandatory.

Although fundamentalist sects may seem innumerable, they claim a privileged and unique ability to literally understand the truth, as expressed by God -- as in the case of anti-evolution creationists, for example.

For fundamentalists, law and authority come from God.

This is true not only in formally theocratic societies, like Iran, but can also be seen expressed in the views of fundamentalist U.S. Christians, who have an obsession with having the Ten Commandments displayed outside of secular buildings, advocate school prayer and the need for laws to be justified by Judeo-Christian values.

Female sexuality must be contained; boundaries must be established between men and women.

The female body is an obsession: hence the obsession with women staying home and not working in fundamentalist Christian circles, as well as the extreme control of women by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Sexual behavior is a major concern of all fundamentalists

Opposing gay marriage, abortion rights, sexual education unite almost all fundamentalist groups.

Fundamentalism and nationalism converge.