Religious Fundamentalism: A Challenge to Global Peace
Originally Published on OMIWORLD.ORG
Click here to see the Article en Español

By Eugene BENEDICT, OMI, General Councilor for the Region of Asia-Oceania
Etymologically, fundamentalism is a return to the core principles of anything. At first glance, it may appear to be an effort to preserve original truths in the face of liberalism and societal change. However, religious fundamentalism has become universal, posing a significant threat to all religious traditions. It often hinders the spread of authentic religious values and has contributed to unrest and the destruction of peace in many parts of the world.
What Defines Fundamentalism?
Certain features help us understand the nature of fundamentalism:
Rigid Adherence to Beliefs: Fundamentalists blindly follow ancient beliefs and practices, resisting any attempt to modernize or interpret these beliefs in light of today’s realities.
- Idealizing One Perspective: A fundamentalist mindset tends to elevate one point of view as the absolute truth, judging all other perspectives as inferior or wrong.
- Closed to Dialogue: Fundamentalists typically refuse to see things from another perspective, creating a rigid and exclusionary worldview.
- Focus on Maintaining Social Order: Fundamentalists are often concerned with preserving a specific social order, typically tied to existing power structures that benefit from keeping things as they are.
- Fear of Change: At its heart, fundamentalism is fueled by fear—the fear of losing long-standing values, established customs, and the stability of a rigid set of beliefs. It often arises as a reaction to rapid social or cultural change, offering certainty and security in an uncertain world.
The Different Faces of Fundamentalism
Fundamentalism can take many forms, depending on the ideologies it seeks to protect:
Cultural Fundamentalism is defending an exclusive view of cultural identity and resisting outside influence.
- Economic Fundamentalism: Also known as market fundamentalism, it upholds the principles of supply and demand, profit and loss as the supreme values, often ignoring the ethical or social consequences.
- Political Fundamentalism: This involves the imposition of a single political ideology, often suppressing all others, as seen in authoritarian regimes.
- Religious Fundamentalism: Perhaps the most well-known, this type of fundamentalism affirms one religion while dismissing others as false. It often leads to intolerance, exclusion, and, in extreme cases, violence.
A Growing Threat
Religious fundamentalism, in particular, poses a unique threat. Not only does it endanger the authenticity, but it also disrupts society. What began as a movement to protect faith from the perceived dangers of liberalism has transformed into a rigid and hostile attitude toward those who hold different beliefs. Fundamentalists often see themselves as the sole guardians of ancient truths, claiming to represent the essence of their faith. However, this mindset leaves little room for dialogue or collaboration. Ironically, while fundamentalism appeals to the past, it is modern. It is a reaction to secularization, which is a new challenge.
How Should We Respond?
Interfaith scholars widely agree that the core teachings of all major religions are universal. The best way to overcome fundamentalism is by embracing and practicing these values. By returning to the authentic principles of our faith, we can push back against the rigid, exclusionary tendencies that characterize fundamentalism. Pope Francis reminds us that dialogue between faiths isn’t just about diplomacy – it’s about building a just world together. As we face the challenge of fundamentalism, let us remember our calling to be “close to the people” – all people. We can work towards unity by embracing dialogue and focusing on what unites us. In addressing fundamentalism, we’re not just preserving peace but living out our mission as Oblates of Mary Immaculate.