What does fundamentalism mean?
Fundamentalism is strict, uncompromising adherence to what adherents regard as the essential or foundational principles of a faith or ideology. Most commonly it describes religious movements that insist on a literal reading of scripture and resist modernizing or secular reinterpretations, though the term is also extended to non-religious creeds, such as so-called market fundamentalism. First coined in the United States in the early twentieth century in connection with conservative Protestantism, it has since become a global term applied to Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and other traditions. The word usually carries connotations of rigidity, exclusivity, and sometimes extremism, so writers use it with care. Understanding fundamentalism matters because it names one of the most consequential social forces of the modern era, shaping politics, education, and interfaith relations worldwide.
nounStrict adherence to the fundamental principles of a religion or ideology, often accompanied by a rejection of modern interpretations or secular influence; especially a conservative religious movement emphasizing literal interpretation of scripture.
- Strict, literal adherence to the core doctrines of a religion, typically in opposition to modernist or secular interpretations (the dominant sense, applied to Christianity, Islam, and other faiths).
- More broadly, rigid, uncompromising commitment to the basic principles of any ideology or system, whether religious, political, or economic.
"The rise of religious fundamentalism reshaped the political landscape of the region."
"Critics argued that the new law was driven by religious fundamentalism rather than scientific evidence."
"Even market fundamentalism, he warned, could blind policymakers to the human costs of their policies."
The plural is used when referring to multiple distinct fundamentalist movements or traditions, and scholars often prefer it to emphasize that fundamentalism varies across religions.
"Comparative religion courses examine the different fundamentalisms that have emerged within Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism."
The word 'fundamentalism' was born in America — coined around 1920 from a series of Christian essays called 'The Fundamentals' before spreading to describe movements worldwide.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of fundamentalism
Fundamentalism derives from the Latin root 'fundamentum', meaning foundation or basis, which also gave English the adjective 'fundamental'. The word itself emerged in early twentieth-century America, named after 'The Fundamentals', a series of essays published between 1910 and 1915 that set out conservative Protestant doctrines. From that American Christian origin, the term broadened during the later twentieth century to describe literalist movements in many religions and, by extension, rigid ideological commitments of any kind.
Related word forms
How fundamentalism is actually used
Though originally coined in an American Protestant context in the early 20th century, the term is now applied across many religions and even to non-religious ideologies. Because it often carries connotations of rigidity and extremism, it should be used carefully and descriptively rather than pejoratively when discussing a specific community's beliefs.
Easily confused with fundamentalism
"Fundamental" means basic or essential to something, whereas "fundamentalism" refers specifically to a strict, literalist movement or belief system.