Religious Revivalism

Religious revivalism is an extreme form of religious fundamental in which individual or group

tries to restore the lost glory of religion in the society. They not merely carry their religious
principles in their life rather forces or compels others to follow the religious principles in words
and spirit.
Religious revivalism is term applied to mass movements which are based upon intense religious upheaval. Periodic
religious revivals which seek to restore commitment and attachment to the group are a regular sociological feature
of religious traditions. Revivalism happened in 18th century in western world among methodists. In India Arya
Samaj is one of the most important revivalist movements which were based on shudhi movement. It aimed at
converting Hindus back to the fold who had converted to other religions. This had profound impact on Hindu
especially lower caste Hindus. They sought to other religions to improve their social status. They also gave equality
to women especially in education.

Fundamentalism
Religious fundamentalism refers to an ideology which is an extreme form of religious orthodoxy
in which individual or society completely sticks to the fundamental principles of religion and do
not accept the natural principle of change with time. Their thoughts and practices are completely
governed by the religious fundamental principles for them, a particular theocratic phase is the
best phase and deviations from those principles are derogatory in nature and hence unacceptable
to them.
The Microsoft Premium Encarta defines fundamentalism as follows: movement with strict
view of doctrine: a religious or political movement based on a literal interpretation of and
strict adherence to doctrine, especially as a return to former principles. Fundamentalism or
conservatism has been known largely for its hard-line position on various religious, political
as well as social issues. Fundamentalism as a religious principle is reflected in the three
major religions of the world namely: Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
Fundamentalism thusseparates a certain community from the mainstream. However, society, by its
various arms (the police, army and so on), attempts to suppress or eliminate the fundamentalists. This
is especially so when they begin acting outside of the law. Fundamentalism however is an organised
all encompassing movement which aims at promotion of societal goals specifically in the light of
religious enshrinements. Operational strategy includes peaceful as well as war-life uses and
movements.
Fundamentalism movements are linked by a 'family' resemblance. The fundamentalists are a
practical people and try to purge the way of life of all impurities (religiously speaking).
They reject all corrupt lifestyles. Thus fundamental movements are not only about religious
beliefs and practices, but lifestyles generally. Assertion of spiritual authority and criticising the
culture are two aspects of fundamentalism. A third crucial element is that of the pursuit of
political power. The pursuit of political power is very important to fundamentalism, for without it
we would be presented with a case for revivalism.

Radical/Liberal Religion

Liberalism is an attitude or philosophy, or movement that has as its basic concern the
development of personal freedom and social progress. Liberalism and democracy are now
usually thought to have common aims, but in the past many liberals considered democracy
unhealthy because it encouraged mass participation in politics. Nevertheless, liberalism
eventually became identified with movements to change the social order through the further
extension of democracy.

SUMMARY
Fundamentalism in religion has been expressed in the three great monotheistic religions of
the world Christianity, Islam and Judaism.
Fundamentalism, in Christianity upholds the infallibility of the Bible, the virgin birth and the
divinity of Jesus Christ, the sacrifice of Christ on the cross as atonement for the sins of all
people, the physical resurrection and second coming of Christ, and the bodily resurrection of
believers.
Islamic Fundamentalism calls for the combination of traditional Muslim values based on the
Shariah law of Islam with programmes of social and economic modernization.
In Judaism, fundamentalism has been lived out in orthodoxy, Zionism and conservatism.
Liberalism has been identified with modern humanism movement that decries any form of
barrier on human freedom and is directed mainly against the church.