Fun·da·men·tal·ism: noun. A usually religious movement or point of view characterized by a return to fundamental principles, by rigid adherence to those principles, and often by intolerance of other views and opposition to secularism.
This definition from the American Heritage Dictionary brings up an important aspect of fundamentalism that undermines the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While it is important to respect the fundamentals of religion such as religious scripture and dogma, this should not take place at the expense of another’s dignity and human rights. Fundamentalist intolerance of others’ views violates the right of freedom from interference with privacy, family, home and correspondence, freedom of belief and religion, freedom of opinion and information, and the right to participate in the cultural life of community (Articles 12, 13, 18,19, and 27).
The use of violence also characterizes many fundamentalist movements, which is a key reason for questioning its validity. Religious fundamentalism has often caused gross violations of human rights; from the origin of the term in post World War I America as a militant, evangelical conservative Christian movement, to the misogynistic rule of the Taliban in 1990s Afghanistan, the continuing conflict in Sudan, and the recent rise of Hindu fundamentalism in Indian politics.
Despite all the gains in public support for values of freedom, tolerance and peace, religious fundamentalism continues to be a global phenomenon permeating across religions and national boundaries. The 9/11 terrorist attack, the imposition of sharia on women in egregious ways, and the recent massacre of Muslims in Gujarat have made the consequences of religious fundamentalism very personal to many.
Religious fundamentalism also has the effect of creating negative stereotypes of an entire faith. For example, prejudices about and between Christian fundamentalists in Northern Ireland held up the peace process for decades. Today, Muslims all over the world continue to face discrimination based on the actions of one fundamentalist terrorist group: Al Qaeda.
All world religions uphold values of peace, compassion, and love. It has become increasingly important for all of us to embrace religious tenets that uphold the human rights of all peoples and speak out and oppose those aspects of religion that propagate violence and hate.
Source: www.breakthrough.tv
