Fundamentalism is strict adherence to the basic principles of a religion. The term originated in American Protestantism in the early 20th century. It was a response to liberal theology. The Fundamentals were a series of essays published between 1910 and 1915. They defended the core doctrines of the faith. The virgin birth. The deity of Christ. The substitutionary atonement. The bodily resurrection. The inerrancy of scripture. The second coming. Those who affirmed these doctrines were called fundamentalists.

Fundamentalism is not limited to Christianity. There is Islamic fundamentalism. Hindu fundamentalism. Jewish fundamentalism. Fundamentalism is a global phenomenon. It is a reaction to modernity. It is a reaction to secularism. It is a reaction to change. It seeks to return to the foundations. It seeks purity. It seeks certainty. It seeks to preserve the faith. It is often militant. It is often separatist. It is often political. It is often controversial.

Fundamentalist characteristics

• Inerrancy of scripture: the Bible is without error.
• Militant opposition to modernism.
• Separatism from the world.
• Emphasis on core doctrines.
• Often politically active.

Fundamentalism is not a monolith. There are many fundamentalisms. They differ in doctrine and practice. They share a common spirit. They share a common fear. They fear the loss of truth. They fear the loss of identity. They fear the loss of faith. They respond with certainty. They respond with separation. They respond with militancy. Fundamentalism can be a force for good. It defends orthodoxy. It preserves tradition. It builds community. It can also be a force for harm. It can be intolerant. It can be divisive. It can be violent. The line between conviction and extremism is thin. Fundamentalism walks that line. It is a response to crisis. It is a search for certainty. It is a human phenomenon. It is fundamentalism.