fundamentalism
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fundamentalism
A school of thought that insists on a literal and unchangeable interpretation of writings considered sacred, such as the Bible or the Quran, or of ideological principles, and rejects other interpretations.
Religiöser Fundamentalismus steht oft im Widerspruch zu modernen, säkularen Werten.
Religious fundamentalism is often at odds with modern, secular values.
The word is derived from 'das Fundament' (the foundation). The ending '-ismus' typically denotes a worldview or ideological movement.
Der Fundamentalismus basiert auf starren Grundsätzen.
Fundamentalism is based on rigid principles.
In a religious context, 'Fundamentalismus' (fundamentalism) is often specified by a religion. Common collocations are 'religiöser Fundamentalismus' (religious fundamentalism), 'islamischer Fundamentalismus' (Islamic fundamentalism), or 'christlicher Fundamentalismus' (Christian fundamentalism).
Das Buch analysiert die Ursachen des christlichen Fundamentalismus in den USA.
The book analyzes the causes of Christian fundamentalism in the USA.
The figurative meaning can be recognized from context. If it is not about religion, but about economics, politics, or science, this second meaning is intended. A typical example is 'Marktfundamentalismus' (market fundamentalism).
Sein ökologischer Fundamentalismus macht eine Kompromisslösung unmöglich.
His ecological fundamentalism makes a compromise solution impossible.
terrorism
'der Terrorismus' and 'der Fundamentalismus' can both appear in political or religious contexts. Still, they do not mean the same thing. 'Fundamentalismus' describes a very rigid attitude: a group considers certain writings or principles to be absolutely correct and rejects other interpretations. 'Terrorismus', on the other hand, means violence and terror as a means of achieving goals. The words can be confused because fundamentalist groups are sometimes associated with violence. But fundamentalism is first and foremost a way of thinking; terrorism is a violent action or method.
In der Diskussion kritisiert die Lehrerin jeden Fundamentalismus, der andere Meinungen nicht zulässt.
In the discussion, the teacher criticizes any form of fundamentalism that does not allow other opinions.
Vor der Reise informiert sich die Familie über die Gefahr des Terrorismus in der Region.
Before the trip, the family finds out about the threat of terrorism in the region.