Fundamentalism UnPacked: Beliefs, Power & Impact by Atifa

The session begins with an introduction to Atifa Van, a member of the Malaysian team, and the seminar topic of 'Fundamentalism Unpacked: Beliefs, Power, and Impact'. Isa, an IM student and speaker, shares his background and sets the agenda for the lecture focusing on defining fundamentalism and its significance in political landscapes.

Isa references Jonathan J. Edwards' definition of fundamentalism, emphasizing the belief in the inherent truth of scripture, the idea of premillennialism, and the unquestionable nature of these beliefs. The session outlines how fundamentalism often arises in reaction to perceived threats against shared beliefs, leading to collective movements.

The structure of the lecture continues with an exploration of how fundamentalism manifests and mobilizes, guided by community intimacy, recognition of threats, and unified actions against this perceived negation. The speaker relates this to both religious movements and wider social movements like Black Lives Matter.

As the discussion evolves, Isa elaborates on the historical context of fundamentalism, contrasting its rise in the US and UK, while underscoring the influence of modernity and tradition on its development, positing that fundamentalism often functions in reaction to modernization, using the US Protestant movement as a primary example.

The lecture then transitions to discuss the growth of fundamentalism in the 20th century, driven partly by the industrialization and modernization of society, and the particular cultural pockets formed among Protestant communities. Isa notes the role of the interchurch movement in this context and the push against centralization.

Isa contrasts the acceptance of modernization in Catholicism versus the resistance in Protestantism, highlighting fundamentalism's roots and development in America during the 1920s. The interchurch movement is described as a threat to individual church autonomy, fueling the rise of fundamentalism as a counter movement.

In discussing fundamentalism today, Isa argues that events such as 9/11 and the Trump presidency reflect a revival of fundamentalist sentiments as political identities became intertwined with religious ideologies. The speaker cites fundamentalism's defensive nature and its resurgence in political discourse during contemporary times.

Isa presents the notion that fundamentalism is often reactionary, emerging in response to perceived threats from modernity and secularism. This creates a cycle of rise and fall, with each new societal challenge reinvigorating fundamentalist ideologies, particularly in the context of identity politics.

The conversation then shifts to fundamentalism outside of Christianity, discussing examples like Islamic fundamentalism, Hindu nationalism, and their manifestations across different cultures and political systems, illustrating that fundamentalism is not confined to one religion.

The lecture concludes with a discussion on applying the understanding of fundamentalism in debate motions, framing debates around religious authority, the implications of religious education, and the impacts of secular governance, emphasizing the inherent connection between fundamental beliefs and political power.