Rise Of Modernity

Introduction:

The resurgence of religious fundamentalism can be presumed to stem from the failures, weaknesses and crises that have occurred within Modernity (Zeidan, 2003). As the strength of nation-states has gradually decreased and the populations’ dissent and dissatisfaction is growing there is increasing room within the public and political sphere for formal and religious values (Zeidan, 2003). As a result this essay will demonstrate by looking at the rise of modernity, the shift to a secular framework within a modern society, the marginalization of religion and the oppressive nature of a secular framework within a modern society. Reference to both Sunni Fundamentalism and American Protestantism will highlight the conflicts as well as

1750-1900) (Centre for Future Consciousness, 2006). Two key movements can be identified as central to the rise of Modernity ; the Scientific Revolution (ca. 1600-700) and The Age of Enlightenment (ca. 1700-1800) (science, enlightenment, progress and evolution. However it must be noted that there were other important historical movements like the Emergence of a Capitalist State or the French Revolution (17-1789). However, the emphasized two key events will aid in highlighting the move away from a society that was completely consumed by religion to a society where thought, freedom and the ability to express dissent is central and imperative (Phillips,

The use of modern technology by religious fundamentalist groups is no different to politicians using modern technology during campaigning periods (Zeidan, 2003). An example of this is seen by thus the structures and tools that are unique to a modern society allow for the resurgence of religious fundamentalism. This is even more evident in that religious fundamentalists base their beliefs on pre-modern traditionalist’s scriptures, however their identity and political cause or goal is shaped by modernity. As fundamentalists ideology often is a religious belief system that becomes a political ideology aimed at winning the support of the mass population. This is often achieved by extremist fundamentalist groups through the use of social media or the World Wide Web which are both modern productions of science but are used to disseminate and gain support from the rest of the world (Young,