A look into what extremism and fundamentalism means, what it does, and why it happens.
Extremism Vs Fundamentalism
A fundamentalist is someone who believes in a specific interpretation of their holy text and strictly adheres to its tenets. A fundamentalist will believe that their holy book represents the absolute truth in terms of matters moral as well as literal historical accuracy. Many fundamentalists are characterized as intolerant of those with views in opposition of their own or those with secular beliefs.
An extremist is someone who takes their religious beliefs to a fanatical level causing them to act in ways that are not understood by the general public. An extremist may believe in using force, fear, or violence as means to bring about religious change. An extremist may take action in order to indoctrinate their beliefs that play on fear. Often religious extremism is seen in opposition to a person, people, or government that is acting against the fundamental beliefs of a religion. Especially in the Middle East, religious extremism can be closely tied to extreme nationalism.