Fundamentalism: The belief in old and traditional forms of religion, or the belief that what is written in a holy book, such as the Christian Bible, as being completely and literally true. The Cambridge International Dictionary of English

Fundamentalism: a: a movement in 20th century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as Fundamental to Christian life and teaching; b: the beliefs of this movement; c: adherence t such beliefs. Webster's English Dictionary.

Fundamentalism is a religious phenomenon that has taken 20th century politics by storm. As defined by Webster's English dictionary fundamentalism has a direct correlation with Protestant Christianity; however, it has in the past, and is currently, impacting many other forms of religion. Since the 1970's many religious movements have emerged into political governments and ideologies all over the world. The dominating religion in Europe is Catholicism; Hinduism is very strong in eastern Asia; Judaism is the ranking religion in Israel and Israeli's political decision; and finally, Islam is the principal religion in the Middle East. Islam is the second largest religion in the world, second only to Christ

Despite Saudi Arabia's adherence to Islamic codes, its religious standing and its generous patronage of Islamic causes, the Saudi royal family has been under much criticism from fundamentalists who say they have too strong of a tie with the United States and the western world as a whole. Since the Iranian revolution in the late 1970's, the Saudi's have relied greatly on the United States for support and are the largest exporters to the West for supplies of oil.

Looking at the differences between Muslim and Christianity in today's world, one would have to come to the conclusion that it appears the Muslim religion has not come as far as Christianity. The Muslim or Islam community believes that their view of God and the traditions of their religion are the correct way to live, as they do not allow Christianity to be practiced openly in their countries. On the other hand, Christians throughout the world gather to worship in many areas of the world, not just the U. S., and even with their differences of belief, whether fundamentalist or liberal, they worship freely and openly together. Tolerance for freedom and a religion based on love seems to be at the core that makes the difference between Islam and Christianity. A person can view and decide which religion could bring about a personal peace and a political peace.

The Taliban have taken 'cleansing of the Islamic world' to the most extreme. They exist to make a society totally separate from the Western influence and will do anything to rid the world of capitalism. They believe that they will come into power across the world after a jihad, or holy war against capitalism. The Taliban have taken the Islam religion to the extreme and are intolerant of any other belief or any other God. It is questionable that such a government can exist as it rids society of freedom and human rights.

Freedom has always been the reason for wars in the world. A people without freedom will find a need to obtain it. Therefore, unlike extreme fundamentalism in Islam, Christianity allows for a more free society. Unlike the Taliban, if you don't agree or adhere to a more fundamental practice of Christianity, you are not shot and killed because of your belief. That is why the United States continues to be a stronger government in the world. Even with the founding father using the Bible to establish its form of government, the United States government, a democratic republic, allows for freedom of worship, speech, equality and life.

Laws are made by a governing body that is made up of elected people from each part of the country. If the U. S. laws need to be fixed or adjusted, people have the right to help form those laws. Public participation in the U. S. and state government is encouraged not discouraged. Unlike fundamentalist Islam countries, there is a sense of freedom where people can grow in their chosen way of life.

Once the Taliban seized control of Afghan's capital, Kabul, they created the Ministry for Ordering What is Right and Forbidding What is Wrong, to enforce its fundamentalist rules of behavior. Most of their rules have little to do with Islam itself, and are more influenced by ancient tribal beliefs. Their laws particularly affected women, who where ordered to cover themselves from head to toe in burkas (long, tent like veils with heavy fabric with pieces of clearer fabric at their eyes so they could see). Women were forbidden to work outside the home and to be seen in public. Women are publicly beaten if improperly dressed or not escorted by males or being with males not of their own family. The Taliban also made murder, adultery and drug dealing punishable by death and theft punishable by cutting off the hand. Many of these laws have nothing to do with Islam and many other Islamic countries do not recognize the Taliban as a form of government of religion.

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Approximate Word count = 2735
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)