Secularization as a social process has its challenges in the form of religious fundamentalism in the contemporary society. Critically examine.

• decline in church attendance
• disengagement of church from society
• acceptance of religious pluralism
• increased differentiation of society
• secular education and laws

In contrast, religious fundamentalism seek absolute revival of religion to its pristine form. It is based on

• belief in absolute truth of scripture
• need to restore society to old order as it is in decay
• intolerance of other faiths
• seek to impose religious doctrine in every sphere of life.

Therefore we see how it is antithetical to secularization.

While secularization doesn't mean absence of religion, fundamentalism implies need to abolish all secular practices. This can be seen via examples in Middle East where ISIS aims to setup an Islamic Caliphate and subjugated the entire world.

Similarly religious fundamentalism grew as a reaction Shah Reza Pahlavi of Iran, westernizing Iran against interests of Shia clerics. They denounced it as unislamic, used it to mobilise people and establish Islamic Republic of Iran.

In India, green revolution led to increase in wealth among landed Punjabi Sikhs. This gave way to hedonistic living - drugs, alcoholism and dilution of religious identity. Coupled with socioeconomic grievances, Khalistan movement was launched, seeking revival of Sikhs as a separate state.

Hence secularization is often at extreme to religious fundamentalism.

However we are witnessing coexistance of democracy (secular) with religious ideology. exc: Hindutva politics or where secular ideals of equality, voting, democracy are being used to push a particular ideology. Hence the two coexist with each benefitting from other. Ways to address fundamentalism would be

• education and moral values being spread.
• socioeconomic change.