Key Issue 4 Fundamentalist= a literal interpretation and a strict and intense adherence to basic principles of a religion (or a religious branch, denomination, or sect). Religious fundamentalist is one of the most important ways in which a group can maintain a distinctive cultural identity. Religious groups oppose government policies seen as promoting social change conflicting with traditional religious values. The role of religion in organizing earth?s surface has diminished in some societies because of political and economic change. Islam has been affected by the conflict between religious values and modernization of the economy. Communist government that diminishes the importance of religion in society has challenged all Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam.