Fundamentalism is often associated with religion, specifically when literal interpretations of religious texts drive dogma.
Religious fundamentalism exposes how commitments to the material thing can often create behaviors that contradict the larger principles. Consider how interpreting the scripturally-based truism "spare the rod, spoil the child" (Proverbs 13:24) as license for physically spanking or beating children stands in stark contrast to the recurring messages from Jesus about non-violence and the sanctity of children, and all living creatures in powerless circumstances.
Fundamentalism fails because it honors objects over principles. Such is also the case in political fundamentalism.
Americans, for example, are a gun-loving people who have committed to the right to bear arms without considering the larger principle this founding right sought to protect.
Misreading the Right to Bear Arms
The Second Amendment reads in full: "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of