fundamentalist – Historically, it was used to refer to those who stressed the fundamentals of their religion, and rejected liberal interpretations, but more commonly was then used to describe extreme political and religious views. The term is vague, emotive and now so overused that is best avoided in favour of more specific descriptions of the person or group’s beliefs or practices. Alternatives could include traditionalist, orthodox, conservative, etc.
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Reuters: Usually a person or group who believes in the literal truth of a sacred religious text such as the Bible or the Koran. Now more commonly used to describe extreme political and religious views, but the term is vague and emotive so try to avoid and use more specific descriptions of the person or groups beliefs or practices. Originally refers to Protestants who stress the fundamentals of their faith and reject liberal interpretations. Often used for conservatives, especially for Muslims, but so overused that it is best avoided. Alternatives are traditionalist, orthodox, conservative, etc.
