What term denotes the religious movement that insisted on strict biblical literalism in late 19th–early 20th century America?

• A. Liberal Christianity
• B. Catholic Modernism
• C. Fundamentalism
• D. Unitarianism

Answer: (C)

Fundamentalism is the movement described. It arose in response to modern critical approaches to the Bible and scientific theories that challenged traditional Christian beliefs, and it asserted that the Bible is inerrant and divinely inspired. Its proponents defended core doctrines such as the deity of Christ, the virgin birth, the atonement through Jesus’ death, and the resurrection, insisting on a literal interpretation of Scripture and miracles. This stance against liberal theology and modern science defines why the term fundamentalism best fits the description. The other options point to groups or tendencies that embraced more liberal or modern approaches or different religious traditions, rather than the strict biblical literalism emphasized here.