Glossary

This glossary has been written to encourage debate and discussion.

It has been written from a Scottish perspective. This means terms used within Scotland may not have equivalent meaning when transferred to another part of the world. It has also to be remembered that terms are evolving and developing all the time and what is offered here reflects the discussions as it stands when this was written in June 2004.

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Glossary of terms
Faith	A system of belief and values, whether secular or religious. Firm belief in something for which there is no proof; complete trust; a general term often used to refer to religious belief, in particular acceptance of religious doctrines and dogmas.
Fanaticism	From French fanatique or Latin fanaticus 'of a temple, inspired by a God'. Excessive enthusiasm, unreasoning zeal, or wild and extravagant notions, on any subject, especially religion; religious frenzy. A person who subscribes to this approach is called a fanatic.
Fascism	Fascism is opposed to individual liberty and capitalism conducted for the purpose of private gain, and all non-governmental forms of association which might tend to weaken a person's loyalty to the primary group, which is the state. Fascism is a form of totalitarianism in which devotion to the group over self-interest is emphasized. Fascism is a political system, which developed in Italy, Spain and Nazi Germany during the 1920s and 30s.
Fenian	There are two definitions: 1. One of a legendary group of heroic Irish warriors of the second and third centuries A.D. 2. A member of a secret revolutionary organization in the United States and Ireland in the mid-19th century, dedicated to the overthrow of British rule in Ireland. Though the term is often associated with sectarianism, the term Fenian itself is not sectarian or religious. Often swear words are attached to the term Fenian to make it offensive and derogatory.
Fundamentalism	Fundamentalism is a religious position typically characterised by a rigid adherence to what are perceived to be the most basic and traditional principles and beliefs of that religion.