It’s time to clear up the obvious confusion surrounding the words "Christianity" and "fundamentalism." The two are not necessarily synonymous. Having posted on various debate boards on this very topic, I have observed more than a few schools of thought on each. This is not surprising, as the terms have different meanings for different people. Let’s tackle Christianity first.
There are several splinter groups of Christians, ranging from the more libertarian or progressive to the arch conservative. The liberal branches are represented by both Liberal and Liberated Christians. Members of these two groups believe in God and Jesus, but reserve the right to make personal decisions regarding sex, marriage, contraception and reproduction. Catholics For Free Choice is spin-off of the traditional Catholic church, which normally takes a hard line on sex and reproduction. Unitarian Universalist is another church that favors a more humanistic philosophy over the dogmatic and often repressive doctrines of conservative and evangelical Christian sects. From what I have read and observed of both liberal and conservative branches of Christianity, it is clear to me that the liberal groups represent Christianity rather than the conservative element. The latter leans to the far-right direction of fundamentalism.
Fundamentalism stresses strict observance to a particular faith or ideology over people’s personal rights and freedoms. In other words, individual liberties aren’t important; obedience is. One of the more extreme examples of religious fundamentalism can be found in the Spanish Inquisition, begun by the Catholic Church in the latter part of the 15th Century. Catholics who supported the Inquisition shared the fundamentalist belief that theirs was the only "true faith," and anything else was heresy. In the movie "Mary Queen of Scots, the character of Father John Ballard, Queen Mary’s personal priest, summed up this thinking with the following statement: "In this world, there are only two sorts of men; Catholic and heretic. Only a fool thinks otherwise. Modern fundamentalists, be they Christian or some other religion, have almost exactly the same thought.
The split between Christianity and fundamentalism widens considerably when issues relating to sex, marriage and reproduction are being debated. Liberal Christians generally feel that what consenting adults do in the privacy of their homes and bedrooms, be these adults straight, gay or somewhere in between, is no one else’s business, certainly not that of the church. Fundamentalist or conservative Christians maintain that sex outside the parameters of what they have determined acceptable is a sin, unacceptable to God, and must be severely punished, or at least made illegal. Practices considered to fundamentalists include abortion, contraception, homosexuality, and premarital sex among heterosexual couples. Of course, when pressed for an answer on how they know for a fact these "sins" are not accepted by God, the typical answer is "because the Bible says so." Considering the Bible was written by men rather than God (whoever they believe that to be), this answer fails to make any sense to anyone who prefers facts to beliefs.
In recent years, the two most volatile issues in Christianity appear to be abortion and gay marriage. In the matter of abortion, the more liberal Christians feel it is regrettable, but are not in favor of eliminating a woman’s right to choose. Christian fundamentalists believe abortion is never acceptable under any circumstances, even when a woman’s life is threatened if she continues the pregnancy to birth. Extreme Christian fundamentalists, such as the Rev.
[BB]
Mark H. Creech, oppose not only abortion but also contraception, which more often than not prevents pregnancy from occurring. If extremists like Creech were allowed to get their way, all forms of contraception, which might even include voluntary sterilization, would most likely be eliminated, leaving women with only two options; reproduction or celibacy. I sometimes wonder if they also support the idea behind the barbaric and cruel practice of female circumcision (removal of the clitoris) as well, to make sure sex remains a duty for women, rather than a pleasure.
Gay marriage is the other issue on which Christianity and fundamentalism is clearly divided. Progressive Christians, some of whom are gay or lesbian themselves know that gay marriage has no effect on heterosexual marriage. Fundamentalists, on the other hand, insist that allowing gays and lesbians to marry will somehow undermine traditional heterosexual marriage. How this would happen, however, is never made clear. They also fail to come up with an intelligent secular argument for gay marriage being banned. Again, logic has been eliminated in favor of hard-line religious beliefs. In the fundamentalist mind set, belief is all that counts.
In a nutshell, Christianity and fundamentalism are clearly defined, at least for me. Christianity, the kinder and gentler variety, is tolerant of individual differences and accepts disagreement, knowing that the views of one person aren’t necessarily the same as another. Fundamentalism, regardless of the particular religion, has no tolerance or acceptance for any other views but one; obedience and subservience to the faith. Which is why I equate fundamentalism with fanaticism, both of which are highly dangerous to the individual rights of liberty and freedom.
Factzone: The truth about Kim Jong Il Kim Jong Il, the leader of the free world, has decided to move on to more fertile grounds, leaving with us just the memories of 8-color rainbows, singing Korean women and couple of nuclear weapons. But who was this man whose next ambition would have been to get the next Nobel Peace prize? Here are just a few facts you should know about.
World governments charged with criminal negligence (in response to Megaupload case) EARTH (thecheers.org) - Federal authorities of the universe have charged the governments of all the countries in the world as well as the operators actually in power in these countries with operating a criminal enterprise, the Galaxy warriors announced Today.
I find the vehement comments against Ms. Levine's well-considered article to be the proof of the pudding, quite frankly. The hatred evinced by so-called "loving Christians" right in these comments is exactly what she's talking about. The simplistic idea that all couples would automatically welcome children, or that contraception is not being used, is ludicrous. Furthermore, the assumptions that all persons are of the same belief system and therefore automatically would adhere to biblical teachings, serves as evidence of the inherent egotism of the fundamentalist.
You are all laughable, you know ... and pitiable. You are such pliant little sheep that you never even bother to consider the facts before shooting off what your minister told you to repeat like good little Bible-parrots. How sad for you.
Lily says on 2005-01-02 02:42:07 about
I'm a conservative Christian. I think only a woman whose life is in danger should be able to have an abortion. For everyone else, abstinence. Of course, excepting that, wear a friggin' condom
Carole says on 2004-12-31 14:34:05 about Christianity
Susan: In the matter of abortion, the more liberal Christians feel it is regrettable, but are not in favor of eliminating a woman’s right to choose.
Carole: Posting on an AOL Abortion message board doesn't make you an authority on Christians. We ARE in favor of making abortion illegal. Only a few aren't. Killing is a sin to Chirstians and abortion KILLS an unborn child. BTW, why focus on Christans? Many non believers value life.
Susan:Christian fundamentalists believe abortion is never acceptable under any circumstances, even when a woman’s life is threatened if she continues the pregnancy to birth.
Carole: We post on the same board and you KNOW that no one has ever said that. You're such a fake.
DSE is the world's largest international trade show and conference dedicated to digital signage, interactive technology and digital out-of-home networks and it will be taking place from March 6 to March 9, 2012.
Argonaut Genre:Alternative The band are led by Core Members, Lorna (Vocals & Synths) an...
The Kut Genre:Alternative As three female musicians on the London circuit, questions l...
The Exits Genre:Electronic Genre: Electro / Indie / Rock
Location Portsmouth, South, U...
Trip Effect Genre:Rock A power trio that mashes up alternative/indie/rock with warm...
Jim Scordilis Genre:Rock jimscordilis@gmail.com
http://www.facebook.com/jimscordil...
Valadis Gaoutsis Genre:Rock Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Valantis-G...