A question about fundamentalist stereotypes

[non-religious]

Hi

I'm not here to bash or criticize your fundamentalist tendancies. I'm just genuingely interested in hearing why you think so many people find your "brand" of Christianity so off putting. Stereotypes are used by individuals who lack both the vocabulary and sophistication to make a cogent or coherent argument. Having said that, I just want to put out a couple of common stereotypes, associated with fundamentalists, to see if you believe thay have any credence.

Intolerant of others (especially minority groups)
Struggles with Biblical interpretation and analysis
Has a basic level of education
Politically right-wing
Protests abortion clinics
Despises liberals
Proud gun owners
Loves hunting
Belong to churches that have only one race (white)
Takes every word in the Bible literally
Thinks political correctness has indeed gone mad

Would it be fair to say that if a Christian identified with those traits/labels or stereotypes, it would be fair to label them a fundamentalist?

Do you actually think fundamentalists are off-putting or in someway discredit or embarrass Christendom? (I appreciate I wouldn't expect anyone to say yes to that)

Would love to hear your thoughts

 

[tyronem]

Hi

I'm not here to bash or criticize your fundamentalist tendancies. I'm just genuingely interested in hearing why you think so many people find your "brand" of Christianity so off putting. Stereotypes are used by individuals who lack both the vocabulary and sophistication to make a cogent or coherent argument. Having said that, I just want to put out a couple of common stereotypes, associated with fundamentalists, to see if you believe thay have any credence.

Hi,

Personally I think people find fundamentalist Christians off putting because fundamentalists take the Bible seriously, people often can't handle their opinions being trumped by scripture.

Intolerant of others (especially minority groups)

There is no such thing as tolerance, those who preach tolerance are actually preaching intolerance towards our serious world view. They are guilty of what they accuse us of being.

Struggles with Biblical interpretation and analysis

Never heard that one before specifically applied to fundamentalists, I'd apply it to a great majority of Christians.

Has a basic level of education

This accusation comes because we reject evolution and reject it for good reason, by and large we are just as educated as anyone else.

Politically right-wing

Meh

Protests abortion clinics

All Christians are called to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Would the world object to us protesting outside of a temple of human sacrifice?

Proverbs 31:8-9
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves

Despises liberals

No we know that sadly many are headed for hell, so will try to set them right out of love because we desire no-one to fall under the wrath of God.

If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen

Proud gun owners

Meh

Loves hunting

Prefer fishing

NZ Kingfish are Awesome - YouTube

Belong to churches that have only one race (white)

Fundy does not equal KKK
We have only one race, the Human race

dc Talk-Colored People - YouTube

Takes every word in the Bible literally

Yes but not letterism as is incorrectly ascribed to this.

Thinks political correctness has indeed gone mad

Don't we all?

Would it be fair to say that if a Christian identified with those traits/labels or stereotypes, it would be fair to label them a fundamentalist?

No, it is only fair to apply one trait, taking the Bible and God seriously.

Do you actually think fundamentalists are off-putting or in someway discredit or embarrass Christendom? (I appreciate I wouldn't expect anyone to say yes to that)

No, I think nutbars are, like that guy who killed all those people in denmark, or those whackos who protest at military funerals.

Also the single most reason for the cause of atheism is those who profess Christ with their lips and deny Him by their lifestyle.

 

[miamited]

Hi nr,

I consider myself a fundamentalist as regards the truth of the Scriptures, but honestly I'm not sure that's what 'fundamentalist' is referring to in these threads. However, to answer some of the issues you brought about let me first say that Jesus has warned us that we are to remember that when they hate us, they hated him first.

I was sharing with someone on these boards just the other day regarding the 'Allah is the same god as the God of Israel'. That just can't be true because the teachings of the koran teach that God has no Son, that Jesus did not die for our sins nor was he resurrected to life. Therefore the god of Islam cannot possibly be the same God who has a Son who's name is Jesus who died for our sin and was resurrected to life. The two positions are logically incompatible.

Now, I don't bring that up to restart that discussion but merely to say that this person I was sharing with identified themself as a christian, but it certainly was obvious to me that he was teaching a different gospel, or certianly approving of a different gospel, and leading both believers in the one true God and believers in Islam astray with his false agreement that the two gods are one and the same. As a fundamentalist I don't hate this person in any way, but neither do I stand with him as a brother in Christ. This is one of the reasons that you give that we are disliked. We stand on the truth of the Scriptures delivered to us from God through the hands of His people, Israel. And we are not in agreement with many who claim even faith in that same God. So, we are naturally disliked now not only by those of other faiths, but also by those who claim to share our own faith. However, I rest assured that Jesus claim that many who call him Lord, Lord will be found unknown to him, is certainly and as surely a true prophecy as any of the other prophecies of the Scriptures. Therefore, I understand that there are some, possibly many among us, who are unknown to the Lord. So, just a brief explanation of why fundamentalists are often disliked.

Now, many fundamentalists feel that it is their mission in life to 'make' everyone else live righteously. I don't. I understand that the command of the Lord and the teachings of the new covenant Scriptures is that we must speak and teach the truth, but whether anyone else accepts that truth is up to them and not my responsibility to 'force' any belief upon others.

The issue that you bring up about abortion clinics is one of these issues. We should not, as born again believers, be up in peoples faces about sin or the practice thereof. If the Lord should open an opportunity for us to witness to someone who is considering an abortion, then we should surely make use of that opportunity, but I can't find any Scriptures of the new covenant that teaches any practice of gathered civil rebuke of people's sin. As a matter of fact, Paul cautions us to always remember that we were once just like them and so we must speak in love, compassion and patience regarding such issues.

Intolerant of others (especially minority groups)

Surely there are those who may practice this, but I don't find it an acceptable practice. I strive to remove race or ethnic bigotry in all of my evangelistic work. A person is a person no matter any of these issues. They have feelings and a spirit that God cares about no matter what race or minority group to which they might identify.

Struggles with Biblical interpretation and analysis

Yes, I find that fundamentalists do 'struggle' with others over biblical intepretation and analysis, but then Paul and all the letters of the new covenant Scriptures and even Jesus himself pointed out 'wrong' thinking that people had regarding the truth of God's word.

Has a basic level of education

Maybe, but certainly as much education as any of the first disciples. Worldly education and wisdom is not necessarily a good thing. After all, it teaches that theories such as evolution and trillion year old universe are truths, while the Scriptures clearly say that they aren't.

Politically right-wing

This also may be true of some, but I tend to stay clear of most political practices. Most would say that that is un-american, but I'm not a citizen of the United States, I'm a citizen of the kingdom of God and as far as I can tell there are no elections in God's kingdom. He is the supreme and everlasting ruler and government. If we desire to change things politically in His kingdom then we probably won't end up there.

Despises liberals

I don't 'despise' liberals, but neither am I in agreement with most of what they believe.

Proud gun owners

I wouldn't own a firearm if it was given to me. I have never and don't intend to ever own a firearm. If I die at the hands of someone who has one, then so be it. It will only be a death in this word and Jesus again taught that we are not to hold any fear of those who can take only our life and nothing more, but to fear the one who can not only take our life, but cast our souls into the pit.

Loves hunting

I went hunting once as a young son with my father and honestly I was bored to death. Never ever been since.

Belong to churches that have only one race (white)

No, I worship in a fellowship that has attendance of several races, although, since moving from Miami to South Caroling I have found that the races do tend to worship among their own kind. I think that's terribly sad. I'm glad that my 'indoctrination' into a worship fellowship was in Miami where the fellowship in which I worshiped rather prided themselves on having, I think, about 68 different races and nationalities represented among us.

Takes every word in the Bible literally

Yes!!!!! It is our belief that the whole of the Scriptures were written by the Spirit of God through the hands of His people Israel. It is, according to Paul, the chief reason that God called Abraham and established the nation of Israel. He says that they were entrusted with the oracles of God. If, what we believe about the Scriptures is true, that they came not from the mind of any man, but from the Spirit of God, then why would there be any error. God is perfect in His wisdom and knowledge of all things.

Thinks political correctness has indeed gone mad

Yes.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

 

[nChrist]

Stereotypes are generally grossly wrong - even if portions of the description fit some people of the group being made fun of. First, there is nothing wild, radical, or violent about being a fundamentalist. These things would disqualify someone of being a fundamentalist. This in one form or another has been discussed here numerous times, so we have Statement of faith that I'll quote with some additional information I added for explanation.
__________

The "Five Solas" are commonly associated with Fundamentalist Christianity.

1 - Sola Scriptura: The Scripture Alone is the Standard


Psalms 138:2 KJV I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 KJV But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.


2 - Soli Deo Gloria! For the Glory of God Alone


1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Peter 4:11 KJV If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Revelation 1:6 KJV And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:21 KJV Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Revelation 7:12 KJV Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Romans 11:36 KJV For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

1 Chronicles 16:23-31 KJV 23 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation. 24 Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. 25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens. 27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place. 28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. 30 Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.


3 - Solo Christo! By Christ's Work Alone are We Saved


1 Timothy 2:5-6 KJV For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Colossians 1:13-18 KJV Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

Acts 4:12 KJV Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.


4 - Sola Gratia: Salvation by Grace Alone


Ephesians 1:6-8 KJV To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Titus 3:4-7 KJV But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Romans 5:15 KJV But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.


5 - Sola Fide: Justification by Faith Alone


Galatians 3:6-11 KJV Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

Romans 5:1-2 KJV Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

_________________________________________
International Testimony To An Infallible Bible
ITIB Statement of Faith
Quoted:

WE BELIEVE

A FUNDAMENTALIST IS A BORN-AGAIN BELIEVER IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO:

1. Maintains an immovable allegiance to the inerrant, infallible, and verbally inspired Bible;
2. Believes that whatever the Bible says is so;
3. Judges all things by the Bible and is judged only by the Bible;
4. Affirms the foundational truths of the historic Christian Faith:
* The doctrine of the Trinity,
* The incarnation, virgin birth, substitutionary atonement, bodily resurrection and glorious ascension, and Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ,
* The new birth through regeneration by the Holy Spirit,
* The resurrection of the saints to life eternal,
* The resurrection of the ungodly to final judgment and eternal death,
* The fellowship of the saints, who are the body of Christ;
5. Practices fidelity to that Faith and endeavors to preach it to every creature;
6. Exposes and separates from all ecclesiastical denial of that Faith, compromise with error, and apostasy from the Truth; and
7. Earnestly contends for the Faith once delivered.

The Committee on the Definition of Fundamentalism

Bob Jones III
Jack P. Manly
Ian R.K. Paisley
David D. Yearick
_________________________________________

Thus a Fundamentalist can be from quite a few Protestant denominations, even nondenominational. Those that defer to a view that sacred tradition is equal to scripture (not sola scriptura) would not. For more information, see Fundamentalism. This link was quoted above.

 

[tyronem]

Stereotypes are generally grossly wrong - even if portions of the description fit some people of the group being made fun of. First, there is nothing wild, radical, or violent about being a fundamentalist. These things would disqualify someone of being a fundamentalist. This in one form or another has been discussed here numerous times, so we have Statement of faith that I'll quote with some additional information I added for explanation.

Nice post

 

[non-religious]

Hi,

Interesting responses. I wasn't interested in a definition of fundamentalism. I could just as easily look in a dictionary or read your statement of faith. My question was specifically aimed at how or why many people, both inside or outside the faith, are quick to label any Christian who makes an outlandish statement or acts in a "crazy" manner a fundamentalist.

Many Christians susbscribe to a literal interpretation of scripture, many Christians have a hard time understanding science or have a basic level of education. However, when a pastor threatens to burn the Koran or when American Christians are passionately in support of the state of Isreal, to the point of obsession, fundamentalism takes on a whole new meaning. A meaning, I would suggest, that does have negative consequences for all Christians.

I have the upmost respect for those who do not compromise their beliefs, but I do believe that when one adds the word fundamentalist to the end of a specific faith, it generates a number of negative connotations. Was Jesus a fundamentalist?

*I obviously used some of those stereotypes to make the point. Again, I'm not trying to offend

 

[nChrist]

non-religious

Hi,

Interesting responses. I wasn't interested in a definition of fundamentalism. I could just as easily look in a dictionary or read your statement of faith. My question was specifically aimed at how or why many people, both inside or outside the faith, are quick to label any Christian who makes an outlandish statement or acts in a "crazy" manner a fundamentalist.

Maybe you don't realize that you're making a circular argument that doesn't make sense. You can't get away from the definition for this very reason. If a person misappropriately calls someone a fundamentalist, true fundamentalism isn't a part of that issue. The same would be true of any tag or label that DOESN'T FIT.

 

[non-religious]

[357magnum]

Maybe you don't realize that you're making a circular argument that doesn't make sense. You can't get away from the definition for this very reason. If a person misappropriately calls someone a fundamentalist, true fundamentalism isn't a part of that issue. The same would be true of any tag or label that DOESN'T FIT.

I think you're splitting hairs here. Perhaps you have never heard anyone refer to a Christian who has acted inappropriately as a fundamentalist. I have and increasingly do. I was only interested in peoples responses as to why fundamentalists have, in some instances, a bad name. I can only assume, given your responses, my question isn't applicable to you. Fair play, but thanks anyway..

 

[Hentenza]

Hi

I'm not here to bash or criticize your fundamentalist tendancies. I'm just genuingely interested in hearing why you think so many people find your "brand" of Christianity so off putting. Stereotypes are used by individuals who lack both the vocabulary and sophistication to make a cogent or coherent argument. Having said that, I just want to put out a couple of common stereotypes, associated with fundamentalists, to see if you believe thay have any credence.

They don't. Folks merely import their own emotions into the word apart from what fundamentalist actually means. Look at this forum's SoP to get an idea.

Intolerant of others (especially minority groups)

Nope. God created all of us.

Struggles with Biblical interpretation and analysis

Nope. I love hermeunetics.

Has a basic level of education

Nope. I have a bachelors and a masters in electrical engineering as well as a degree in English.

Politically right-wing

Not really. I am not democrat though.

Protests abortion clinics

Don;t like them but never have been to one.

Despises liberals

Nope. God told us to teach and rebuke with patience and love.

Proud gun owners

I have a few and so does my liberal, atheist neighbor.

Loves hunting

I live in Texas. Of course I do.

Belong to churches that have only one race (white)

Nope. My church has a variety of races including African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and others.

Takes every word in the Bible literally

Nobody takes every word of the bible literally. The bible is written with a variety of literary devices including allegory. I do believe that every word in scripture has a purpose and is there for a reason (plenary inspiration).

Thinks political correctness has indeed gone mad

You don't?

Would it be fair to say that if a Christian identified with those traits/labels or stereotypes, it would be fair to label them a fundamentalist?

Nope. Folks identify with many things. Lumping all under a defined group of arbitrary traits is not a good thing.

Do you actually think fundamentalists are off-putting or in someway discredit or embarrass Christendom? (I appreciate I wouldn't expect anyone to say yes to that)

No. I believe that those that remove God from scripture in favor of naturalistic priories are an embarrassment to Christianity.

Would love to hear your thoughts

Was this for a project or just for your curiosity?

BTW- Why is your username "non-religious"?

 

[MatthewDiscipleofGod]

Hi,
No, I think nutbars are, like that guy who killed all those people in denmark, or those whackos who protest at military funerals.

The Denmark shooter was an evolutionist. While we are at it so was Hitler. Also, the combine shooters were evolutionists. Maybe evolutionists are the real whackos.

 

[a pilgrim]

Every group, liberal, conservative, and everything in between, have those who are an embarassment to the movement because their individual belief. Then there are those who "learn" some negative tendancies from the leadership and the philosophy of that sub-group.

Having said that, many that are "outside" of those considered "fundamentalist," cannot appreciate them because of the strong stand they take on issues, after all, they have returned to the "fundamentals" of the faith and are not budging. This is not bad. But we live in a day, when things like political correctness, and it's similar characteristics that try to make headway into Christendom, cannot handle those who say, in the words of Martin Luther: "Here I stand, I can do ought else, so help me, God!"

"Fundamentalist" is sometimes the phrase used by those who say there are not absolutes, (which of course is an absolute statement.) In a world that sometimes feels threatened by absolutes, and stands under the banner, JUDGE NOT, those who feel secure in the, "THUS SAITH THE LORD" statements of scripture, look oppressive, and must be dealt with.

So, what to do? If you cannot deny the "truth" the, thus said, "fundamentalist" stands on, you scorn HIM, the fundamentalist. You attack him and everyone like him and shower him with stereotypes. Those who also feel threatened by absolutes of fundamentalism, jump in and join by throwing rocks at the individuals, since they cannot unseat the TRUTH.

Jesus phrased it like this:

John 15
[17] These things I command you, that ye love one another.

Jesus prefaces his teaching with the attitude we should have as his disciples. Never take offense, love, one another, and your enemy also.

[18] If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
[19] If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
[20] Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

True Christianity will be persecuted by those who in deed, hate Christ and his aims.

[21] But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.
[22] If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.

There's the clincher. That's what really gets to them. When we stand on the verity of God's word, we are at some point, going to point out sin. In our life, in their life, in everyone's life. If one is not DEALING with sin, i.e., repentance, then they become hypersensative to sin, and attack the messenger.
[23] He that hateth me hateth my Father also.

In doing so, they reveal the root, they know not the Father, yea, they hate him.

John 3
[18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
[19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
[20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

A fundamentalist CANNOT condemn you, he can convict you, but he cannot condemn you. Only one can condemn, that is the Lord. The fudamentalist believes that book that he holds in his hands is TRUE, every word of it. And indeed it is! When the book is used in an authoritative manner, those who walk in darkness, feeling the condemnation of God, HAVE to attack, or repent. It's that simple.

So, in conclusion, a fundamentalist, is not actually the member of some party, they've "come up with" but is one who has decided where he is going to stand when it comes to the seriousness and verity of God's word, his commands, his holiness, and his mission, namely, to save and change men into the image of his son, Jesus Christ, the Righteous.

My two cents worth.

Ben

 

[Nstott]

Fundamental Christian belief is based on the word of God being inspired by God. Then we were taught it contained God's Word. The hair splitting became a point of division so those who believed in the inspiration of God's word retreated into literalism i.e. every word must be read and acted upon literally which is actually poor theology. What we all must do is read the word of God as it was intended as inspired by God, which is presented to us as history, as poetry, as prophecy, as wisdom, as inspiration, as teaching.
Unfortunately, legalism has got mixed up in this right reading of the word and therefore gives us Bible believing folk a bad name.

 

[nChrist]

AND, it should be known that LEGALISTS are NOT FUNDAMENTALISTS.

 

[Faith.Man]

Hi

I'm not here to bash or criticize your fundamentalist tendancies. I'm just genuingely interested in hearing why you think so many people find your "brand" of Christianity so off putting. Stereotypes are used by individuals who lack both the vocabulary and sophistication to make a cogent or coherent argument. Having said that, I just want to put out a couple of common stereotypes, associated with fundamentalists, to see if you believe thay have any credence.

Intolerant of others (especially minority groups)
Struggles with Biblical interpretation and analysis
Has a basic level of education
Politically right-wing
Protests abortion clinics
Despises liberals
Proud gun owners
Loves hunting
Belong to churches that have only one race (white)
Takes every word in the Bible literally
Thinks political correctness has indeed gone mad

Would it be fair to say that if a Christian identified with those traits/labels or stereotypes, it would be fair to label them a fundamentalist?

Do you actually think fundamentalists are off-putting or in someway discredit or embarrass Christendom? (I appreciate I wouldn't expect anyone to say yes to that)

Would love to hear your thoughts

Intolerant of others (especially minority groups) -Definitely not true, in reality, the opposite is true.
Struggles with Biblical interpretation and analysis - Again, just the opposite. Fundamentalist generally search the scriptures for the truth.
Has a basic level of education - BS in Mechanical Engineering plus some Post-Graduate Studies.
Politically right-wing - True for me, but I cannot speak for others.
Protests abortion clinics- Never protested abortion clinics, but I support those that do.
Despises liberals - Not at all. I am frustrated by their lack of hunger for the truth of God's word. I do not like all the twisting of scriptures they practice to justify their own actions.
Proud gun owners - I am a gun owner, but not all Fundamentalists are.
Loves hunting - Don't hunt or fish, but that's just me.
Belong to churches that have only one race (white) - All the church's I've ever been a part of have been multi-ethnic.
Takes every word in the Bible literally - Yes but, we all interpret scripture a little differently. There's probably no two of us that agree 100% of the time.
Thinks political correctness has indeed gone mad - Yes, pretty much.

Would it be fair to say that if a Christian identified with those traits/labels or stereotypes, it would be fair to label them a fundamentalist? - No. I call and think of myself as a Fundamentalist and only agree with some of your stereotypical descriptions.

Do you actually think fundamentalists are off-putting or in someway discredit or embarrass Christendom? (I appreciate I wouldn't expect anyone to say yes to that) - No. The opposite is true. Fundamentalists are striving to please God, nothing more, nothing less.

 

[Publius]

I'm not here to bash or criticize your fundamentalist tendancies. I'm just genuingely interested in hearing why you think so many people find your "brand" of Christianity so off putting.

For two reasons. First, if they're unsaved, then they fall into that category Jesus said would hate us simply because we follow Him.


The second is that the media has orchestrated a pretty good smear campaign against us.


Ever notice on TV when a clergyman is Catholic, it's all smiles and "God bless you, my child". But when a fundamentalist is portrayed (or any conservative Christian, really), they're always creepy guys who lock children up in the basement and beat them for some perceived sin.


Just last night, we watched an episode of the Waltons where John Ritter played what was presumably a fundamentalist preacher. He was angry, judgemental, rude, and hypocritical and, frankly, not very bright. In real life, he would have been tossed out of any fundamentalist church I know of for his behavior.


I can think of four or five law and order shows that center around Hollywood stereotypes of fundamentalists and none of them are portrayed accurately or fairly.


Saw Harry's Law the other night and the story was about this kid from a fundamentalist church and everybody in the church was lying and manipulative. Incidentally, the plot centered around his desire to go to Harvard Divinity School (a place no fundamentalist would be caught dead in, and would most likely not accept a fundamentalist in the first place).


Contrast that with the Bing Crosby/Barry Sullivan/Father Mulcahy portrayal of priests, and the relatively positive portrayal of other religions. I honestly can't remember when I saw a fundamentalist portrayed positively on TV.

Intolerant of others (especially minority groups)

Nope.

Struggles with Biblical interpretation and analysis

Depends what you mean by "struggles". There are some passages that present challenges, but they're usually resolved with a little homework.


I think it should be noted that some of the finest theologians and thinkers in Christianity today are fundamentalists.

Has a basic level of education

I have two grad degrees and am currently working on a third. But then, I'm a nerd and I just like going to school.


It's been my experience in my twenty some odd years as a fundamentalist that the level of education in fundamentalist circles is roughly the same as the general population.

Politically right-wing

I am. Where else would we go? Would the left really be accepting of us? Do liberals and Democrats really want pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, homesexuality is a sin, Creationist, Bible believing, Jesus is the only name under Heaven by which men may be saved, fundamentalists?


Remember Bob Casey, governor or Pennsylvania? Not a terrible governor. He was a Democrat. Big pro-union guy. Pretty much on board with the Democrat ideology.


But he was pro-life and, despite all of the years as a good soldier, all of his work for left wing ideology, that was enough to make him anathema to the left.

Protests abortion clinics

I did when I was younger. Now, I realize that's counter-productive.

Despises liberals

Nope. I despise liberalism, but there are some liberals I like very much.

Proud gun owners

Yep.

Loves hunting

...and fishing.

Belong to churches that have only one race (white)

I believe we do pretty well, given that our area doesn't have a very large minority population.

In our area, the only real minority group we have is Hispanic migrant workers, who tend to be Catholic, not fundamentalist.

I think you have to remember, though, that there are cultural considerations that affect this, too.

Black people, for instance, are more likely to be drawn to pentecostal or WoF churches. Other than Voddie Baucham, Shai Linne (who, technically is not a theologian, but who's songs include so much theology, I felt I should include him) and the guy on White Horse Inn, who's name escapes me at the moment, I can't even think of any black fundamentalist or reformed theologians.

The lack of black theologians is an issue that's discussed on various Christian radio programs every now and then, but I've never heard an answer I found satisfying.

Takes every word in the Bible literally

At the risk of sounding Clinton-esque, it depends on what your definition of "literally" is and what your definition of "every word" is.


Is every word of the Bible to be taken literally? Only if you believe Jesus is a giant chicken (Matthew 23:37) or a large piece of wood one places over the entrance to their home (John 10:9). We understand that these things are metaphors, but that the concepts behind them are literal. Jesus really does long for Jerusalem and He really is the key to salvation.


The Bible uses metaphors, similes, parables, poetic language, etc to illustrate real truths.


Now, that having been said, if you're asking if I think there was a literal six day creation, a literal flood, that a guy literally got swallowed by a literal whale, etc, then, yes, I do.

Thinks political correctness has indeed gone mad

That's not just fundamentalists. Everybody I know believes that.

Would it be fair to say that if a Christian identified with those traits/labels or stereotypes, it would be fair to label them a fundamentalist?

No. Fundamentalism is defined by adherence to certain theological principles. Except for your last question, everything you described are cultural things.

Do you actually think fundamentalists are off-putting or in someway discredit or embarrass Christendom?

Some, maybe, but I don't think any more than anybody else.

many Christians have a hard time understanding science

Was that really necessary? You do know that many of the most influential scientists were/are Christians, right?

 

[WannaWitness]

AND, it should be known that LEGALISTS are NOT FUNDAMENTALISTS.

That's exactly what I say. Real fundamentalism shouldn't be that hard to understand. It simply means one who takes the Word of God for what it is, and applies it his/her life as best they possibly can. However, when it comes to many of the commonly discussed issues (such as Bible versions, pants on women, music, what TV programs are suitable for Christian viewing, headcoverings, ministry methods, end-time views, and even politics), "fundies" (as we're not-so-affectionately called) do not think exactly alike, and vary in denomination and come from different walks of life, experiencing things in different ways. And I agree with the one poster on how movies have been known to portray fundamentalists in a negative way (from what I've seen so far, although there might be some exceptions I don't know about). But it is because they are being portrayed as prudes and militant legalists who hate everybody and outlaw anything remotely considered enjoyable. And there is a Website I found sometime back, called Landover Baptist (anyone ever heard of it?), which I thought was a real church with some really warped beliefs when I first saw it, until I did some browsing, and I found it to be quite offensive against Christianity, in general. Whoever started the site has it all wrong about what a fundamentalist is. Yes, I am sad that some people have had sour experiences in what was supposedly a fundamentalist church. But it is simply a case of letting a few rotten apples spoil the whole bunch.

 

[non-religious]

Interesting responses.

I guess for you guys the stereotypes don't fit and the negative view of the word fundamentalist is clearly coming from an uneducated (or ignorant) viewpoint. That's fair enough. I'm from England and perhaps my perception is somewhat different. I believe fundamentalism has slightly different connotations.

Thanks for responses. Godbless

 

[hedrick]

Note: I'm a mainline Christian, not a fundamentalist.

I've been around a while, and thus have had a lot of time to see Christians and how people react to them. There's a lot of paranoia about conservative Christians. They are by and large loving people, who are trying to follow Christ.

But I think reactions have gotten more negative in the last decade or so because of a couple of issues, stem-cell research and gays. I'm not just guessing. If you're interested in this issue, take a look at "unchristian", by David Kinnamon. Kinnamon is part of the Barna organization, which is an evangelical polling organization. This is a study of attitudes among those under 30 to Christianity. What they find is that while in the past not everyone has been Christian, generally non-Christians had moderately positive views of Christians. It was thought that Christians treated people well and were a positive force. That view is rapidly changing. [I should note that he does not identify stem-cells as an issue. I don't think it's important for most people. But I do think it may be behind many of the "new atheists."]

He outlines a number of causes, but in my opinion the two most important ones are stem-cell research and homosexuality. Note that the new-strident atheism seems to be led by people who are associated with biology. In the past they could regard Christians as deluded but largely harmless. However when it starts interfering both with their research and teaching, things change. There may be no alternative. There may be good reason to be concerned about what some scientists are doing, even if they don't like outside review. But I do think advocacy for atheism has been galvanized by the impression that Christians are interfering.

Among the population as a whole, I think homosexuality is more of an issue. Discussing the merits is a violation of CF rules, and I wouldn't advocate a liberal position in a conservative group anyway. I'm simply looking at why people view conservative Christians the way they do. Right or wrong, it's as if the civil rights movement had ended with Christians on the wrong side. Kinnamon's polling pretty much supports my opinion here, although he would disagree with my recommendation on what to do. He identies other issues as well, such as legalism. But I think many of those issues are closely associated with the approach to homosexuality.

Some of the viewpoints are paranoia, fueled by media that (as on every issue, not just religion) focus on extremes, giving the impression that they are typical. But there's a core of reaction that is based on genuine issues. It may be that Christ is calling us to accept this. But I do believe the consequences for the Church of being on the other side of the majority on homosexuality are going to be serious. A couple of sentences in the Constitution are not going to protect us forever if the culture as a whole comes to think of Christians as a bad influence on the society. Particuarly if extremist Islam starts being a problem within the US. While Christian fundamentalism and Islamic fundamentalism are quite different, if both are seen as threats to major American values, it will become all too easy to confuse them.

 

[nChrist]

Major American values do NOT view homosexuality as positive and normal. It wouldn't matter regardless. The Christian position should be a Bible Position, and the Bible position is bluntly and simply - homosexual acts are WRONG and SIN. The Bible position obviously hasn't changed, nor will it.

Being a real Christian isn't a popularity contest, a polling matter, or a majority rules issue. Being a real Christian is a personal issue and relationship with God with the Holy Bible as the ultimate authority. I'm sure that most have read in the Bible to not be conformed to this world. In other words, having a worldly position on homosexual acts is NOT a positive thing for a real Christian - fundamentalist or not.

====================

Genesis 18:19-23 KJV For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. 20 And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; 21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know. 22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD. 23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

Genesis 18:19-23 AMP For I have known (chosen, acknowledged) him [as My own], so that he may teach and command his children and the sons of his house after him to keep the way of the Lord and to do what is just and righteous, so that the Lord may bring Abraham what He has promised him. 20 And the Lord said, Because the shriek [of the sins] of Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is exceedingly grievous, 21 I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether [as vilely and wickedly] as is the cry of it which has come to Me; and if not, I will know. 22 Now the [two] men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. 23 And Abraham came close and said, Will You destroy the righteous (those upright and in right standing with God) together with the wicked?

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Genesis 19:4-7 KJV But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: 5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. 6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, 7 And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.

Genesis 19:4-7 AMP But before they lay down, the men of the city of Sodom, both young and old, all the men from every quarter, surrounded the house. 5 And they called to Lot and said, Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know (be intimate with) them. 6 And Lot went out of the door to the men and shut the door after him 7 And said, I beg of you, my brothers, do not behave so wickedly.

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Leviticus 18:22-25 KJV Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. 23 Neither shalt thou lie with any beast to defile thyself therewith: neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is confusion. 24 Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: 25 And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.

Leviticus 18:22-25 AMP You shall not lie with a man as with a woman; it is an abomination. [I Cor. 6:9, 10.] 23 Neither shall you lie with any beast and defile yourself with it; neither shall any woman yield herself to a beast to lie with it; it is confusion, perversion, and degradedly carnal. 24 Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, for in all these things the nations are defiled which I am casting out before you. 25 And the land is defiled; therefore I visit the iniquity of it upon it, and the land itself vomits out her inhabitants.

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Leviticus 20:13 KJV If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

Leviticus 20:13 AMP If a man lies with a male as if he were a woman, both men have committed an offense (something perverse, unnatural, abhorrent, and detestable); they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

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Romans 1:22-28 KJV Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

Romans 1:22-28 AMP Claiming to be wise, they became fools [professing to be smart, they made simpletons of themselves]. 23 And by them the glory and majesty and excellence of the immortal God were exchanged for and represented by images, resembling mortal man and birds and beasts and reptiles. 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their [own] hearts to sexual impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves [abandoning them to the degrading power of sin], 25 Because they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, Who is blessed forever! Amen (so be it). [Jer. 2:11.] 26 For this reason God gave them over and abandoned them to vile affections and degrading passions. For their women exchanged their natural function for an unnatural and abnormal one, 27 And the men also turned from natural relations with women and were set ablaze (burning out, consumed) with lust for one another--men committing shameful acts with men and suffering in their own bodies and personalities the inevitable consequences and penalty of their wrong-doing and going astray, which was [their] fitting retribution. 28 And so, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God or approve of Him or consider Him worth the knowing, God gave them over to a base and condemned mind to do things not proper or decent but loathsome,

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1 Corinthians 6:9 KJV Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

1 Corinthians 6:9 AMP Do you not know that the unrighteous and the wrongdoers will not inherit or have any share in the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived (misled): neither the impure and immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor those who participate in homosexuality,

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Ephesians 4:18-19 KJV Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Ephesians 4:18-19 AMP Their moral understanding is darkened and their reasoning is beclouded. [They are] alienated (estranged, self-banished) from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the ignorance (the want of knowledge and perception, the willful blindness) that is deep-seated in them, due to their hardness of heart [to the insensitiveness of their moral nature]. 19 In their spiritual apathy they have become callous and past feeling and reckless and have abandoned themselves [a prey] to unbridled sensuality, eager and greedy to indulge in every form of impurity [that their depraved desires may suggest and demand].

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Ephesians 5:11-12 KJV And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

Ephesians 5:11-12 AMP Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose and reprove and convict them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of or mention the things that [such people] practice in secret.

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1 Timothy 1:9-10 KJV Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;

1 Timothy 1:9-10 AMP Knowing and understanding this: that the Law is not enacted for the righteous (the upright and just, who are in right standing with God), but for the lawless and unruly, for the ungodly and sinful, for the irreverent and profane, for those who strike and beat and [even] murder fathers and strike and beat and [even] murder mothers, for manslayers, 10 [For] impure and immoral persons, those who abuse themselves with men, kidnapers, liars, perjurers--and whatever else is opposed to wholesome teaching and sound doctrine

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Jude 1:6-10 KJV And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. 10 But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

Jude 1:6-10 AMP And angels who did not keep (care for, guard, and hold to) their own first place of power but abandoned their proper dwelling place--these He has reserved in custody in eternal chains (bonds) under the thick gloom of utter darkness until the judgment and doom of the great day. 7 [The wicked are sentenced to suffer] just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the adjacent towns--which likewise gave themselves over to impurity and indulged in unnatural vice and sensual perversity--are laid out [in plain sight] as an exhibit of perpetual punishment [to warn] of everlasting fire. [ Gen. 19.] 8 Nevertheless in like manner, these dreamers also corrupt the body, scorn and reject authority and government, and revile and libel and scoff at [heavenly] glories (the glorious ones). 9 But when [even] the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, judicially argued (disputed) about the body of Moses, he dared not [presume to] bring an abusive condemnation against him, but [simply] said, The Lord rebuke you! [Zech. 3:2.] 10 But these men revile (scoff and sneer at) anything they do not happen to be acquainted with and do not understand; and whatever they do understand physically [that which they know by mere instinct], like irrational beasts--by these they corrupt themselves and are destroyed (perish).

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[Faith.Man]

Major American values do NOT view homosexuality as positive and normal. It wouldn't matter regardless. The Christian position should be a Bible Position, and the Bible position is bluntly and simply - homosexual acts are WRONG and SIN. The Bible position obviously hasn't changed, nor will it.

Being a real Christian isn't a popularity contest, a polling matter, or a majority rules issue. Being a real Christian is a personal issue and relationship with God with the Holy Bible as the ultimate authority. I'm sure that most have read in the Bible to not be conformed to this world. In other words, having a worldly position on homosexual acts is NOT a positive thing for a real Christian - fundamentalist or not.

====================

One of the problems is most so-called Christians don't read their Bible, at least, not in its entirety, in context. They willingly accept whatever their denomination tells them, or worse, what the main stream media tells them to believe in deference to what the words of God say. Some so-called Christians don't want to accept what God says, preferring the wisdom of man instead. Our position should be a Biblical position, as you state in your post.