What is a fundamentalist?

[Isaiah 53]

Greetings all!

As you may know I am a Southern Baptist but this question came up just recently. After 'lurking' here for awhile I notice a trend of 'anti-fundamentalism' here.

So, I was wondering; What is your definition of a fundamentalist? Where does this stem from, and what can I, as a self proclaimed fundamentalist, do to fix this perception?

Who knows, maybe I will discover that I am not a fundamentalist after all????

PEACE IN CHRIST!!

 

[isshinwhat]

As one who used to be a Protestant, I can assure you that the terms are used very differently by non-Fundamentalists and Fundamentalists. To a non-Fundamentalist, a "fundie" is one who arrogantly assumes the role of teacher in a discussion, hoping to teach those around them "the truth." They talk at you, rather than with you, and oftentimes seem distant when it is your turn to speak... Either that, or they wait until you state something they disagree with and then interrupt you. Basically, they do not listen and assume the ignorance of the party they are speaking to.

As Fundamentalists use the term, though, I do not believe a educated, godly non-Fundamentalist should have a problem with their belief on the Perfection of Christ and His Atoning Sacrifice, nor the inerrancy of the Bible.

I pray that I have somewhat lessened the ill-will that you have felt coming from this forum, in particular.

God Bless,

Neal

 

[Michelina]

The term derives from the fundamentals of the Christian Faith. With all the religious controversy and confusion of the 19th century, the need for a list of fundamentals was obvious. So some folks got together and agreed on five fundamentals. The list was then expanded to ten. Right, so far, brother Isaiah?

Would you tell us what they are?

Catholics dislike certain 'fundamentalists' who exhibit anti-Cath attitudes. I dislike that usage and try to correct it, but the use of the term 'fundamentalists' as meaning anti-Catholic or "crazy" is very popular. Sorry to say it, Isaiah.

 

[Godzman]

well I would say one who believes in the Fundamentals of the faith, but hey whats wrong with that???

 

[Isaiah 53]

The term derives from the fundamentals of the Christian Faith. With all the religious controversy and confusion of the 19th century, the need for a list of fundamentals was obvious. So some folks got together and agreed on five fundamentals. The list was then expanded to ten. Right, so far, brother Isaiah?

Would you tell us what they are?.

I have no earthly idea!!! I consider myself a fundamentalist because I believe in the inerrancy of the Bible, the Trinity, the Resurection of believers, eternal damnation for the non-believer, Salvation by faith alone, ect.

The same as I am sure you believe.

Catholics dislike certain 'fundamentalists' who exhibit anti-Cath attitudes. I dislike that usage and try to correct it, but the use of the term 'fundamentalists' as meaning anti-Catholic or "crazy" is very popular. Sorry to say it, Isaiah.

Hopefully, I can change the opinions of some here. Because I consider myself a fundamenatlist and 'go heels' with non-believers and cultist on the truth of Christianity; does not mean:

1) I am a bad guy or
2) I am anti-catholic


PEACE IN CHRIST!!!

 

[Isaiah 53]

As one who used to be a Protestant, I can assure you that the terms are used very differently by non-Fundamentalists and Fundamentalists. To a non-Fundamentalist, a "fundie" is one who arrogantly assumes the role of teacher in a discussion, hoping to teach those around them "the truth." They talk at you, rather than with you, and oftentimes seem distant when it is your turn to speak... Either that, or they wait until you state something they disagree with and then interrupt you. Basically, they do not listen and assume the ignorance of the party they are speaking to.

As Fundamentalists use the term, though, I do not believe a educated, godly non-Fundamentalist should have a problem with their belief on the Perfection of Christ and His Atoning Sacrifice, nor the inerrancy of the Bible.

I pray that I have somewhat lessened the ill-will that you have felt coming from this forum, in particular.

God Bless,

Neal

Thank you for the clarification. I do not feel any ill-will toward me in particular but somewhat toward protestants in general.

We belong to one body..all of us

PEACE IN CHRIST!!!

 

[Michelina]

I have no earthly idea!!! I consider myself a fundamentalist because I believe in the inerrancy of the Bible, the Trinity, the Resurection of believers, eternal damnation for the non-believer, Salvation by faith alone, ect. The same as I am sure you believe.Hopefully, I can change the opinions of some here. Because I consider myself a fundamenatlist and 'go heels' with non-believers and cultist on the truth of Christianity; does not mean: 1) I am a bad guy or 2) I am anti-catholic

Thanks for doing this, Isaiah.

 

[II Paradox II]

So, I was wondering; What is your definition of a fundamentalist? Where does this stem from, and what can I, as a self proclaimed fundamentalist, do to fix this perception?

The term has multiple meanings:

1) It can have a historical sense. Essentially the term came to describe conservative protestants in the 20's who were reacting against the encroaching liberalism in the mainline denominations. Unlike the modern stereotype, many of these people were highly educated people (a huge part of the movement was Princeton professors and students)

2) It can have several different perjorative senses.
2a) It can mean someone more conservtaive than you are
2b) It can mean someone who is closed minded
2c) It can be a reference to less educated people in certian parts of the country
2d) It can refer to conservative protestants, primarily baptists
2e) it can refer to someone who is rigid and unfriendly in proclaiming their beliefs
2f) It can refer to someone who rejects science and goes for "faith" instead.

ken

 

[Isaiah 53]

The term has multiple meanings:

1) It can have a historical sense. Essentially the term came to describe conservative protestants in the 20's who were reacting against the encroaching liberalism in the mainline denominations. Unlike the modern stereotype, many of these people were highly educated people (a huge part of the movement was Princeton professors and students)

2) It can have several different perjorative senses.
2a) It can mean someone more conservtaive than you are
2b) It can mean someone who is closed minded
2c) It can be a reference to less educated people in certian parts of the country
2d) It can refer to conservative protestants, primarily baptists
2e) it can refer to someone who is rigid and unfriendly in proclaiming their beliefs
2f) It can refer to someone who rejects science and goes for "faith" instead.

Normally though, it's just a put-down of some sort.

ken

Let me say that I do consider myself conservative in my beliefs. I disagree with a lot of 'mainstream' protestant--seeker friendly churches. But, again I do not consider myself 'better' then anyone. And I am certainly not anti-catholic!!

Thanks for doing this, Isaiah.

Thanks for taking the time to answer me!! God Bless!

PEACE IN CHRIST!!!

 

[Bastoune]

As one who used to be a Protestant, I can assure you that the terms are used very differently by non-Fundamentalists and Fundamentalists. To a non-Fundamentalist, a "fundie" is one who arrogantly assumes the role of teacher in a discussion, hoping to teach those around them "the truth." They talk at you, rather than with you, and oftentimes seem distant when it is your turn to speak... Either that, or they wait until you state something they disagree with and then interrupt you. Basically, they do not listen and assume the ignorance of the party they are speaking to.

As Fundamentalists use the term, though, I do not believe a educated, godly non-Fundamentalist should have a problem with their belief on the Perfection of Christ and His Atoning Sacrifice, nor the inerrancy of the Bible.

I pray that I have somewhat lessened the ill-will that you have felt coming from this forum, in particular.

God Bless,

Neal

Isaiah53:

I agree with Neal's definition here. You and I agree in the "fundamentals" of the faith, otherwise we wouldn't be Christian. Yet when you see the term used here, it's a term for those beligerent people who reflect the attitude of the Pharisees of old...

TIM

 

[LuxPerpetua]

We belong to one body..all of us

PEACE IN CHRIST!!!

Off topic from the thread but: This is exactly how I feel, which means that I don't fit in with either most Protestants or most Catholics. I simply consider myself Christian--but it's lonely being in the demilitarized zone. I think it has become part of our cultural fabric that if you are Protestant you think Catholics are misinformed and legalistic and likewise for Catholics--so each has a kneejerk reaction against the other based on past misunderstandings and antagonism, which is only fueled by our unwillingness to celebrate our common ground. This is rhetorical but, can't we all just find unity in Christ and rejoice in our love for Him together?

***butting out now***

 

[Bastoune]

Off topic from the thread but: This is exactly how I feel, which means that I don't fit in with either most Protestants or most Catholics. I simply consider myself Christian--but it's lonely being in the demilitarized zone. I think it has become part of our cultural fabric that if you are Protestant you think Catholics are misinformed and legalistic and likewise for Catholics--so each has a kneejerk reaction against the other based on past misunderstandings and antagonism, which is only fueled by our unwillingness to celebrate our common ground. This is rhetorical but, can't we all just find unity in Christ and rejoice in our love for Him together?

***butting out now***

Very well stated... (don't butt out for long! Welcome!)

 

[Isaiah 53]

Isaiah53:

I agree with Neal's definition here. You and I agree in the "fundamentals" of the faith, otherwise we wouldn't be Christian. Yet when you see the term used here, it's a term for those beligerent people who reflect the attitude of the Pharisees of old...

TIM

Well I can see your view, but I hope you understand that I am defining fundamentalist in a different view. I see it as one who, as you said, sticks to the fundamental truth of the Word and defends it without compromise.

PEACE IN CHRIST!!!

 

[Isaiah 53]

Off topic from the thread but: This is exactly how I feel, which means that I don't fit in with either most Protestants or most Catholics. I simply consider myself Christian--but it's lonely being in the demilitarized zone. I think it has become part of our cultural fabric that if you are Protestant you think Catholics are misinformed and legalistic and likewise for Catholics--so each has a kneejerk reaction against the other based on past misunderstandings and antagonism, which is only fueled by our unwillingness to celebrate our common ground. This is rhetorical but, can't we all just find unity in Christ and rejoice in our love for Him together?

***butting out now***

Your not all alone in the DMZ!

PEACE IN CHRIST!!!

 

[LuxPerpetua]

Your not all alone in the DMZ!

PEACE IN CHRIST!!!

Yay I have company!

****

And thanks, Bastoune, for the welcome! That means a lot!

 

[Veritas]

Well I can see your view, but I hope you understand that I am defining fundamentalist in a different view. I see it as one who, as you said, sticks to the fundamental truth of the Word and defends it without compromise.

PEACE IN CHRIST!!!

I think you do define Fundamentalist in a different way than it is commonly thought of. Fundamentalism as has been pointed out, is a specific movement rooted in a list of "fundamentals" and also an attitude, which thankfully you don't exhibit. I use to have friend that was SDA and would refer to her church as "fundamentalist". SDA's however, have some rather unorthodox doctrines which any mainstream fundy (not meant as prejorative) would not agree with. So I guess that people seem to define it however they choose and ascribe the term to their set of beliefs. When you get right down to it, a conservative, faithful Catholic could rightly call him/herself "Fundamentalist" since they would believe the fundamentals of the faith. Don't take it too seriously when we here seem to cast a negative light on the term; we have a different type of person in mind (not like you).

 

[Christy4Christ]

One thing though...we don't believe in "saved by faith alone" not to my knowledge anyway..

 

[Michelina]

...Don't take it too seriously when we here seem to cast a negative light on the term; we have a different type of person in mind (not like you).

Isaiah, I am very "fundamentalist" in many ways and feel more comfortable with 'fundamentalist' friends than I do with any 'cafeteria catholic' (i.e. a cath who picks and chooses what he believes acc. to his own preferences).

 

[ufonium2]

Speaking as a Southerner, when we refer to someone as a "fundie" it's almost always supposed to mean a Pharisee. Fundamentalists don't just believe in what we would consider the fundamentals: Christ's resurrection, the Trinity, etc. Their core beliefs also include that drinking in any form is a sin, that women should dress a certain way (long skirts and hair, etc) KJV-onlyism, and that the man is always the "spiritual head" of the household. Some of the major Fundamentalist branches also reject the Trinity, which would seem contra to the term "fundamentalist," but I digress.

Back to my Pharisee comment, you can hold these beliefs and not be a "fundie." You cross the line into Fundiedom (new word) when you believe everyone who doesn't hold the beliefs is unsaved, and you tell them that to their face every day. It's very much a Holier-than-thou attitude. A very wise relative of mine once said of them: "All the not-drinking in the world doesn't make up for being a jerk to everyone who doesn't go to your church."

There's also a lot of anti-Catholicism in these groups (think Jack Chick) and also a rejection of anything liturgical or traditional in nature. The only time I've ever actually heard the phrase "harlot of Babylon" it was from a Fundamentalist.

So, I think it's important to realize that believing in the fundamentals of your faith and being a traditionalist doesn't make you a "fundamentalist" the way Americans use the word. On a side note, I think it's funny that we use the term "Fundamentalist" for some of the newest sects out there.

 

[Hoonbaba]

I think Ufonium hit the nail very accurately. Some seem to have a distinction between fundamentalists and protestants. But fundamentalists tend to be more on the ultra right side when it comes to drinking, wearing certain clothes, KJV-onlyists, etc.

For the most part, fundamentalists are called fundamentalists because they believe in the fundamentals of the faith: salvation by grace, trinity, and all the other doctrines laid out in the creeds.

But already mentioned, Catholics don't believe in salvation by faith alone.....but we do acknowledge grace alone. There's a distinction to be made, and I think some Catholics would disagree with me because of the terminology. But I'm Catholic and I do believe in grace alone. I'll stop there.

-Jason