instead of been so paranoid over religion why cant all religious people just use their faith traditions to liberate human beings rather than using it for paranoid purposes.
why cant people of all faiths find some common ground to unite? why dont they reject literalism and fundamentalism?
2006-07-10 00:03:53 · 10 answers · asked by s21181 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I believe its because fundamentalism is easier to grasp and hold on to. Much of the metaphorical implications in the bible or holy scripts are usually very hard to understand, have multiple meanings and aimed by an author to his target audience (for example, the four gospels of the Christian Bible are wirtten by different authors and are directed to four different target audiences at their own respective eras, hence the differences in the details). Therefore, its hard to create a unifying inference, everybody has different understanding of what they read, and have different opinions. Its easier for a religion to stay strong if they are unequivocal in faith. Thus, if everybody just take the word literally and just stick to the bible and kill their own views, its easier to establish a group of common believers.
2006-07-10 00:10:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The acceleration of change in recent history, leaves people feeling disconnected with the world. In Iran for example, the Shah had brought a bronze age society, kicking and screaming into a super-industrialized world. That society didn't go through all the changes the west did, it skipped a lot. An then it reached back to a saner, safer past, and brought back an exiled cleric to restore their past.
It was no coincidence that in America, Ronald Reagan would spearhead a return to conservatism movement. Pat Robertson was also on the rise.
At this moment, on this site, and possibly in this question, fundamentalists from both countries are challenging each other in a blind arena. Ironically, this is one of the fastest changing environments invented so far...
2006-07-10 00:20:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When someone says: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) it pretty much is an either/or proposition. You either believe him and accept him absolutely or you reject him absolutely.
Either Jesus was God or he wasn't. Either Jesus was telling the truth or he wasn't. Either way I have to believe the conclusion I come to literally and fundamentally. There is no wiggle room in this.
Sure you could take a few things he said and try to live by them but others have made good recommendations for how to live your life. If I just want to live a good life than I don't even need Jesus.
The point is that Jesus demands more. He demands that you go to God the Father through him and him alone. He demands that you believe in him and follow him specifically. Not him and a bunch of other religious/philosophical spokesmen for a worthwhile life, but him and Him only.
I'm telling you, you can sit around and contemplate your navel with your guru all you want, but as for me "Just give me Jesus!"
2006-07-10 00:23:39 · answer #3 · answered by Ellen J 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your understanding of fundamentalists as 'paranoid' shows a lack of understanding of what fundamentalism is. It means having fundamental principles that you are not willing to budge from. Its not a bad thing but is portrayed that way in the media. For example - if you would never cheat on or beat the person you are married to, no matter what situation, then you have fundamental principles in regards to marriage.
2006-07-10 00:16:39 · answer #4 · answered by h nitrogen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fundamentalist religions were created in the dark ages and that was perfectly fine as long as people were under control.
These times, with mass media and communications available - too much stimulation is available for oppressed people. More desperate measures are needed to keep them under control.
So condemnation, division and ego praising help these fundamentalist people under control.
Why? Because a lot of people live in misery and are born in misery and are still under the manipulation of religious leaders.
2006-07-10 00:13:41 · answer #5 · answered by Sarango 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What your saying sounds noble, but here is what is going on in Iraq.
We are there to liberate the Iraqi people from the crushing extremists who try to rule the people there.
Those same "crushing extremists" maintain that we are there to lead their people to live the godless, destructive life of the American infidels.
And that's just one example. It depends on ones point of view.
2006-07-10 00:24:08 · answer #6 · answered by nancy jo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Fundamentalist and, I'm not sure what you mean by " paranoid purposes."
2006-07-10 00:09:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure what you mean by "fundamentalist".
2006-07-10 00:15:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because everyone likes to say "im right" & "your going to hell.. i mean your wrong!"
2006-07-10 00:06:10 · answer #9 · answered by american_stallionn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
EGO.
2006-07-10 00:09:51 · answer #10 · answered by La_Vish 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋