Do fundamentalist really have faith in God? If so, then why are they afraid of people questioning their...?

Question

...religion?

Well, there's prejudging and judging, just like there's arrogance and confidence, the only thing that separates the two is knowledge. Education is important, just like faith, you can and should have both. Why then do some Christians fear science and open-minded or free discussion? They are the ones without faith, I believe, as Jesus said oh ye of little faith, because they do not trust God to always have the answers, for there are as many answers as there are questions, as they say, so I ask, where is your faith fear-oriented or fundamental Christians, where is YOUR faith?

PS

I'm sorry if this question comes off harsh, but I am sick of being told at times that I'm not a real Christian because I have doubts and questions and I use my God given mind to find the answers as best I can. I have been afraid to call myself Christian for a long time because I did not want to be lumped in with these prejudges people.

Answer 1

We all have doubts and that makes you human. It does not make you not a Christian. The greatest saints had moments of doubt. Some even doubted for years. Not all Christians fear science or knowledge. Take heart. Knowledge is not inherently good or evil it's how you use it. I believe that God gave us the ability to question and the intellect to learn for a reason. Like all parents He wants you to learn and He wants you to think. I commend you for learning. Keep studying it is a lifelong experience. But then I am not a Fundamentalist. I am a Catholic.
Peace of Christ,
Debra

Answer 2

Actually, I'm what you would probably call a "Fundamentalist Christian" and I have no problem with honest questions (and I can take a few smart-mouth ones as well if I am in a good mood).

I took a lot of time and effort to find my own answers, and I don't mind sharing my knowledge. I get annoyed, however, when someone asks a silly question, that can be easily answered by looking at the footnotes in any cheap Bible, like they are soooo clever and they stumped everyone.

People have been asking and answering these same questions for over 2000 years. Why do some people seem to assume that they are the first person to realize, say for example, that the genealogy of Jesus given in Matthew is different than the genealogy of Jesus given in Luke, and that they assume that all Christians everywhere are going to abandon their faith as a result of something that is so blatantly obvious that it must have an explanation somewhere (Like on the Internet, perhaps? Did no one ever hear of Goggle?)?

Forgive my ranting. I just had to get something off my chest.

Answer 3

As a devout christian fundamentalist conservative, I have nothing wrong with people questioning christianity.
But when someone attacks my faith or me personally I will naturally be offended.

Like some others have stated many christians use science to prove the Bible. God is the Creator right? He created everything. Even the laws of the universe. And all science is is the study of the world around us.

When people try to tell me that the Bible is wrong and that I am stupid for believing it I get upset. When people write books and make so called Documentaries attempted to disprove christianity I get upset. Because I know the Bible is true.

But there may be others who don't understand the Bible as much as they should. Their faith may be weak. They may see their so called evidence or proof of the Bible's innacuracy and they may end up leaving the church or never getting saved to begin with.
Think about it.

Our job as christians is to spread the Word. To reach out to the world and attempt to lead as many people as possible to Jesus Christ.
And those people hurt our cause by causing people to doubt too much. Which would make it harder for us to reach them.

But it is ok for you to have doubts.
As long as those doubts lead you to research your faith more. To make you a stronger believer.
It doesn't do much good to claim to be a christian if you don't understand why or what it means to be a christian.

I am all for friendly intelligent discussions. Not only between fellow christians. But also between different denominations and faiths. It doesn't hurt at all to have a firmer foundation for your beliefs and faith after comparing it to other beliefs.

To understand more about what you believe and why you believe a certain way can only help you.
Those people who don't want people questioning their faith are probably just weak in their faith. Don't be turned off by them. Just pray for them.

And like I always say for every christian, is another denomination. People have differences in beliefs even within your local church.

So please do not be afraid to call yourself a christian. Be proud of the fact that God has saved you and is on your side.

edit: I would be happy to help you if you have any questions.

Answer 4

Well, I for one am not afraid of questions, just be prepared to hear in some instances that the bible does not go into detail.

If the bible was to include all things that anyone would ever ask, it would be bigger than my house at the very least.

But I have studied much of the bible in detail, and am not afraid to say that I do not understand parts of the writings and also do not understand all things.

Science has never frightened me.

I am also not afraid to call myself a Christian. When speaking or writing to someone, you will be able to tell if they have truely read the bible or if they are simply quoting particular verses, which I really do not like to do, but have done when needed. I much prefer to read at least the entire chapter involved with a certain verse.

God never got mad at anyone in the bible for asking a question, but then again, he knew if the question was from the heart of wanting to understand or if it was from doubt and trickery.
We do not get that same ability (would be nice though)

His answers were always given according to the persons heart, which is why you see him a bit harsh with some, and softer with others.

Answer 5

It goes back to evolution. People of (fundamentalist) faith sometimes see scientists as people who are trying to destroy their faith, with proof. Fundamentalists believe that "...faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen."
There are many scientists who have a deep faith in God, just as there are many, many Christians who are fascinated with anything relating to how and why the earth does what it does, and why there are dinosaur bones, etc. Many people in both groups have love and respect for the members of the other group. It's just that sometimes we allow the actions of just one person or just a few people to influence how we think the whole group works.
God invites anyone and everyone to ask Him questions, and to express their doubts to Him. The sad thing is the people who have doubts, and then -either figuratively or literally - give God a
"middle-finger salute"
Don't be afraid to say that you're a Christian. This world is filled with closed-minded people, whose minds are as good as set in concrete. Not even the facts would change them. Take Catholic priests, for example. The majority of them are dedicated and hard-working men, and they love what they're doing, and wouldn't give it up for anything. They're in it because of their love for their fellow man. But the actions of just a few priests, with children, has made it hard for all of them.
I'm sure that, the more you study science, the more you'll be fascinated with what God has done, and how He did it!

Answer 6

no, you should question stuff, god put it in our nature. But please don't make generalizations like that. There are tons of Christians who study science. Some like Kent Hovind and Alister Peetree even use science to further prove the Existence of God. Sure some Christians might be shaken with a question, but the point is, that's not the way it should be. If their faith is built on a strong foundation, then the wind and rain will not prevail against it, just like the parable of the man who built his house on sand, and the man who built his house on a rock. If we build our faith on a rock, we will not be shaken! and bring on the science!!

Answer 7

Can you trust God in ALL circumstances, even when He goes a long period time without an answer?
If Jesus showed up in church, would these same people recognize Him?
How would people react if they were entertaining angels?
Do you fear the Lord?
Do you love the Lord?
Walking the walk, or talking the talk?
Are you chasing God, or are you wanting God to chase you?
How well do those know Jesus?

Answer 8

I am a Christian, and I am definately NOT afraid of someone asking me questions or questioning my faith.

I questioned myself, quite extensively, before I found a church that actually believes EVERYTHING the Bible says.

I believe in the Bible because so many of the prophecies in it, written thousands of years ago, have come true, and so many of them are coming true now. That tells me that the Bible is real.

I praise God every day that He allowed me to study and to find a church that believes in the Bible.

You can check out the website below for free prophecy and other Bible studies.

Answer 9

Be strong. That is great that you are constantly seeking answers to your questions. The definition of being a Christian is to believe in Christ. Don't be afraid to claim that. And you know you don't have to listen to what other people say. Only Jesus has the final say. Live your life to love and honor Him.

Answer 10

.......well there's prejudging, judging and post judging. There's arrogance, confidence and simple unsureness. a tempering of these traits are determined not by research, education or book knowledge but by wisdom... With wisdom comes non-attachment and judgment of others becomes an awareness of ones own internal process. Wisdom overrides education which can actually be a hindrance to wisdom, especially in metaphysical/ teleological over analyzing, or how things are logically perceived spiritually in Newtonian space. It is of the mind, not of the soul or the heart where wisdom of such things reside..

So, my dear , in wisdom detach from all labels that would cause you to perceive any form of duality as in 'us' and 'them'. Your wisdom lends you your own faith and belief in any Deity that resonates within your own heart...to hell with tha rest of em.

The faith of fear oriented or fundamentalists is right where it should be......and is no better or worse than your faith for you or my own faith for me. It is where they are. It is where we are and that is reality....and that is 'what is'...In wisdom we must learn to accept it as it is. Reality wins, but only all the time...resisting or fighting it only causes pain.

Judgments on others are very valuable, as each is a special gift to us. They come from our own shadow, parts of our soul we have denied and hidden that beg for recognition and reintegration. Through others is how these pieces point themselves out and beg to be known, and reintegrated into our soul.

....those who say you are not a real Christian in your faith are bringing the same thing out in you as your queries do to them about not having enough faith to ask enduring questions....can see shadows the mirror?...there is much more in the mirror if you are bold enough to look...and the more you look the more you will discover and become whole....and the less what other people try to label you matter...or matter not at all.

Ask yourself in what ways are you deeply have the very traits you criticize them for...has this thing or behavior shown up in your life for you? Does it show up in your own actions or thinking, but possibly in a different area or way? Surely you too have fear equal to there own in some form....

If you make a concerted search you will find the very same things within you of which you complain......and the more you are able to consciously 'see' the mirror as you live from day to day, hour to hour, minute to minute, human to human, the more completely compassionate you will become.....this is the key to compassion

you will then become completely confident, authentic and self assured in peace and acceptance...

.....and you will confuse those who harshly criticize you with your kindness, because you will empathize, and possibly feel genuinely sorry that this anger and its underlying fear and pain is about them, not you...

....there is no need to fear any label....ya wanna call yourself a Christian because of the Christ figure, so be it. It is your personal definition of Christianity. You are strong in that version and that is enough. Why would you want or need anyone's approval anyway except your own? What difference would it make to the reality of your faith or theirs...how could it? Your faith remains unchanged and the various histories and religeoud philisophical thought is interesting study material and may help you 'fine tune' things as you go down the holy 'buffet'...but it all comes back down to your heart and your personally chosen set of beliefs,,,the rest is window dressing.

....and there is no need to explain yourself to anyone ( as if you could anyway) unless you truly desire to. You really can't be lumped in with any one group because your true beliefs are eclectic and unique.....and you will find questions as this one you ask are neither necessary or can be placed in a kinder, more benevolent way where no one comes away bruised or broken.

...Yes you can do that... that is if you are looking for 'real answers' from fundamentalists.....rather than a 'response'. We all have a little coyote' in us ;0), some more than others....your humble narrator is a fine example of Coyote' Gone Wild at irreverent moments..
I just happen not to be in one of those moments right now....
and this is a piece of my soul for you

wOrd