So, you think you know what a Fundamentalist is?

Question

Tell me what it means, and what it takes to be a Fundamentalist Christian?
People run their mouth against Fundamentalism but, I never hear anyone who really knows what it means to be a Fundamentalist?

I know this is a loaded question and I'm gonna get shot.

Just name me 4 Fundamentals of the faith?

I just love being a Fundamental Baptist Preacher...God has blessed.

Bible-Truth.Org

Answer 1

Fundamentalism is a continuing historical phenomenon, it is increasingly a modern phenomenon, characterized by a sense of embattled alienation in the midst of the surrounding culture, even where the culture may be nominally influenced by the adherents' religion. The term can also refer specifically to the belief that one's religious texts are infallible and historically accurate, despite possible contradiction of these claims by modern scholarship.

Similarly, Fundamentalism, as the term is used today, is a fairly recent creation closely linked with the historical and cultural contexts of 1920s U.S. Protestantism (e.g. the Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy in the Presbyterian Church). Since then the term has been 'exported' abroad and applied to a wide variety of religions including Buddhism, Judaism and Islam. Fundamentalism should not be confused with Revivalist movements which can be traced back much further in time and are not specific to 20th Century America.

Answer 2

Fundamentalists are people who rigorously stick to all aspects of the belief system they are taught, because, that is the doctrine that they believe is right.

However, God enters by a private door into the heart of each individual. Jesus himself overthrew the fundamentalist dogma He was taught. Even more so, the organization of the Christian faith was by committee, being consensual and based on compromise (assumed to be led by the holy spirit for all individuals).

There are fundamentalist interpretations of the bible that do not align with my understanding of what I read, and how it aligns with the life God created for me to lead and seek.

Personally, religionism (the politicization of religion), like nationalism has a terrible track record. To me, as much as I am on the side of religion, fundamentalism is too aligned with religionism and dogma.

Christ was not a fundamentalist, he hated the Sanhedrin and the Pharisees, who were the fundamentalists of His age. So, I would not be too fast to state the I am today's Sanhedrin and Pharisees. I would focus on the sinners, the widows and orphans, and the poor. I would focus on a God of love and not worry about doctrine.

Just a thought!

Answer 3

With respect for your ministerial calling, I must point out that this defensiveness that you are portraying is a defense of a man-made structure...the religous institution...not a defense of the truth about God. God needs no defense, only revelation. And this process happens as His people share the love that comes through them by His grace. The work of others being able to receive this message of love is the work of the holy spirit, not us. We are to love one another...even those who we perceive as enemies, just as Jesus did and does. If, when you do this, you find that you are persecuted...then you have taken up your cross and suffer with our Lord and He is at your side.

There is no wisdom in trying to "fight back" against what threatens you. You only disarm with love. If you are a man of God then you know this is true. I pray that all who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes will stop thinking the enemy that must be fought is anywhere beyond one's own heart. The spiritual battle is real and the battle field is within.

May God pour His peace and grace upon your heart.

Answer 4

This is a question I've been meaning to ask here myself because I think I might be one, but I definitely don't fit what is stereotypically considered a fundamentalist. From the answers here it seems many others are as confused as me, though that book that was referred to earlier sounds like a good place to get a definition. Anyway, thanks for the question (& sorry I don't have an answer).

Answer 5

fun·da·men·tal·ism audio (fnd-mntl-zm) KEY

NOUN:

1. A usually religious movement or point of view characterized by a return to fundamental principles, by rigid adherence to those principles*, and often by intolerance of other views and opposition to secularism.**
2.
1. often Fundamentalism An organized, militant*** Evangelical movement originating in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century in opposition to Protestant Liberalism and secularism, insisting on the inerrancy of Scripture.
2. Adherence to the theology of this movement.

Answer 6

Well I am a gog with eyes glued to the screen as I am ready to be informed as to the real meaning of a Fundamental Christian.

Oh and I wonder how many of you have had to reach for the dictionary used books to read up on this subject when in actual fact you are unqualified as I to answer this question.


Waycyber you are taking the mick..... Jerry Adams??????????

Answer 7

Hmm. Interesting question. I can't really tell you for sure, but I suppose the general assumption is that a Fundamentalist believes literally what the bible says and doesn't leave it up for interpretation in terms of historical context.

i.e. Where the bible says "Women, be subordinate to your husbands", Fundamentalists may believe that it gives a Man license to pretty much own their wife in every way possible.

Answer 8

This book explains the definition of the Fundamentals:

http://www.amazon.com/-Fundamentals-Famous/dp/0825426332/sr=8-2/qid=1156884946/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-8140240-3575214?ie=UTF8

A person who holds to those positions is a Fundamentalist.

Answer 9

I think that a fundamentalist are the people that think in terms of black and white, no gray in between. I think it doesn't apply only to religion, but to several aspects in social life, politics, etc..

What I think is bad about fundamentalism is that we usually move in gray areas, we try to do good or right, but sometimes it's not cut and dried.

Answer 10

often Fundamentalism An organized, militant Evangelical movement originating in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century in opposition to Protestant Liberalism and secularism, insisting on the inerrancy of Scripture.