Is it Christianity or evangelical fundamentalism that's the main issue?

Question

When atheists, agnostics, rationalists...etc... take Christians here to task over...whatever... are they really thinking in terms of the broad spectrum of Christian thought and theology? Or is evangelical fundamentalism the primary focus? And, in particular...is it American evangelical fundamentalism?

Or are your questions as often aimed at liberal or moderate Christian theology that's more focused on principles than form?

Answer 1

The evangelical fundamentalisms are the main issue. It pretty much has to be American evangelicals in my book, because I don't know of English evangelicals or French evangelicals (though I'm not denying they may exist).

I know there are lots of really, really nice Christians out there, but 90% of the time you can't hear them above the fundies. Your perfectly nice, sane question has two thumbs down and no thumbs up because it wasn't controversial and didn't attack anyone. How sad is that?

Bright blessings.
)O(

Answer 2

Honestly - if I take a Christian to task here it's often toward American evangelical fundamentalist Christians - not moderate or liberal Christians who seem to be more down to earth, open-minded, and realistic. It's the bible pushers and thumpers - the ones who want to legislate my body and tell me what I can and can't believe - that I have a problem with.

So I'd definitely say it's the evangelical fundamentalism that's the problem. Not Christianity itself and not necessarily the Christians.

I actually like Catholics. I've never had problems with Catholics preaching at me.

Answer 3

It's always fundamentalism. I know very few atheists who are even acquainted with the spectrum of liberal Christian theologies. If they were, they might find out that you can be a theist without being a superstitious idiot.

Answer 4

For me it's the fundamentalists of every religion that are the problem. It doesn't matter what religion it is, Christian, Moslem, or Jewish, it's the diehard fundamentalists with their strict teachings that are ruining the world. They are all unbending, unyeilding, and everything is their way forced down everyone elses throat. They are the main cause of strife and war throughout the world.

Answer 5

In my dealings with atheists, I find that they all tend to stereotype us as extremely right wing fundamentalists.

*ahem* I might add, the practice and action there of, to your description of liberal or moderate Christianity.

Answer 6

I think it has to be Fundamentalism. Fundamentalists have such a narrow view of the bible. Everything to them is black or white. No grey. No room for interpretation in the bible.

Answer 7

It is Religion plain and simple, it is a shame that Religion is giving people half baked ideas...I tried different Relions and I believe that I will settle on just being Spiritual...

Answer 8

Some people who aren't Christians are just pissed at the whole concept...they don't care how you label it.