When you think of 'evangelical fundamentalism' you probably have a mental picture of someone who embodies that approach to Christianity. Other than their theological beliefs, provide a charactorization that fits your mental image.
2006-11-17 04:48:40 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I came from that background and my dad was a preacher in that type of faith. Since I'm sure you will get some negatives here, let me give a counterpoint.
I believe that they are well-intentioned for the most part. They are following what they believe. However, they often don't realize the harm they are ultimately doing by some of their tactics.
For instance, I had a youth group leader that reminded me of the old Saturday Night Church lady sketch by Dana Garvey. She lambasted our youth group because we were not following her rules. As an adult and a parent of teens, I realize that her goal was to turn us around spiritually. But her methods left a lot to be desired. The turning around that resulted was that most of the teens stopped attending church. And I fought my parents the rest of the time they were there to let me leave that church.
But I've seen some good things lately in the evangelical churches. A lot of them are realizing that they have to show the actions of Christ, not just preach. They are getting more involved in community projects, such as feeding the homeless, and offering support to people in crisis, instead of just praying and reading scriptures. They are also learning to be a lot less judgmental. They have a long way to go, but they are slowly learning.
2006-11-17 04:54:46 · answer #1 · answered by Searcher 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Well I am afraid it is not a pretty picture.
I see someone who is stuck at a latency level of mental and spiritual development. Some one who can not find a way to control themselves from within themselves if others around them are not following the same rules. For this reason they must have strict rules that all must follow.
And they are rather simple folks. That is not bad. There is a charm in that type of person, but it also makes them rather gullible to those who would use them for political reasons.
They are sincere. They truly believe that they must save the world one person at a time. This makes them very annoying and obnoxious to the rest of us. Non-Christian and Christian alike.
Again because of the level of their mental development they take things, including the Bible, literally. Don't confuse them with the facts. They are like children of about 8 to 12 years. They are easily lead.
I have a couple of friends that are evangelical fundamentalist. Once you get beyond their annoying habits, they can be very loving people. So in their own way they are following Christ, as they know him.
2006-11-17 05:04:44 · answer #2 · answered by tonks_op 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ladies with perfectly quoifed hair and Mary Kay pink lipstick. Men with smarmy looks and crappy suits. Naysayers to anything pleasurable or fun. White buckskins. Anti-abortion ralliers, chanting and waving banners in a religious frenzy. Carrying bibles everywhere "just in case someone needs saving." The sort of people who would write letters expressing their anger over a "wardrobe malfunction", and have Jell-o molds on the table at big family meals.
2006-11-17 05:07:09 · answer #3 · answered by ReeRee 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Christianity is the LEAST Intellectually good faith contained in the worldwide. It teaches that we are to love our enemies. Forgive people who hate us. To forfeit our lives to those much less fortunate than ourselves. a million Corinthians 13 4 Love is affected person, love is style. It does not envy, it does not boast, that's no longer proud. 5 that's no longer rude, that's no longer self-searching for, that's no longer actual angered, it retains no checklist of wrongs. 6 Love does not savour evil yet rejoices with the actuality. 7 it constantly protects, constantly trusts, constantly hopes, constantly perseveres. 8Love in no way fails.
2016-10-04 01:56:57 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A person who thinks he has the truth
A person who wants everyone else to believe like them
A person who thinks his beliefs will make the world a better place
A person who thinks the problems of the world are the result of bad thinking
Basically a Richard Dawkins that believes in God.
2006-11-17 05:23:10 · answer #5 · answered by The1andOnlyMule 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The basic meaning of a fundamentalist is that they believe in the "fundamentals" of the faith. That simply means that they are orthodox.
This word has come to mean more than that in common language, however, and is almost always used in a derogatory sense. Usually, when one REALLY believes what he believes and is willing to speak up about it, he is labeled a fundie.
In light of its negative use, I would not label my self a fundamentalist but if it is between that label and that of a "liberal Christian", then consider me a fundie.
2006-11-17 05:01:10 · answer #6 · answered by 5solas 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I am confident that there are liberal Evangelicals but I have doubt as to any liberal Evangelical Fundamentalists[EFs].
I think of EFs to mostly be of average intelligence, obdurate , anti science ( but not when they need medical care ) against evolution,
anti abortion and stem cell research, willing to force their views on others
by manipulating our laws, & against public education.
2006-11-17 05:12:43 · answer #7 · answered by dollparty.geo 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Someone who is completely disrespectful to others' beliefs, and who continues to persecute others after being told, "I'm not Christian, I respect your beliefs, please respect mine and leave me alone." Also, someone who uses the excuse, "I just want everyone to know how much Jesus loves them!" to force their views on others.
2006-11-17 05:02:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Whacko hate -filled bigots
2006-11-17 05:01:59 · answer #9 · answered by theagitator@sbcglobal.net 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Determination is probably their biggest trait.
2006-11-17 04:51:16 · answer #10 · answered by Brigid O' Somebody 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋