Why does there seem to be more Christian Fundamentalists now than ever before?

Question

This is an honest question. I am not looking for intolerant or hateful remarks. I just remember a time when fundamentalism wasn't such a national phenomina......What's changed? Please note that I know a lot of fundamentalist christian people who are lovely, nonjudgmental, and live an honest simple life of peace and servitude. I also know a few who are a bit fire-and-brimstone, and take it to the extreme without concern for other peoples opinions beliefs. I'm just wondering why it's a national hot topic. Your kind and tolerant comments are much appreciated.

Answer 1

Nice to see someone looking for honest info and not trying to start a fight!

For most of American history, most Americans were Protestant but the majority of them belonged to the "mainline" Protestant churches - Episcopalian, Methodist, Presbyterian, Congregational, etc.

Baptists were considered very much a fringe church and were looked down upon as uneducated, backwoods, lower-class, hicks. They weren't the "establishment" by any stretch of the imagination. Pentecostalism didn't start until the early 1900s and didn't become nationally prominent until the 1980s. The "born-again" "personal relationship wtih Jesus" evangelical movement that we are all so familiar with today didn't really become a mainstream force until after World War II (Billy Graham was a big part of this). The focus on the Rapture only started in 1830s in England, but didn't become popular in America until the 1970s. So what we consider "fundamentalist" or "religious right" these days (Baptist, Pentecostal, Evangelical) didn't really exist as a mainstream religious movement until VERY recently in American history.

Mainline denoms were once the height of the "establishment" but are shrinking rapidly now. Fundamentalists are growing by leaps and bounds. Why?

I think a big part of it is the changes that have occured in the Mainline denoms. Ever since the 1890s, the Mainline denoms have become increasingly theologically liberal - moving away from a literal interpretation of the Bible, expressing skepticism about the necessity of Jesus for salvation, skepticism about Hell, loosening up moral teachings, etc. This has very much been the case since the 1960s.

Not surprisingly this drove a lot of people away from those churches. Many felt that the Mainline denoms were no longer adequately Christian. They saw the more rigorous fundamentalist churches as more Christian and joined them. Thus, more fundamentalists.

Also in times of social change and uncertainty (like the 60s and 70s) traditional forms of religion become very appealing to a significant part of the population. Thus more fundamentalists. Fundamentalism got an earlier shot in the arm during the Scopes "Monkey Trial" of the 1920s. Basically fundamentalism thrives in America when people feel that traditional beliefs, morality, and institutions are under attack by the elite.

At the same time, more Americans identify as non-religious or atheist. I think this is also due to the breakdown of the old Mainline Protestant establishment. If a church says there is no hell, there's no particular need to belong to a church, or believe in Jesus, or live your life a certain way, then many people will say, "screw it. I'll sleep in on Sundays and spend my collection plate money on something else. After all, it doesn't matter" What's the point of commiting yourself to a church that doesn't think church is ultimately that important?

Alot of people who 50 years ago, 100 years ago, might have identified as Presbyterian or Episcopalian nowadays just say they're "not religious." 50+ years ago, a lot of self-identified Mainline Prot. Christians really weren't that religious - but belonging to one of the established churches was just what you did. It gave you structure and a sense of social identity. Being a "non-religious" or atheist was stigmatized.

Organized religion no longer has that kind of social function in America. Atheism and being "non religious" is also not stigmatized to the extent it used to be. This lessens the appeal of the Mainline denoms. The only reason to be a committed church member nowadays is if you really believe what the church teaches. You won't get many other benefits from it.

So meanwhile, all the other people who still believe that Jesus is more than just some nice guy, how we live our lives matters for eternity, etc will look for a church that teaches this. Nowadays, more often than not, the Protestant churches that preach that are of the fundamentalist variety.

Answer 2

I thought it was just because i moved to the midwest! I never knew that people go to church 3 times a week like they do here!For this area, i actually think that the parents are lazy and dont take the time to instill good values in their children, leaving it up to the church to set moral guidelines- with strict interpretation of the Bible as their guideline, which unfortunately many churches here use fear (damnation and guilt) as their means to induce conformity. The kids are so scared they swallow it hook line and sinker and do not learn to question anything or any authority figure either. It is common here that if you are a church-goer that you are a "good" person, and "bad" if not in church 3 times a week. This is all they know, so, wanting to be "good" and seek approval and be a part of the group/community, they become really good Fundamentalists, following their own particular church's interpretation of the Bible. It's easier than making up your own mind about confusing matters like God, life, morality and what's right. To them, being a sheep (in the flock) is a good thing. I think it is also a response to the liberal, individualistic swing of the pendulum of the 60's and 70's, and intimidation by those who threaten their beliefs (gays, etc) It is always easier when you think god is on your side. And if you dont like what the pastor says, just start your own church! I have actually attended services where the pastor asked the congregation to "shun" a couple that was getting divorced- it is not about love anymore. yet they ask WWJD ? I dont get it either. Anybody else?

Answer 3

Like the fairy tale that we came from an amoeba? Truth of the matter is that Evolution, like believing in a higher intelligence, is equally difficult to accept as truth. Just because 5.5 billion people say that 2+2=5 doesn't change the fact that it's not true. Pro-evolution forces are just as radically fundamental as any religious group or person. Until the scientific community can come up with indisputable evidence that evolution is indeed how we came to be, I'll choose to believe that I was created by a loving God who's got something wonderful in store for me after I leave this world which allows me to have a far superior sense of hope than that of a person who believes we are just animals destined to die and live no more. If I'm wrong, when I die it won't matter, I'll be dead. However I will have lived my life with contentment, hope for the future and the happiness that believing in God brings.

Answer 4

Well, seeing as I am in Cali. I really can't relate, the overall trend outhere is this ridiculous fad of "praise churches". THey have all kind, but the net reasult is the same. They have a band (rock, punk, rap, country) and the worship service involves the group mentality of an emotionally based form of worship. I attended several years ago, and as a result of the desire to be a part of the 'blissed' out set, was able to learn how to be 'blissed' out. Net result? as ther was absolutely the bare minimum of scriptural knowledge being disseminated, when some bad blood occured between myself and another 'blisser' I left that scene.

Answer 5

The bible foretells in the end times, the spirit of anti-christ will be strong. We are living in these times today. A final spiritual battle is being played out before our eyes. Good and Evil will collide as never before witnessed on this planet. God has His prophets today, just as He did in earlier days. God also says in those latter days, He will pour out His spirit on this world.
Nothing strange going on, just prophecy being fulfilled.
God Bless You...Peace.