Why people seem prejudice toward Christian fundamentalists?

Question

I am an agnostic. And always stay out of religion and churches. Yet, despite some reservations, I tend to admire some Christian fundamentalists. Of course there are hypocrites, but also very honest and sincere believers. Because of that, I kind of like them. What do you think?

Answer 1

There's a difference between disliking fundamentalists and being suspicious of fundamentalism.

You are not in the first category. That is noble.

You should be in the second category. As a former fundamentalist, my fear is that fundamentalism claims itself as truth without basis, merely because "it feels right."

This is dangerous, in my opinion, as it allows for competing and contradictory ideas to be submitted to each other as truths.

But this doesn't mean we should dislike the nobler characteristics of those who adhere to such teachings.

If my fundamentalist neighbor bakes me cookies and they're good, I'm going to let him/her know that I liked them!

(To tell the truth, the same is true of my agnostic neighbor. Want my address?) ;)

Answer 2

Christian fundamentalists (like fundamentalists of most stripes) often display some of the most regressive and repugnant views in the world today. You don't need to look far to see the wealth of destructive views held by many fundamentalists:

1. Many fundamentalists have profoundly homophobic views, and often view homosexuality as a mental disease or a sin. Suffice it to say this enables hatred and bigotry.

2. Fundamentalists oppose the real findings of science in favor of dogma. Observe the resistance to the teaching of the fact of evolution, the push for abstinence-only sex education, or the widespread resistance to recognizing and fighting the problem of global climate change.

3. Finally, fundamentalists, by definition, are beholden to the literal nature of their texts. This leads to the view that one's own chosen faith is the only acceptable path, and that one's own moral choices must be exported to everyone else.

While I do not mean to say that everyone who identifies as a fundamentalist will exhibit these behaviors, I think that this is a fair representation of fundamentalist views, which goes to show why they are perhaps treated with some trepidation beyond those in other sects.

Answer 3

I guess I am what is known as a fundamentalist. If that means one takes the bible as God's word. I don't go around telling people they are going to hell, unless they ask why people go to hell, and then I answer from the bible.

If someone asks a question, I always answer based on scripture. I go to great lengths to answer as the bible tells me to, with respect and with kindness.

I'm sorry if I have ever come across any other way. As much as I love the word of God, and will not compromise it, my heart's desire is to speak it with love.

Answer 4

I am what many on this forum would call a "fundie", yet I am not ignorant. I have a BS in biochemistry and molecular biology, and am a practicing board-certified pediatrician with clinical research experience--not to give you my resume, but simply to point out that anyone who uses ad hominem attacks against someone based simply on their beliefs about origins and religion, must be ignorant themselves. I respect those who are polite, genuine, and desire respectful debate.

Answer 5

Because they try to influence everyone else to live by their religious laws, whether those other people want to or not. What did you think people would do? Sit back and take it while the idiots were trying to take away everyone elses rights?

Answer 6

Thank you for admiring us. And most are not hypocrites.

Answer 7

...because of bad experiences with them and their condemning everybody but themselves to Hell and their narrow and peevish vision of what God is and does.