Are you following the latest ploy by the fundies?

Question

In his latest "President's Corner," Bob Jones University head Bob Jones III says the word fundamentalist has become co-opted. "Bob Jones University is unashamedly Fundamentalist, but the term is beginning to carry an onerous connotation with the world at large because of the media's penchant for lumping Christian Fundamentalists in the same heap as Islamic Fundamentalists," he writes.

"Instead of Fundamentalism defining us as steadfast Bible believers, the term now carries overtones of radicalism and terrorism. Fundamentalist evokes fear, suspicion, and other repulsive connotations in its current usage. Many of us who are separated unto Christ feel it is appropriate to find a new label that will define us more positively and appropriately. It is too early in the process to know what term may ultimately be embraced by the majority, but I like Preservationist."

Source: Christianity Today (magazine).

Answer 1

"Fundamentalist" already had a bad rap before the Muslim radicals came along. Narrow-mindedness, overt bigotry against anyone of a religion but Christianity, active and often loud dislike of other Christian groups that aren't as "fundamental" as they are, homophobia, xenophobia, idealized ignorance ("The Bible is all anyone needs to know."), televangelism, arrogance, hypocrasy, and self-righteousness...all of this was well known back in the eighties when Falwell was organizing his severely misnamed "Moral Majority".

And they're only now just getting the news that people don't like them much?

Answer 2

I can understand the point of view.
Rudyard Kipling and others had to drop the symbol of the swastika when the National Socialists adopted it.
Meanings and associations change.
(I have no trouble donning "gay apparel " at Christmas.)

"Fundamentalist" *is* picking up associations. Not everyone who would happily admit to it in one context would agree to being it in another.

But I think "Preservationist " hasn't got a snowball's chance in hell. Few deliberate coinages have, and that sounds too A) defensive and B) Green to work.
And "Conservative " is already in play.

Answer 3

Well he's right. A Christian fundamentalist is a good thing. A Muslim fundamentalist is generally regarded as a bad thing. A fundamentalist is someone who follows the fundamental principles, or the "basics" or the origins of a belief system, not the things invented years and years later...... Basically instead of being a denomination based on 16th century theologians, we are based in 33AD upon Christ.

Answer 4

I'm fundamentally human, but I really don't want to be considered a twinkie. Since Bob and crew believe they have a lock on the seeds of truth lets call them nuts.

Answer 5

Whatever! Sh*t is still sh*t and it still stinks. They've gotten themselves into this by being the radical , war mongering , let's destroy the planet hate filled people that they are. And, I have a right to say what is true about them. I was brainwashed into being one of them for most of my life. They have exposed themselves and are now trying to counteract it.

Answer 6

I am proud to be called a Fundamentalist, but I can understand their point. Why would loving Christians want to be grouped together with killer terrorists under the same label. We are not like them, we have different religions, different gods, different ways to live, and different ways to convert others. We use peace, love, logic, and reason, while they use a sword.

Answer 7

Sounds like a wax museum

Answer 8

"Many of us who are separated unto Christ feel it is appropriate to find a new label that will define us more positively and appropriately."

What about "Jesus-freak"?

The reason we call both groups "fundamentalist" is that both groups are "crazy".

Answer 9

according to the DSM-IV, they have schizoid mental delusion disorders. That might be a bit long for a label but it is precise.

Answer 10

Preservationist?
It sounds like somebody who embalms corpses for funeral homes.