before i started visiting this site, i was considering the term, and i thought that to be what describes my belief system the best. i don't care much for sectarianism or denominational thought, so it sounded fitting. now though, it seems like i have to picket harry potter movies, attack gay rights, and spew hatred out of my mouth at all times if i want to put myself in this category. sooooo... what's a better term? i know i'm setting myself up, but i have a sense of humor. i'll have fun with it.
2007-07-25 22:30:43 · 10 answers · asked by That Guy Drew 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes. Drew, I consider myself a Christian; and it seems like others want to call me fundamentalist. I will admit I'm a member of a local Baptist church, but that has more to do with geography and activites and fellowship rather than divisive denominationalism.
I don't know the meaning of the word sectarianism, but I remember a book I read by Natan Sharinski, who was a Soviet Dissident Jew held in prison for political reasons. When he was allowed to return to Israel, he said he was besieged by people who wanted him to JOIN this group or that GROUP. His side of the story is that he loves them all, and he doesn't want to JOIN ANY group, because that would be seen by the others as being EXclusionary of THEM.
I grudgingly refer to myself as fundamentalist because it seems as if others constantly give me that label. I have a job, and a beautiful, Godly wife, and 2 lovely children, and a house to take care of, and pretty flowers to water with my daughter, so I don't have time to picket Harry Potter movies or attack gay rights or spew hatred out of my mouth at all times. Do people REALLY picket Harry Potter? I have a LIfe.
Sorry, I can't give you a better term. I can tell you I checked out your profile before answering this question, and I'm real impressed by some of your Best Answers. Maybe I'll reread Job. I'm sure you know that the Bible says to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. You and I both know that there are wacko christians out there. I have actually been asked by people if I support Fred Phelps. All I say when asked is Fred Phelps is answerable for Fred Phelps.
The best thing I can think of to say to you is:
Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
And it seems you're doing a pretty good job of that anyway. Sorry for my lack of humor in my answer; I know God has one because he made me.
2007-07-25 22:40:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
It's not enough to just be a good person. However, I'm a Christian, and I'm quite enjoying my literary journey with Harry & Friends. I've just borrowed a friend's copy of the 7th book and hope to begin it soon. I don't really care if someone's gay or not. I think denominationalism is pretty dumb. I don't really know what "sectarianism" means. I've never had it clearly defined. I try not to spew hatred (or anything else) out of my mouth, but I'm human, too, and it happens from time to time. But that's just me.
2007-07-25 22:37:21 · answer #2 · answered by Steve 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundamentalist_Christianity
I think it is possible, but it does seem a little strained to call yourself a fundamentalist if you don't think that homosexuality is a more urgent problem than, for example, war and poverty. Those people tend to own the term. Perhaps you're more of an
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-evangelicalism
I have no idea really. If you want to think about christianity and modernity, and about priorities and stuff, I highly recommend "the secular city" (1964) by Harvey Cox. Many people considered it to be anti-christian but it's really not. But it is an attempt to move forward through (and indeed beyond) modernity rather than trying to defeat it somehow. An interesting introduction to his thought is this essay written 25 years after the release of the secular city.
http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=206
now what does he call himself? no idea. Just "Harvey Cox" probably...
2007-07-25 23:00:03 · answer #3 · answered by Ray Patterson - The dude abides 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are nice people and not-so-nice people in any group, including gay people and Fundamentalists.
How about "Grocery Store Christian"? Since so many Fundamentalists pick and choose which verses they are going to follow (while denying it, or course), it's like going to the grocery store and picking out what you want and not purchasing what you don't want.
Sorry, bud, but you set yourself up for that one! ; )
Why not just use Christian?
2007-07-25 23:28:35 · answer #4 · answered by Michael B - Prop. 8 Repealed! 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It kind of depends on what you mean by fundamentalist, I guess. The word has been bastardized by our critics to mean uppity, high and mighty, holier that thou kind of person. A true fundamentalist would lay heavily on the two great commandments and the fundamentals of Christianity, instead of the Pharisaical attitudes that Jesus taught against which seem to have inherited the name.
2007-07-27 04:35:11 · answer #5 · answered by Caveman 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't see in the n.t. where Jesus calls people to be nice, fundamentalist, or christian. whatever the hell those terms mean. Maybe being less ambiguous with terminology would be a good start. What do you think about that?
2007-07-26 23:08:36 · answer #6 · answered by single eye 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you are a fundamentalist, it will depend on what do you mean about it. because not all fundamentalist do what you have describe above. my friend a true christian accepts everyone without condemnation. God bless you.
2007-07-26 01:09:50 · answer #7 · answered by jmbjosber 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jackasses only appear to have a sense of humor.
2007-07-25 22:35:42 · answer #8 · answered by Grist 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
as nice as any bigot
2007-07-25 23:44:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
hahaha! Jesus died for people like U and me (i am no better)..............SOooooo....U GOT HOPE, BROTHER, u got hope...!
Enjoy the fun!
2007-07-26 16:00:20 · answer #10 · answered by dofsarah 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋