Fundamentalism

Fundamentalism

(A recent reactionary doctrine)

by Beth Maxwell Boyle

To understand the roots of Christianity and get back to basics one must understand fully the teachings of the Gospel. One certainly has to reach farther back than the 19th Century and the beginnings of American fundamentalism for a balanced view! As Christians we must break out of the geocentric world of American popular culture as well. One has to leave the modernist world behind and forget about borders and nationalism. The very nature of modern, American, evangelical Christianity in fact denies many centuries of faithful pilgrims who lovingly and anonymously gave their lives for Christ. These are the faithful who understood what it meant to live their faith everyday. There is an undeniable anti-Catholic thrust to most evangelical Protestantism today that is very disconcerting. Today's fundamentalist Christian movement in the USA and in other parts of the West almost always has racial and nationalistic subcurrents that could not be farther from Christ's rudimentary teachings. This is a movement meant to exclude many and elevate the few. The true Christian understands God made all peoples and all races and that using the Church as a weapon or vehicle to spread these evil doctrines is despicable. These false doctrines should receive universal condemnation from all who truly love God. The love of Christ and the faith that comes from knowing the Lord is the only defense against evil a pilgrim needs. The fundamentalist movement attempts to build a wall to protect the believer from the rapid change and social decline in society. This is not what God planned for those who carry on His work on Earth. To be a follower of Christ is to be a risk taker. The path is a thorny, rocky way full of pain and tribulation. Jesus tells us it is not the path of the many. To live for Christ is to sacrifice. Christ instructs us to be in this world but not of it.

St Clements Church, Isle of Harris

Scotland

"If the world hates you, remember that the world hated me first. If you belonged to the world, then the world would love you like it loves its own people. But I have chosen you out of the world. So you don't belong to the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the lesson I told you: A servant is not greater than his master. If people did wrong to me, then they will do wrong to you too. And if people obeyed my teaching, then they will obey yours too

—John 15:18-20

Some Background

* "Fundamentalism is the most common name given to the reactionary Protestantism that arose in the late 19th century in response to theological modernism, which aimed to revise traditional Christian beliefs to accommodate new developments in the natural and social sciences, especially the advent of the theory of biological evolution. In keeping with traditional Christian doctrines concerning biblical interpretation, the mission of Jesus Christ, and the role of the church in society, fundamentalists affirmed a core of Christian beliefs that included the historical accuracy of the Bible, the imminent and physical Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and Christ's Virgin Birth, Resurrection, and Atonement. Fundamentalism became a significant phenomenon in the early 20th century and remains an influential movement in American society. We can hardly read a weekly news magazine without encountering the term `fundamentalist' these days, with reference to some group active on the world stage. In fact, the popularity of the term is part of the problem. Numerous scholars have noted the difficulty inherent in using an imprecise term like `fundamentalism' to describe groups as different as the Christian Coalition and the Nation of Islam.

Professor Jeffrey K. Hadden the well known sociologist of religion , identified four types fundamentalism. First, theological fundamentalism. The Christian theological movement concerned with defending traditional Christian doctrine against modern thinking. Political fundamentalism is a combination of theological fundamentalism and the personal commitments of religious adherents to combat worldly vices. Manifestations of political fundamentalism include much of the activity in the temperance movement or the virulent anticommunism of Gerald L.K. Smith. Political fundamentalism suffered a major setback by their defeat at the Scopes Monkey trial. These two types of fundamentalism melded together to combine a caricature of culturally unenlightened individuals bent on preserving tradition at the expense of progress. This cultural fundamentalism was cynically portrayed by social critics such as H.L. Mencken and novelists such as Sinclair Lewis. William Jennings Bryan served as the prototype for Mencken after the debacle of the Scopes trial in Tennessee. The political activity engaged in by fundamentalists invited comparison to other religiously motivated groups around the world. Accordingly, global fundamentalism as a phenomena denotes many religiously motivated politically active groups existing in a variety of religious traditions and political systems. in American Protestantism that arose in the late 19th century in reaction to theological modernism, which aimed to revise traditional Christian beliefs to accommodate new developments in the natural and social sciences, especially the advent of the theory of biological evolution. In keeping with traditional Christian doctrines concerning biblical interpretation, the mission of Jesus Christ, and the role of the church in society, fundamentalists affirmed a core of Christian beliefs that included the historical accuracy of the Bible, the imminent and physical Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and Christ's Virgin Birth, Resurrection, and Atonement. Fundamentalism became a significant phenomenon in the early 20th century and remains an influential movement in American society today."

To take God's word, and twist it into a prod or a sharpened steel to goad non-believers or people of other faiths is not true to His purpose and is certainly not an act of Christian love. That is not to say that we as Christians should embrace popular culture or the social deviancy we see all around us. We have Jesus as our teacher and we have the apostles to be our examples and they have shown us the path to righteousness. Yes, we must set ourselves apart from this carnal world but we also must stand as ambassadors for Christ in the world and move in faith and in His love. We must live for Him to do His will on this Earth. Most people today will tell you these are rapidly changing times where morality and virtue are slipping out of mainstream western culture like grains of sand through the hour glass. Even agnostics and atheists frequently comment on the social depravity that is so common place everywhere and often celebrated in the media as the progress of mankind. On the other hand, equally as disturbing is this Catholic and Gay bashing and finger pointing by pseudo-Christians that is not done in love or for the sake of God. We can and must love the sinner and despise only the sin. Hate will not change anyone's mind or save a single soul. Jesus tells us do not try to remove the speck from another's eye when you have a log in our own eye!

"Do not judge lest you be judged. "For in the way that you judge you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. "And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." (Matthew 7:1-5)

Therefore you are without excuse, every man of you who passes judgment, for in that you judge one another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. (Romans 2:1-2)

Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each mans praise will come to him from God. (1 Corinthians 4: 5)

"For if you forgive men for there transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. "But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions. (Matthew 6:14-15)

Look around at what has happened to our neighborhoods and our families. It is heartbreaking to watch the very fabric of society unraveling. When we break God's law we sin. Adultery and divorce are mentioned over and over as sins in the Bible, yet we all know pastors and lay people today who are divorced and pretend it is just and right with God. They think this is so only because modern culture has removed the stigma from it. To enter into marriage lightly is common today and leads to great sadness and sin. Homosexuality is mentioned very seldom in the Bible but seems to obsess fundamentalist Christians above all else. Jesus never makes mention of it in the Gospels and it is not forbidden in the ten commandments so why is this so much more disturbing to fundimentists than unwed mothers and adultery? The 7th commandment says thou shalt not commit adultery. Adultery is repeated mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. America is awash with adulterers! If you listen to the popular, contemporary, false evangelists and preachers on the radio and TV it does not take long to read the underlying message, which is certainly not God's message. Their ranting and finger pointing is mostly a twisted, ugly attempt to roll back the clock to a "simpler" time when things felt more sure and safe, -for them! This fantasy is an attempt to make the world "secure" again for those who would set themselves above others. Their's is a reality that never was, and the very times seen by these people as "The good old days" were not so good for a large segment of humanity. These self-righteous leaders say they are not part of the current culture of promiscuity and materialism but they drive expensive cars and some even own diamond mines in Africa. They own costly vacation homes worth millions and fly around the world in private jets. Is this what the humble Shepherd would have them do in His name while so many people still go hungry? Many of these false evangelists divorce the mothers of their children and wed younger more attractive partners while spouting threatening predictions of God's judgment on the fallen. It should be obvious these people do not speak for God. These false-Christians quote scriptures and preach at others but they live a lie. They are very much a part of the hedonistic culture that pervades the West. The people who promote these ideas are all money driven. How many times have fundamentalists put forth the idea that the reason these mega churches are growing is because it is God's will? This is absurd.

Rom 3:21-25

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it--the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.

1 John 3:4

Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.'"

-Matthew 19:23-24

13 And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:

15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;

16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house a house of merchandise.

John 2:13-16

Remember, Jesus tells us many are called but few are chosen. The great numbers of worshipers in these false temples of corporate culture are not a gage of God's approval or a mark of righteousness. These church services are more theater than worship. These are feel-good, simplistic churches that reflect a lack of understanding of the true nature of giving ones self to God. Mega Churches are about money and business. Being a disciple of Jesus has never been, nor will it ever be, an easy road to walk. To walk with Him is not comfortable and not any one of us is up to the task without the grace and love of God to lift us up. If you are looking for approval and recognition for your faithfulness you are not serving Him you serve only yourself. If you think you can still be part of American, popular culture and ride the wave of narcissism and personal indulgence you are not a Christian. Not even Rome in its decadence and evil could compare with the orgy of materialism we see today in the West. If one would like to get back to the genuine fundamentals of Christianity one need look no further than the Gospels. The roadmap of discipleship is there in plain language. Jesus also tells us much about prayer. He tells us we should pray in private not on the street corner like the Pharisees who wanted to be admired for their piety. All these prayer vigils and "in your face" events staged for the camera are not according to His direction. He certainly does not tell us to raise our arms and say "look at me, I am righteous and special, watch me pray !" We are not "designer" Christians and should not feel the need to put stickers on our cars to tell everyone "look see, a Christian is driving this vehicle, am I not special?" Today this exhibitionism has become pervasive. Football stars genuflect or bow their heads at the goal posts after making touchdowns as though they were playing on God's own team. It is truly disgusting and is against everything Jesus teaches to make such public spectacles. These public displays of piety are certainly not Christian. As Christians, each and every one of us should strive to acquire humility. There is no better thing in this life then to live in humility, loving one another and loving God with all our hearts. So often pride gets in our way. Once the heart becomes corrupted by pride we begin to lose our love for not only God, but also for our neighbor. It is absolutely vital for spiritual health that we reject pride by humbling ourselves in love before our gracious Lord. We must let that love spread out to touch everyone around us, friend and enemy alike. What could be more fundamental than love?

And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

-Mathew 12:12-14

Matthew 6:5-6: "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men....when thou prayest, enter into thy closet and when thou has shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret...."

Matt 23:14-15,32-33

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you will receive greater condemnation. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves....Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers! You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

-Matthew 6:24

*Jeffrey K. Hadden (1937-2003)

Jeffrey K. Hadden was a University of Virginia sociologist of religion widely recognized for his work on new religious movements and on the Christian Right. In addition to his specialty in religion, Hadden also taught courses and published research in the areas of civil rights, race relations, and related topics.

Hadden's interests in the area of religion spanned a wide range, from Protestant Christianity to New Religious Movements. It may be for his work in NRMs that we will see his influence last most strongly, as his widely acclaimed website, www.religiousmovements.org, became an important resource for students and others interested in the subject. Fortunately, it is now maintained at a new URL, http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/ under the oversight of several scholars in the field.

http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/fund.html

Your Sorrow Will Turn into Joy

16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

John 16: 16-24