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Fundamentalism(s)

Fundamentalism(s). Origin of the term. 1910 Milton & Lyman Stewart The Fundamentals: a testimony of truth the inerrancy of the Bible the direct creation of the world and humanity by God the authenticity of miracles the virgin birth of Jesus

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Fundamentalism(s)

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  1. Fundamentalism(s)

  2. Origin of the term • 1910 Milton & Lyman Stewart • The Fundamentals: a testimony of truth • the inerrancy of the Bible • the direct creation of the world and humanity by God • the authenticity of miracles • the virgin birth of Jesus • his crucifixion and bodily resurrection, the substitutionary atonement • Christ’s return to judge and rule over the world.

  3. The deeper context • The Enlightenment • Drew on an increasing tendency to question authority of all kinds • Reason the measure of all things

  4. 19th century context • Marxism: economics represents the driving force in society • Darwinism: Chance was the real creator • Higher criticism: challenging ideas of who actually wrote the books of the Bible, how reliable they are, how they should be interpreted • Freud: religion is simply a way of dealing with life’s difficulties for the weak • Colonial expansion meant a lot of contact with other cultures and religions; resulting insecurity • This led many to wonder if all religions aren’t really the same, the search for syncretism.

  5. Scopes Trial and beyond • Aftermath of Scopes trial left Fundamentalists isolated from mainstream • Fundamentalism is an opposition movement to the forces of modernism that is usually ideologically or religiously based. • Avoidance and separation • Education as the enemy • “God said it, I believe it and that settles it”

  6. Fundamentalists & Evangelicalsfrom Harris, H.A., Fundamentalism and Evangelicals (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1998), 6

  7. Fundamentalists & Evangelicals cont

  8. What do Fundamentalists have in common? • A very clear idea of what they believe (in almost all areas) • An allergic reaction to doubt even when it’s completely honest. Doubt is seen as the opposite to faith, not a path to faith. • A response of rejection to open dialogue with groups who don’t accept all of their points, even if there is substantial agreement . Separatism is a hallmark. • A refusal to compromise • This steadfast conviction that they are completely in the right can often lead to the belief that action should be taken against those in the wrong. It is a small step to believe that such action, even if violent, is not only a legitimate, but even a laudable, expression of faith.

  9. A great irony • Fundamentalists’ confidence in their ability to use Rationalism to discern truth parallels that of very different groups (atheists, some liberal theologians) • There is a naïve modernistic pride in Rationalism’s belief it can find all the answers • Groups like this are often affronted by doubt and mystery; Fundamentalists are Procrustean, not only to others, but to God

  10. For us? • Fundamentalists have always been around, even if the name hasn’t • Recognise the traits in ourselves and others; treat Fundamentalists with understanding • Holding beliefs confidently is fine; being humble enough to recognise our subjectivity is even better • Become comfortable with mystery and the unknown; it is not a threat to faith, rather it is the crucible of faith

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