Tidbits for the Outsider - Welcome to Fundyland

[IFB No More]

This is a long article, but please bear with it!
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Tidbits for the Outsider - WELCOME TO FUNDYLAND

Who are Christian Fundamentalists?
Christian Fundamentalists are typically conservative, Evangelical Protestant Christians . What differs them from mainstream, or even other Evangelicals is their heavy tendencies towards literal interpretations of the Bible, their strong social conservatism, their black-and-white views towards life in general (be it Christian doctrines or living), and a general persecution or martyr-complex (that we are the blessed remnant - in the midst of this big, wicked world). Contrary to what some people think, Christian Fundamentalism is NOT US-centric, though the USA has a greater proportion of Fundamentalists than other parts of the world, where Evangelical Protestantism has less of a foothold on society and culture.

How did they originate?
All throughout history, there have always been "fundamentalists" within the Christian faith. Some early Church Fathers were strict concerning moral or doctrinal issues, not hesitating to excommunicate the impenitent if they fail to repent quickly. But Christian Fundamentalism proper can trace their heritage back to many origins - from Pietist Christianity that developed in 17th/18th century churches, and the Fundamentalist-Liberal controversy in the 20th century. To summarize those origins, the Pietists were unhappy with the perceived nominalism and ritualism within the Protestant church. In order to purify the church, they began to focus greatly on personal piety in Christian living - a simple lifestyle, abstaining from "moral vices", Bible reading and evangelism, and a general disdain for ritual as a whole. Some examples of early Pietists include the Puritans and the early Methodists. The Christian Fundamentalists reacted against theological liberalism in the mainline Protestant church that happened in the early 20th century, and separated from them to maintain purity.

As you can see, both movements are very concerned with an "authentic, committed" type of Christianity. This carried on to Fundamentalist Christianity. Fundamentalist Christians will not tolerate what they deem as error and will not hesitate to critique and/or separate from it. There is no room within such churches for anyone less than a "fully-dedicated, fully-devoted believer", who will be quickly sidelined if they do not demonstrate their religious piety.

It is therefore unsurprising that Christian Fundamentalists hold onto the abovementioned views above - in particular the persecution complex, and a more black-and-white view concerning the world - because their ethos demand them to be *different*. Even from other Christians who don't share their views!

Where are they now?
Christian Fundamentalists can be found in all Protestant denominations, although in general, the "lower" (as in less ritualistic, and more independent) the church, the more likely they are found. Baptists, Pentecostals, and other independent Evangelicals (e.g. "Bible churches") are more likely to be Fundamentalist than Christians from traditionally liturgical denominations such as Lutherans and Episcopals. Reformed Christians and Methodists, who are also fairly liturgical but have been affected greatly by the Evangelical revivalist movement - are somewhere in the middle.

They are a very small minority in most mainline denominations and are found in great numbers in the conservative wing of evangelical denominations. There are very few denominations however, that are entirely fundamentalist (the Bible Presbyterian church is an example).

What are some of their unique practices?
- Antipathy towards non-Christian religions, secularism, and even non-Evangelical Christianity (such as Roman Catholicism).
- A strongly literalist view towards the creation of the world - it is 6,000 to 10,000 years old and made in six literal days. Theistic evolution, or even old-earth creationism, viewed as a heresy.
- Hardline social conservatism - frowns upon "worldly" practices that may or may not be sinful (e.g. "rock" music, tattoos, "immodest" dress, dancing, going to the theaters, tobacco, gambling, alcohol). Different Fundamentalist Christians emphasize different pet sins (e.g. Fundamentalist Baptists are anti-alcohol while most Reformed Fundamentalists are okay with it)
- Strict sexual rules. Marriage, or even dating, of non-Evangelical Christians is discouraged or not permitted. Physical intimacy between dating partners frowned upon. Masturbation considered a sin, even for singles.
- Strict family roles greatly imbalanced against women. Women are discouraged from work once they give birth to children. Some hard-line denominations even disallow women from voting in congregations.
- If they are political, they tend to vote for socially conservative parties/leaders, or even form political blocs (with the most famous/infamous being the Religious Right in the USA).
- A martyr-complex. If you enter a church and hear the preacher issue threats such as "We're gonna be persecuted very soon!" - when it is not happening - or say stuff like "We're one of the few faithful in this dark, wicked world" - chances are you have encountered a Fundamentalist church!

As a Christian (non-fundamentalist), how should I deal with Christian Fundamentalists?
Realize that Fundamentalist Christians are for the most part, sincere individuals who are misguided in their beliefs. Remember that Fundamentalist Christianity mostly came about as a reaction against "lukewarm, apostate Christianity". Not a few first-generation Christian Fundamentalists are ex-members of mainline or even evangelical churches - who left because they are unhappy with the perceived lack of piety (i.e. "faithfulness") in their churches.

Do not waste time debating or talking theology/beliefs with them (or with people from any other religions in general), unless they are "undecided" in their beliefs. Debating with decided fundamentalists do nothing but waste time and foster unnecessary hatred and discord with another believer, which the Scriptures condemn. Let God perform the work in his heart.

Live out the Christian faith as usual before the Fundamentalist. You do not live to impress them. You do not even live to impress God and score brownie-points with Him, since we are after-all sinners redeemed by God's grace via Jesus Christ! Regard the Fundamentalist the same way you regard anyone (be they a believer or not) - for such is what Christ has commanded - to love your neighbor as yourself. When the Fundamentalist Christian sees this virtue - they may not change their beliefs - but they will certainly treat you differently - Yes, there IS genuine faith outside of my community.

[exOBCstudent]

"Do not waste time debating or talking theology/beliefs with them (or with people from any other religions in general), unless they are "undecided" in their beliefs. Debating with decided fundamentalists do nothing but waste time and foster unnecessary hatred and discord with another believer, which the Scriptures condemn. Let God perform the work in his heart."

Good description here. I like this paragraph also. There is good truth in this.

[Qrayze]

(03-21-2012 12:24 PM)exOBCstudent Wrote:  "Do not waste time debating or talking theology/beliefs with them (or with people from any other religions in general), unless they are "undecided" in their beliefs. Debating with decided fundamentalists do nothing but waste time and foster unnecessary hatred and discord with another believer, which the Scriptures condemn. Let God perform the work in his heart."

Good description here. I like this paragraph also. There is good truth in this.

yes, I need to remember this whenever I spend time with my family.

thanks for posting the article

[DaisyDeadhead]

I find it telling (and unintentionally hilarious) that the final question is:

"As a Christian (non-fundamentalist), how should I deal with Christian Fundamentalists?"

I guess the idea that non-Christians might have this question, is simply considered of no importance at all! (sigh) Are we not even worth talking to or talking about?

[Tiarali]

Or maybe the author just accepted that as a christian, it would be rude to give advice to a non-christian as to how to deal with a group, since they're not speaking from the same vantage point?

[bean]

Good article...very true. Many people I know from my past church fit this to a t....I was one of them...we weren't even ifb!
Biblical inerrancy...very literal....very conservative...rules... ˝bible believing"......I could go on...I think fundamentalism is prevelant even in our nondenominational churches...
We never had official rules about clothing but lots of women wore dresses to church and some every day. Many had very long hair. Pastor railed against alcohol rock music...Tv...movies..general "wickedness".....
Really thankful to see my freedom and worth in Christ through a much more progressive church.....
Daisy I don't think it was an intentional omisson.....while it seemed to be geared toward "mainline" Christians...that's not to say that your viewpoint isn't less valued....

[That'sWhatItSays]

I am still very much a "fundy", and I would defend much of what that article states. I take a literal view of much of the Bible, and because of that, I agree with most everything found on SFL!

That is to say, I believe verses that say:

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

"Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock." I Peter 5:3

"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." I Timothy 6:11

And on and on it goes....

[bean]

(04-01-2012 08:56 PM)ThatsWhatItSays Wrote:  "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

Love that verse...so true...great words to live by!
I am more of a progressive Christian...but also see the value in diversity of beliefs. I just don't see the world as totally black and white. I also think the most important part of the Bible is teaching us how to live and care for each other today!!!