Ordinary vs fundamentalist Christian

[Darwinian]

I'm talking about Christians here because obviously I don't have much dealings with any other religions but I suppose the question is equally applicable to all faiths.

At what point do we think that the level of belief and commitment tips over to becoming fundamentalism? Where's the line, if indeed there is one?

I've known quite a few Christians in my time ranging from people like my daughters singing teacher who is quite liberal, fully accepts evolution etc. all the way through to a friend I worked with who was a born again Christian and as nutty as they come.

But at what point does the singing teacher turn into my nutty friend?

[Guerilla Radio]

Without thinking about it too long, I would say when the tolerance stops and the mind closes up

[LukeMC]

When they start pushing their own personal prejudices on their kids:
http://societalsickness.files.wordpress....-hates.jpg

Or when they start saying that the bible is literal in its entirety O.o

In truthfulness, I think it's best to deal with them on a case-by-case basis and once you start pulling faces of disbelief ( O_o? ) you know you've got a nut.

[Edwardo Piet]

I would think that fundamentalism is when theists will never shift from their belief regardless. As - I think it was - Kurt Wise who said how he would never shift from his belief in God even if all the evidence in the world turned against creationism. I haven't got TGD with me atm as I'm on public comp, I think it was him though... but anyway - fundamentalism=sticking with the fundamentals no matter what I would have thought. Or at least that attitude if they in fact lost their faith, that wouldn't mean they weren't a fundamentalist. It's simply I think that - fundamentalism is this attitude of never shifting from their belief, it's absolutely fundamental, regardless of reasoning and evidence. And this is self-admitted.

EvF

[Retorth]

At what point do we think that the level of belief and commitment tips over to becoming fundamentalism? Where's the line, if indeed there is one?

I've known quite a few Christians in my time ranging from people like my daughters singing teacher who is quite liberal, fully accepts evolution etc. all the way through to a friend I worked with who was a born again Christian and as nutty as they come.

But at what point does the singing teacher turn into my nutty friend?

In other words, they become sort of like extremists, right? Well, I'm not sure if that's an accurate or appropriate term to use, do correct me if I'm wrong.

I, too, have a long time friend who suddenly proclaimed one fine day, that the good things occurring in his life were 'miracles of God' and overnight became this highly enthusiastic Christian. He even tried to preach to me once or twice. I found it bizarre because he wasn't religious previously, at all.

Anyway, I reckon the line is crossed when their lives start to revolve around their religion.

[Kyuuketsuki]

Most other Christian cults seem to think Catholics are fundamentalist (as well as not really Christian at all) ... mind you I agree with them on the fundy bit, frankly any religion that encourages it's representatives to live abnormal (celibate) lives is a bit fucking nuts!

Kyu

[Edwardo Piet]

I would think that... theists who stick with the fundamentals of their religion... and won't shift from those 'fundamentals' no matter what... =fundamentalists.

EvF

[bozo]

In my experience, the " born again " variety is the worst.

[fr0d0]

Born again = protestant IMO. Isn't there a generic classification for fundamentalism?

Merriam-Webster said:-
1 a often capitalized : a movement in 20th century Protestantism emphasizing the literally interpreted Bible as fundamental to Christian life and teaching b : the beliefs of this movement c : adherence to such beliefs
2 : a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles <Islamic fundamentalism> <political fundamentalism>

(So well done on that bozo! )

Wiki says:-
"Richard Dawkins has used the term to characterize religious advocates as clinging to a stubborn, entrenched position that defies reasoned argument or contradictory evidence."

(bonus point for Evie)

That pretty much describes my understanding too.

[Edwardo Piet]

Wiki says:-
"Richard Dawkins has used the term to characterize religious advocates as clinging to a stubborn, entrenched position that defies reasoned argument or contradictory evidence."

(bonus point for Evie)

That pretty much describes my understanding too.

Well fundamentalism is just when you stick to, and wont budge from no matter what the 'fundamentals' of your religion isn't it? I mean... that's why it's fundamentalism, right? It's a very obstinate attitude lol.

EvF