Does the Word "Fundamentalist" Scare You?

I have to confess that when I hear the Word "fundamentalist" I get a little nervous. It brings to mind images of bombings, suffering and bleeding people on ruined city streets and evil in all of its darkest forms. In the world in which we live, crimes are often committed under the banner of some type of "religious fundamentalism". Every day we are bombarded with media telling us about the battle being waged in the name of religion. In order to understand what fundamentalism is and is not, we need to define the terms.

What is a fundamentalist? The root word of fundamentalist is "fundamental". Webster's dictionary defines "fundamental" as, "pertaining to the foundation or basis, essential as in a fundamental truth, or, serving as the ground work for a system." There are many different fundamentalists in the world. There are fundamental Muslims, Buddhists, Mormons, Christians, etc. The defining difference between each of these people groups is what serves as the foundation for their religion. This is essential because all beliefs and practices are derived from the foundation. For the Fundamentalist Muslim it is the literal interpretation of the Quran. For the Fundamentalist Christian it is the literal interpretation of the Bible. I realize that I am treading on dangerous, very controversial ground. I want to make it clear that I do not disrespect any person's religion. We all have a right to our own beliefs and I completely support the free exercise of religion as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others.

I would contend that most fundamentalists are misunderstood. We often assume that people bearing the title of "fundamentalist" within any religion must be crazy. We get the idea that they have taken their religious ideas too far and may even be dangerous. In some cases this is true. However, the title "Fundamentalist Christian" should not be so feared.

What is a Fundamentalist Christian? Does a Fundamentalist Chistian bomb abortion clinics? NO! Does a Fundamentalist thow out good science in favor of the Bible? Define what good science is and then I would contend that it is in harmony with the Bible, so, NO! It has surprised me to find that even many dedicated Christians are afraid of the term "Fundamentalist Christian." Let's be careful to take the time to understand what a Fundamentalist Christian is before we disregard him as an unstable zealot.

A Fundamentalist Christian, in general, takes the Bible literally. Even as I say that I understand that some skeptics might be saying, "What about when the Bible says to stone people who have pre-marital sex?" Do I think that should be carried out today? NO! the key to understanding the Bible lies in realizing that the Bible has many different facets. This is not a cop-out. First, you must understand the CONTEXT of the passage. Understand to whom God is speaking and why He is giving the command. You must also determine if the command applies to New Testament believers or if it was limited to the Old Testament. Another thing to consider is that the literal interpretation of the Bible does not preclude allowance for metaphors, illustrations, exaggerations for emphasis and figures of speech. Often I hear attacks on the literal nature of the Bible because the Bible says "If your hand offends you, cut it off." It is ludicrous to suggest a literal interpreter of the Bible would have to observe that commandment in order to be consistent. What did Jesus mean? He meant that the all-important goal on earth is to live in a right relatioship with God and that no cost should be spared in order to meet that goal. As a Christian who believes in the fundamental supremacy of the Bible I believe that it is accurate historically and scientifically, and that it is also inerrant. What God says in His word is true and reliable. Do I have all of the answers for every skeptic's questions? Not yet. I am a student of the Bible and am constantly seeking to know more and understand more. Most apparent "contradictions" in the Bible can be sufficiently harmonized with much careful study and faith.

It is impossible to convince a skeptic that the Bible is true. The Bible says that "Satan hath blinded the minds of them that believe not." and that unsaved people cannot discern the truth of the Bible because they are "spiritually discerned." Until a person has received Christ, or at least determined to have an open mind toward the Bible, there can be no persuading someone to believe. The work of persuading and drawing is done by the Holy Spirit.