Evaluating Fundamentalism
Fundamentalism is scrutinized through discussions on the interpretation of Biblical texts, the relevance of literal truths, the focus on supernatural elements, societal impacts, and moral principles. Perspectives on the role of fundamentalism in religious growth, societal morality, and global concerns are examined, inviting reflection on the balance between tradition and modernity in religious belief.
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Presentation Transcript
Drawing conclusions & formulating arguments Evaluating Fundamentalism For each statement, decide whether you agree & what reasons you would give to explain why / why not.
Fundamentalism is for people who are unable or unwilling to think intelligently about religion Interpretation of Biblical texts requires careful thought & consideration it is easier to see it all as literal. (fundamentalism = laziness?) Is it intelligent to believe that a snake could speak Hebrew? How could the 1st day of creation be 24 hrs when the sun was not created until the 3rd day? Fundamentalism prevents religious belief from growing and gaining a better understanding in light of 21st knowledge Will an emphasis on fundamentalism eventually mean religion will die out as people are unable to deny the scientific facts of creation & evolution?
The Bible contains wisdom and truths that are specific to the time & culture in which it was written to interpret it literally is to miss the real truths which lie behind the text. Focussing on how means we overlook why. Perhaps the Bible is not intended to provide scientific answers? Does the defending of literal truths damage other peoples perception of Christianity? The Bible has great wisdom & value in its moral principles and emphasis on justice & equality perhaps this gets overlooked in defending the 7 day creation account? Egs: Parable of the Lost Sheep (its not about sheep!)
The real concerns for 21st C believers are not dealt with by Fundamentalism ensuring global peace, eradicating poverty and promoting equality. Fundamentalism is preoccupied in defending the supernatural elements of religion The early fundamentalists condemned the spread of the social gospel Jesus taught to love your neighbour surely this is more important than arguing the truth of Adam & Eve s existence Many Christians see their purpose as creating a Kingdom of God on earth peace, equality and harmony for all
Where religious belief is relaxed & diluted, sexual promiscuity, social unrest and family breakdowns all increase as a result Perhaps a return to the traditional moral principles will save society from going to hell in a handcart ? Modern moral issues cannot be effectively dealt with using moral commands that are over 1000 yrs old? Morality from God is more reliable than morality decided upon by society Divorce, murder, teen pregnancy rates all higher in the Bible Belt of USA
Fundamentalism often mistakes cultural traditions for religious doctrines. Treatment of women due to patriarchal society or Divine command? Condemnation of homosexuality to ensure the flourishing of a nomadic tribe or Divine Command? In Islam: the wearing of the niqab practical face covering in desert winds or required by God? Restriction over eating pork danger of contracting diseases in warm climates or forbidden by God?
