Some years ago a project was launched at the University of Chicago to define fundamentalism. The scholars who put the project together had varying success and some argued that fundamentalism varies in character far too widely to be described.
At its broadest, however, all forms of fundamentalism share the same longing for certainty.
In that form, there are multiple fundamentalisms: fundamentalisms of the left and the right; religious fundamentalists; political fundamentalists; economic fundamentalists; social fundamentalists; ethical fundamentalists — the list can be expanded endlessly.
In many cases, most if not all fundamentalisms enshrine noble ideas. But the operative word in that description is “enshrine.”
Every fundamentalism fails — not because it declares faith in something, not because it believes passionately in something — but because it makes a God of something that is not God.
For that same reason, however, most critiques of fundamentalism also fail — because they enshrine cynicism, doubt, and smug detachment.
The only thing that deserves to be enshrined is that which deserves to be worshiped.
Fred, I certainly agree that fundamentals – right or left – up or to the side, etc. get too fringed out because the only One that deserves our all is Jesus. But isn’t our belief in God’s Word our fundamental basis for all of lilfe? If so, doesn’t it influence our thinking and belief patterns in all ways?
Carol Lawson
Two thoughts…one, the Bible (as important as it is) is not a substitute for God. Fundamentalism trades dependence upon a relationship with the living God for dependence upon a body of convictions that make faith in God possible. The irony, then, about fundamentalism is that it is finally really afraid to trust God. Two, fundamentalisms of the left and right do not make basic assumptions about Scripture AS SCRIPTURE. Fundamentalisms typically rest on certain assumptions ABOUT Scripture, which is not the same thing. There I think that the misunderstanding may lie a bit in the way the word “fundamental” is being used.
Fred, thanks so much for your reply.
Over my forty years of being a Christian Scripture has become Jesus and is the Word of God. Jesus is the Word made flesh to me. He is alive to me through His Word. Words. He reveals Himself to me through His Word; Words. The Holy Spirit takes the Word of God and makes Jesus real to me inside myself. And He is alive in countless other ways to me.
I know God is not limited in the ways He speaks to people. All have opportunities to know Him. There are many who may never see a Bible and sadly many are blind. Some, with the opportunity, may never read Scripture anyway.
Need is basically the same for a part of suffering? If so, are you saying we are running from our pain? I’m a slow learner but would like to understand your message on needs.