Do I have misconceptions about you guys?

[arunma]

Hello everyone. E=mv^2 asked me to come in here, because he thinks I have the wrong idea about fundamentalist Christians.

My church adheres to the truth of the virgin birth, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ. We hold that belief in Christ crucified and resurrected is the only means by which anyone can be saved, and we hold to the inerrency of the Scriptures. And of course, we take the conservative view on abortion and homosexuality. That said, we do not believe that we're fundamentalists.

I've always thought that fundamentalist Christians hold to such doctrines as requirement to vote Republican, adherence to legalisms (for example, requiring members to abstain from alcohol, birth control, and other things not mentioned in Scripture), belief in the superiority and divine ordination of the United States of America, requirement to hold patriotic beliefs towards the United States of America (even for non-Americans), and occasionally some racist beliefs, such as an opposition to interracial marriage. Of course I don't hold to any of these beliefs, which is why I don't call myself a fundamentalist. But I'm now told that fundamentalists also do not adhere to these beliefs. Is my definition of fundamentalism flawed?

[MatthewDiscipleofGod]

Hello everyone. E=mv^2 asked me to come in here, because he thinks I have the wrong idea about fundamentalist Christians.

My church adheres to the truth of the virgin birth, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ. We hold that belief in Christ crucified and resurrected is the only means by which anyone can be saved, and we hold to the inerrency of the Scriptures. And of course, we take the conservative view on abortion and homosexuality. That said, we do not believe that we're fundamentalists.

I've always thought that fundamentalist Christians hold to such doctrines as requirement to vote Republican, adherence to legalisms (for example, requiring members to abstain from alcohol, birth control, and other things not mentioned in Scripture), belief in the superiority and divine ordination of the United States of America, requirement to hold patriotic beliefs towards the United States of America (even for non-Americans), and occasionally some racist beliefs, such as an opposition to interracial marriage. Of course I don't hold to any of these beliefs, which is why I don't call myself a fundamentalist. But I'm now told that fundamentalists also do not adhere to these beliefs. Is my definition of fundamentalism flawed?

I certainly would consider myself a fundamentalist and I have been to a few fundamental churches. There certainly is no requirement to vote republican. Not all republicans are against abortion, homosexual marriage or other things that can be big factors. Some fundamentalists may be legalists but many are not. Many will be against the pill because it can cause abortions but natural birth control is common in fundamental circles. Also many fundamentalists don't drink so it's not a temptation for them or others to over drink. Most don't say that just drinking a small amount that doesn't give you a buzz or tempt a brother to sin is wrong. When it comes to racism it's not normally a problem. I know several fundamentalists in fact that are of other nationalities. Also at the top of this forum is a definition of what a fundamentalist is.

[e=mv^2]

Yup - dragged him kicking and screaming! Well.. ok..not so much screaming..

Here is "THE DEFINITION"
Fundamentalist: (Defined by the World Congress of Fundamentalists in 1976)

A born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ who
Maintains an immovable allegiance to the inerrant, infallible, and verbally Inspired Bible;
Believes whatever the Bible says is so;
Judges all things by the Bible, and is judged only by the Bible, aka - "Sola Scriptura";
Affirms the foundational truths of the historic Christian Faith:
The doctrine of the Trinity
The incarnation, virgin birth, substitutionary atonement, bodily resurrection, ascension into Heaven, and Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ
The new birth through regeneration of the Holy Spirit
The resurrection of saints to life eternal
The resurrection of the ungodly to final judgment and eternal death
The fellowship of the saints, who are the body of Christ;

Practices fidelity to that faith, and endeavors to preach it to every creature;
Exposes and separates from all ecclesiastical denial of that Faith, compromise with error, and apostasy from the Truth; and
Earnestly contends for the Faith once delivered.

Therefore, Fundamentalism is a militant orthodoxy with a soulwinning zeal. While Fundamentalists may differ on certain interpretations of Scripture, we join in unity of heart and common purpose for the defense of the Faith and the preaching of the Gospel, without compromise or division.

Every post that I have read by you falls directly in the lap of fundamentalism. There are lots of other fundamentalists here too that do not know it. I think that they might have negative feelings about the term fundamentalists and have some of the same misconceptions.

Anyhoo.. I thought arunma would be a great addition to our little group here as he does an exceptional job with his posts. He also has some deep knowledge about some other religions and might be able to share some insight into being a good witness for christ to those lost in the karmic religions.

[arunma]

Anyhoo.. I thought arunma would be a great addition to our little group here as he does an exceptional job with his posts. He also has some deep knowledge about some other religions and might be able to share some insight into being a good witness for christ to those lost in the karmic religions.

Hey, no problem! As long as you don't mind my voting Democrat, ranting my unpatriotic rants, and dating outside of my own race, I'd love to stick around.

And indeed I do have a special concern for those who are still lost in Hinduism and Buddhism. Certainly the church must do something to contend with these demonic spirits.

[twistedsketch]

I've always thought that fundamentalist Christians hold to such doctrines as requirement to vote Republican, adherence to legalisms (for example, requiring members to abstain from alcohol, birth control, and other things not mentioned in Scripture), belief in the superiority and divine ordination of the United States of America, requirement to hold patriotic beliefs towards the United States of America (even for non-Americans), and occasionally some racist beliefs, such as an opposition to interracial marriage. Of course I don't hold to any of these beliefs, which is why I don't call myself a fundamentalist. But I'm now told that fundamentalists also do not adhere to these beliefs. Is my definition of fundamentalism flawed?
Yes it is. Flawed by the world's stereotype.

[HumbleMan]

I've always thought that fundamentalist Christians hold to such doctrines as requirement to vote Republican, adherence to legalisms (for example, requiring members to abstain from alcohol, birth control, and other things not mentioned in Scripture), belief in the superiority and divine ordination of the United States of America, requirement to hold patriotic beliefs towards the United States of America (even for non-Americans), and occasionally some racist beliefs, such as an opposition to interracial marriage. Of course I don't hold to any of these beliefs, which is why I don't call myself a fundamentalist. But I'm now told that fundamentalists also do not adhere to these beliefs. Is my definition of fundamentalism flawed?

I think you've been hanging out in the politics forum too much ;)

[arunma]

I think you've been hanging out in the politics forum too much ;)

Actually, I don't spend very much time on the politics forum. If I'm not mistaken, I've only made one post there. My understanding of fundamentalism is the way many people at my church understand it. Then again, we don't consider Southern Baptists to be fundamentalists, so maybe the fundamentalists we talk about aren't the same thing as the ones who spend time on this forum.

[e=mv^2]

The southern baptist church is typically very conservative and is quite possibly home to more fundamentalists than any other denomination. I think the problem is that when someone hears fundamentalist they assume wacko fanatic. The truth is that in another 20-30 years .. today's liberals might just be wacko fanatics..

[arunma]

Woah now, I didn't say that I'm fond of the beliefs of everyone in the Southern Baptist church. For example, many of them believe that it's wrong for Christians to drink, and I disapprove of this legalism. But I do think that the Southern Baptist Church's offical doctrines are sound.

[jlujan69]

Hello everyone. E=mv^2 asked me to come in here, because he thinks I have the wrong idea about fundamentalist Christians.

[QUOTE]
My church adheres to the truth of the virgin birth, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ. We hold that belief in Christ crucified and resurrected is the only means by which anyone can be saved, and we hold to the inerrency of the Scriptures. And of course, we take the conservative view on abortion and homosexuality. That said, we do not believe that we're fundamentalists.
You've stated before in the non-Christian forum that theologically, you're probably fundamentalist. I believe that more Christians are than is realized.
I've always thought that fundamentalist Christians hold to such doctrines as requirement to vote Republican, adherence to legalisms (for example, requiring members to abstain from alcohol, birth control, and other things not mentioned in Scripture), belief in the superiority and divine ordination of the United States of America, requirement to hold patriotic beliefs towards the United States of America (even for non-Americans), and occasionally some racist beliefs, such as an opposition to interracial marriage. Of course I don't hold to any of these beliefs, which is why I don't call myself a fundamentalist. But I'm now told that fundamentalists also do not adhere to these beliefs. Is my definition of fundamentalism flawed? While many American fundies are very patriotic, and rightly so, fundamentalism itself is independent of national or political considerations. Abstinence from alcohol is a requirement in some fundy churches--generally the "holiness" ones, such as mine, but not all. Most encourage at least moderation in this matter. I'm sure there are fundies who are racist, but I'm also sure they're in the minority. I don't know of any church whose policies are directed against people "of color". Sadly, some religion based web sites list racist churches like Christian Identity and World Church of the Creator as fundamentalist, which they are not. They embrace that odious doctrine of British Israelism which is totally insulting to God's holy word.

[crossrunner]

Hello everyone. E=mv^2 asked me to come in here, because he thinks I have the wrong idea about fundamentalist Christians.

My church adheres to the truth of the virgin birth, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ. We hold that belief in Christ crucified and resurrected is the only means by which anyone can be saved, and we hold to the inerrency of the Scriptures. And of course, we take the conservative view on abortion and homosexuality. That said, we do not believe that we're fundamentalists.

I've always thought that fundamentalist Christians hold to such doctrines as requirement to vote Republican, adherence to legalisms (for example, requiring members to abstain from alcohol, birth control, and other things not mentioned in Scripture), belief in the superiority and divine ordination of the United States of America, requirement to hold patriotic beliefs towards the United States of America (even for non-Americans), and occasionally some racist beliefs, such as an opposition to interracial marriage. Of course I don't hold to any of these beliefs, which is why I don't call myself a fundamentalist. But I'm now told that fundamentalists also do not adhere to these beliefs. Is my definition of fundamentalism flawed?

I'm a fundie....but I am not anything like your definition.. I don't think that one has to vote Republican (where did that come from???), I drink wine once in a while, I'm not legalistic at all (saved by Grace baby!), I love my country but I do not always believe that its superior and I do question some of the things that are done by my country, I am not and will never never never be a racist, I have no problems at all with inter-racial marriage.

Heck...I'm even a Burkenstock wearing, Europe-back-packing, Star Trek lovin', vegetarian!!

I do believe that the Bible is the inspired and accurate Word of the Living God...that is what makes me a fundie.

[e=mv^2]

Heck...I'm even a Burkenstock wearing, Europe-back-packing, Star Trek lovin', vegetarian!!


I not only wear birkenstocks but I also mix up my own blend of sandalwood and patchouli oils to wear!

[arunma]

I do believe that the Bible is the inspired and accurate Word of the Living God...that is what makes me a fundie.

I see. I guess by that definition, I'd be a fundie too, though I prefer the term orthodox. But anyway, you guys don't seem so bad after all.

[twistedsketch]

I see. I guess by that definition, I'd be a fundie too, though I prefer the term orthodox. But anyway, you guys don't seem so bad after all.
Then of course, you'll need to deal with angry Eastern Orthodox believers.

[arunma]

Then of course, you'll need to deal with angry Eastern Orthodox believers.

Ahh, but I've already thought of that. This is why I make it a point to always spell orthodox with a small o.

[jlujan69]

I not only wear birkenstocks but I also mix up my own blend of sandalwood and patchouli oils to wear!

Not knowing what birkenstocks are, I did a word search. Anyway, wearing stylized sandals is not that big of a deal in Guam, or elsewhere in the tropics. In fact, the kids are permitted to wear them in school-a big no-no in schools in Ohio. You can't live in Guam and not have at least one pair of sandals and a Hawaiian style print shirt (that reminds me, I have to buy a replacement print shirt).:cool:

[twistedsketch]

Not knowing what birkenstocks are, I did a word search. Anyway, wearing stylized sandals is not that big of a deal in Guam, or elsewhere in the tropics. In fact, the kids are permitted to wear them in school-a big no-no in schools in Ohio. You can't live in Guam and not have at least one pair of sandals and a Hawaiian style print shirt (that reminds me, I have to buy a replacement print shirt).:cool:
Over here, Birkenstocks are a telltale sign of being a hippie. Same with a pony tail on a middle aged man.

[e=mv^2]

They are also the most comfortable thing you will ever put on your feet. Birkenstock started out as an orthopaedic company. They rock.

[TwinCrier]

I thought Birkenstocks were a lesbian footwear.

[arunma]

What's lesbian footwear?

[e=mv^2]

I thought Birkenstocks were a lesbian footwear.

Too funny!
Comfortable footwear does not a lesbian make. Which is good because my wife also wears them.

[crossrunner]

I thought Birkenstocks were a lesbian footwear.

:scratch: I'm shocked to see this comment being made on a Christian forum by someone who loves our Lord. I have a sense of humor like anyone else...but this just isn't funny to me. Please forgive me, I don't mean to be harsh.

[jlujan69]

Over here, Birkenstocks are a telltale sign of being a hippie. Same with a pony tail on a middle aged man.

Out here in the middle of somewhere few know about, long hair on any aged man doesn't necessarily equate him with being a hippie unless there are other tell tale signs like tie dye clothing and mulit-colored 60's Volkwagen vans and designer bongs galore in his house--then he may be a hippie! Of course, there are a few middle aged white men with pony tails here whom I suspect to be holdovers from that notorious era.


As an aside, are you a hippie by chance?;)

[ksen]

I not only wear birkenstocks but I also mix up my own blend of sandalwood and patchouli oils to wear!

WHAT!?!? That's it! (looks around for a forum-specific ban)..... ;)

[e=mv^2]

Lol!

[arunma]

:scratch: I'm shocked to see this comment being made on a Christian forum by someone who loves our Lord. I have a sense of humor like anyone else...but this just isn't funny to me. Please forgive me, I don't mean to be harsh.

Yes, I understand. I don't really understand this either.

[TwinCrier]

What? Is it insulting to lesbians to insinuate they wear Birkenstocks?? Did I insult the lesbians or the shoes? I don't get it what was so offensive. I've been thinking of putting both of you on ignore for some time, perhaps today is the day.

[arunma]

What? Is it insulting to lesbians to insinuate they wear Birkenstocks?? Did I insult the lesbians or the shoes? I don't get it what was so offensive. I've been thinking of putting both of you on ignore for some time, perhaps today is the day.

What'd I do? Well in any case, I'm just a little confused as to why Christians would want to discuss lesbianism, or make jokes of what is obviously a sinful lifestyle. But hey, I'm not judging anyone.

[Leimeng]

The southern baptist church is typically very conservative and is quite possibly home to more fundamentalists than any other denomination. I think the problem is that when someone hears fundamentalist they assume wacko fanatic. The truth is that in another 20-30 years .. today's liberals might just be wacko fanatics..

~ Why wait another 20-30 years? I think that todays liberals are already wacko fanatics. I also think that modern american liberalism is a sexually transmitted cancer (no offense intended for those with cancer).
~ Continue to discuss amongst yourselves...

Peace,

Leimeng

Flatulo Ergo Sum ~~~

(***Insert Personal One Liner Here***)

[e=mv^2]

Flatulo Ergo Sum
Funny.. but shouldn't it be
Flatulo ergo puteo?

What? Is it insulting to lesbians to insinuate they wear Birkenstocks?? Did I insult the lesbians or the shoes? I don't get it what was so offensive. I've been thinking of putting both of you on ignore for some time, perhaps today is the day.

I did not see it as being offensive. I really thought you were joking.
Here is the problem:

When you make a statement like that it means that you may have associated a physical thing for a sinful behavior. That is judgement and more specifically pre-judgement. Seeing a woman wearing birkenstocks and assuming that she is a lesbian is not a good thing. That is taking a style of footwear and judging her to be sinful for it. What is sinful about shoes? WSDJW? What shoes did Jesus wear?

Sandals most likely.

Not everyone with a mohawk is an anarchist.
Not everyone with cowboy boots chews tobacco.
Not everyone that wears a pinky ring sells cars.

Having said that.....

We all need to be a little harder to offend I think. When we get offended we have less of a chance to help fix that which offended us.

[crossrunner]

Having said that.....

We all need to be a little harder to offend I think. When we get offended we have less of a chance to help fix that which offended us.

You are right. I humbly apologize. Being never married and 42 years old I have been judged more than once as being lesbian (which of course, I am not)...and the comment hit a little too close to home.

Please forgive me.

In Christ,
Crossrunner