Do you read viewpoints contrary to your own?

[Silent Enigma]

Just a question for the fundamentalists. Many fundies that I've known avoid contrary viewpoints like the plauge. Maybe because they're afraid of "losing the faith"? I was wondering if all fundies were like that.

The thing I have in mind would be perhaps the reading of books not supportive of the bible being inerrant, stuff like that.

[Logos1560]

I am a fundamentalist, independent Baptist. While I do not recommend it for young believers, I have read books written by liberals, by unbelievers or atheists, by evolutionists, or by those who deny the inerrancy of the Bible.

[No Swansong]

Just a question for the fundamentalists. Many fundies that I've known avoid contrary viewpoints like the plauge. Maybe because they're afraid of "losing the faith"? I was wondering if all fundies were like that.

The thing I have in mind would be perhaps the reading of books not supportive of the bible being inerrant, stuff like that.


I would think that if this is the case of the Fundamentalists that you know then you may not know very many.

Most of what I read is not from Fundamentalist authors. As a matter of fact I have read probably more from Spong and Pagels than most liberals have.

[desmalia]

I like to read a variety. It stretches my mind to look at different angles. I do agree that it's important to have a grounded faith and understanding of the Word before jumping into some of the stuff that's out there though.

One of the best books I've read in many years was actually written by an athiest lesbian liberal.

[BBAS 64]

I am a fundamentalist, independent Baptist. While I do not recommend it for young believers, I have read books written by liberals, by unbelievers or atheists, by evolutionists, or by those who deny the inerrancy of the Bible.

Good Day, Logos

Agreed.

:thumbsup: :amen:

In Him,

Bill

[BBAS 64]

I would think that if this is the case of the Fundamentalists that you know then you may not know very many.

Most of what I read is not from Fundamentalist authors. As a matter of fact I have read probably more from Spong and Pagels than most liberals have.

Good Day, Jtbdad

Have you listened to the debte between Spong and White in Fla. last year?

In Him,

Bill

[No Swansong]

No I haven't do you have a link?

[oliveplants]

I think listening to (or reading) a variety of viewpoints can help one define their own beliefs. There is a donger of becoming confused, but if one recognizes that they are in a state of confusion and studies and prays and listens more, they can work through that and be much stronger than they were before. (DH and I do this often.)

[Project 86]

I'm a young earth, fundamental biblicist that attends an IFB church. I own books by people such as Charles Darwin, Kenneth Miller and Brian McLaren. I own books by groups such as Muslims, Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses. I own this material so I can see what their arguments are to see what good things they say and what false claims they make. Evolution material especially increases my faith in things such as a young earth because the best arguments out there by the brightest minds do goo to man evolution no favor.

That all being said I don't suggest everyone does like I do. I believe you need to be grounded in Bible before reading such material.

[jlujan69]

Just a question for the fundamentalists. Many fundies that I've known avoid contrary viewpoints like the plauge. Maybe because they're afraid of "losing the faith"? I was wondering if all fundies were like that.

The thing I have in mind would be perhaps the reading of books not supportive of the bible being inerrant, stuff like that.

I'll read books challenging the Christian faith or about other religions, but I always read the ones written by Christian authors. That way I can see how they defend our faith. Am I afraid of losing faith or having my walk damaged by trying to defend it on my own? You bet I am! I know better than to try to argue with Satan using my own abilities and charm.

This past week, I engaged in debate with a Catholic regarding the validity of their "sacred tradition". The guy just couldn't see where I was coming from, yet I could understand his position. If I didn't have any knowledge of the Bible, I wouldn't have even tried it, though.

[mothcorrupteth]

I read alternate viewpoints. Some of them for a good laugh, others so I know where the other person's coming from.

[No Swansong]

I usually get a good laugh from Pagels.

[Bleeah]

I get a pretty good spectrum of religious and political beliefs here at CF, and I seek out different views on the web, but I'm real choosy about the books I own.

[Silent Enigma]

I would think that if this is the case of the Fundamentalists that you know then you may not know very many.

That's right, and that's why I posed the question here. The one's I've known were of a very fearful sort.

[TwinCrier]

I probably read more of the opposition since I usually read links posted here and then counter then with my opinions. Very rarely do I change my mind, though I have changed my opinions on birth control, abortion, homosexuality and bible versions while attempting to refute the ideas presented. I simply come to a point where my ideals haven't a leg to stand on. In most cases though, I either shake my head in disbelief of laugh out loud at the points being made.

[cubanito]

No, can't say that I've ever read or heard anything that vaguely disagrees with any of my opinions on anything at all.

JR

[No Swansong]

No, can't say that I've ever read or heard anything that vaguely disagrees with any of my opinions on anything at all.

JR
LOL :thumbsup:

[Project 86]

Very rarely do I change my mind, though I have changed my opinions on birth control, abortion, homosexuality and bible versions while attempting to refute the ideas presented.

If you don't mind me asking how has your views changed on these subjects?
:scratch:

[twistedsketch]

It depends on whether or not I feel like it at the time.

[desmalia]

No, can't say that I've ever read or heard anything that vaguely disagrees with any of my opinions on anything at all.

JR
Especially on CF! ^_^ ^_^ ^_^

[DeaconDean]

I was a student at seminary classes, we were taught Baptist doctrine, it was a Baptist seminary, duh. But one thing one of my teachers told me that always seemed to stick with me was this: always read as much as you can get your hands on when studying a particular subject, even those which counter your viewpoint. That way, with all the facts in hand, you can reach an informed, enlightened conclusion. One based on all the facts.

I always try to read all materials that are pertainant to any subject I study. Even if they go against what I know.

God Bless

Till all are one.

[TwinCrier]

I probably read more of the opposition since I usually read links posted here and then counter then with my opinions. Very rarely do I change my mind, though I have changed my opinions on birth control, abortion, homosexuality and bible versions while attempting to refute the ideas presented. I simply come to a point where my ideals haven't a leg to stand on. In most cases though, I either shake my head in disbelief of laugh out loud at the points being made.

If you don't mind me asking how has your views changed on these subjects?
:scratch:I am now quiver-full, anti-abortion, homophobic and KJV Only.

[No Swansong]

I am now quiver-full, anti-abortion, homophobic and KJV Only.
TC you are afraid of homosexuals?

[TwinCrier]

Yes, people that abuse themselves scare me. If they would do that to themselves, what would they do to me?! People who pierce and tattoo scare me too. Not that my own sin doesn't frighten me as well.

[No Swansong]

Thanks for your honest response.

I can't say many people scare me. But I agree with you that my own sin scares me very much.

[desmalia]

Thanks for your honest response.

I can't say many people scare me. But I agree with you that my own sin scares me very much.
I'll second that!

[Project 86]

I am now quiver-full, anti-abortion, homophobic and KJV Only.

Well I'm glad it was a change for the better. ;)

[peacechild]

I do read quite a lot contrary to what has been shoved down my throat in my childhood church, and what I am comfortable believing. That is why my positions have changed on so many issues like King James Onlyism.

I would just like to point out that Jesus was never afraid of any sinners. He ate with them, had conversations with them, healed them, and preached to them. What is rather amazing to me is that sinners *wanted* to be around Jesus. He attracted crouds of sinners. He didn't do this by being afraid of them.

How can you love your neighbor if you are afraid of him?
Why not live under a rock, if you are so afraid?

"I am a fundamentalist, independent Baptist."
"I'm a young earth, fundamental biblicist that attends an IFB church."
"I am now quiver-full, anti-abortion, homophobic and KJV Only."
LOL. Love your labels eh?

[No Swansong]

I do read quite a lot contrary to what has been shoved down my throat in my childhood church, and what I am comfortable believing. That is why my positions have changed on so many issues like King James Onlyism.

I would just like to point out that Jesus was never afraid of any sinners. He ate with them, had conversations with them, healed them, and preached to them. What is rather amazing to me is that sinners *wanted* to be around Jesus. He attracted crouds of sinners. He didn't do this by being afraid of them.

How can you love your neighbor if you are afraid of him?
Why not live under a rock, if you are so afraid?

"I am a fundamentalist, independent Baptist."
"I'm a young earth, fundamental biblicist that attends an IFB church."
"I am now quiver-full, anti-abortion, homophobic and KJV Only."
LOL. Love your labels eh?



I didn't read anywhere in TwinCrier's post that she doesn't witness to homosexuals, or minister to those of whom she is afraid. You are making an assumption for which there is simply no evidence. As for being afraid; fear is a natural response. I would be surprised to find out that you have never been afraid. I know I have. Additionally you have no evidence that Jesus didn't fear, just as I have no evidence that He did.


Concerning labels: like them or not they can be helpful in communication. While I attempt to avoid putting labels on others there are labels I am not ashamed to have applied to me, such as 'Christian'. If TwinCrier choses to label herself why should this concern us?

[peacechild]

I didn't read anywhere in TwinCrier's post that she doesn't witness to homosexuals, or minister to those of whom she is afraid. You are making an assumption for which there is simply no evidence. As for being afraid; fear is a natural response. I would be surprised to find out that you have never been afraid. I know I have. Additionally you have no evidence that Jesus didn't fear, just as I have no evidence that He did.


Concerning labels: like them or not they can be helpful in communication. While I attempt to avoid putting labels on others there are labels I am not ashamed to have applied to me, such as 'Christian'. If TwinCrier choses to label herself why should this concern us?

And who is the one making assumptions? No where did I single TwinCrier out, or purposely imply that she did not witness to homosexuals. I have no idea who she does or does not witness to.
I'm just pointing out that naturally we avoid what we are afraid of.
And again, concerning the labels, I was not singling out TwinCrier (reread my post, I quoted three people, not just TwinCrier). I just find it humourous that often fundamentalists enjoy reciting a long string of labels. I'm not condemning it or "concerned" about it. I merely find it funny.

[No Swansong]

To begin with I think we got off on the wrong foot. I have reread my post and I see that although it was not my intention it can be read as confrontational. I apologize for that and I would be happy to edit it if you so desire.


And who is the one making assumptions? No where did I single TwinCrier out, or purposely imply that she did not witness to homosexuals


It is correct that you did not state that she did not witness to homosexuals, it does read to me that you make that implication but I fully admit that I am sometimes wrong about such things and I apologize for making this aassumption. To me the implication exists because you follow up your comments about Jesus not being afraid with "How can you Love your neighbor if you are afraid of him?" Since TwinCrier has already admitted her fear this statement seemed to me to imply a lack of love for her neighbor. I am not sure where I got the witnessing idea probably because I associate Jesus eating and drinking with sinners with witnessing.


. I have no idea who she does or does not witness to.
I'm just pointing out that naturally we avoid what we are afraid of. I apologize I didn't see this in your post. Actually I still don't but I appreciate your pointing it out.


And again, concerning the labels, I was not singling out TwinCrier (reread my post, I quoted three people, not just TwinCrier).I have no reason to disbelieve you. It is your quote of TwinCrier followed by "Love your Labels eh?" that led me to believe you were indeed directing your comments to her.



I just find it humourous that often fundamentalists enjoy reciting a long string of labels. I'm not condemning it or "concerned" about it. I merely find it funny.I really don't know how to read this. Since you seem to be separating yourself from Fundamentalists in this statement should we assume you do not consider yourself Fundamentalist?

[peacechild]

...should we assume you do not consider yourself Fundamentalist?

No, by definition, I am a Fundamentalist. I suppose I should have said "we Fundamentalists". ;) Anyhow, I'm done with the post nitpicking.

[No Swansong]

Welcome to CF and to Fundamentalist Churches forum!!

[VCViking]

Do you read viewpoints contrary to your own?
Just a question for the fundamentalists. Many fundies that I've known avoid contrary viewpoints like the plauge. Maybe because they're afraid of "losing the faith"? I was wondering if all fundies were like that.

The thing I have in mind would be perhaps the reading of books not supportive of the bible being inerrant, stuff like that.


For spiritually mature Christians, yes.