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Anyone who feels that their beliefs are true has a tendency to exclude those who do not agree, and then to vilify them. Scientists, educators, as well as religious people can all fall victim to this form of “fundamentalism” to some degree. Everyday we encounter some form of intolerance and exclusion based on what we believe. Even those who preach tolerance are themselves easily seduced into intolerance of others not demonstrating their brand of tolerance. Their motto all too often becomes, “Tolerance to all; down with all who are intolerant!”
In our world today many are turning to fundamentalism of some sort to bring comfort and provide motivation for action. Our own American political arena is experiencing such a shift. Instead of healthy debate over legislation, those who disagree are labeled “obstructionists”. This is simply a political form of fundamentalism. Unfortunately, the pursuit of power begets its own corruption, and the old saying “Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely,” becomes reality.
Thinkers much smarter than I have identified three foundations that fundamentalism of any kind has in common. President Jimmy Carter in his book, Our Endangered Values, lists these foundations: rigidity, domination, and exclusion. Looking around in the world today these are exactly the traits we find showing up everywhere. The scientific community does not allow open discussion of intelligent design or anything else that does not fit their view of the universe, regardless of the facts; educators believe that education will save the world and our institutions of higher learning become the cathedrals where we worship intelligence and only want more funding, even though home-schooling and other alternative learning options are gaining popularity; and in our families and communities we grow increasingly separatist focusing on our individual cultures rather than contributing to our national identity seeking power in an attempt to level the playing field. Like Islamic communities asking for autonomy from the government in the
Carter painfully describes the religious fundamentalist thought process, “[Fundamentalists] are inclined to begin a process of deciding: ‘Since I am aligned with God, I am superior and my beliefs should prevail, and anyone who disagrees with me is inherently wrong.’” I have experienced that feeling of superiority and held to the notion that my beliefs should prevail. I knew I was right, and that fed a need to convince others they were wrong. If others could not be convinced, then they were excluded; relegated to a second class. Even other Christians, who believed in such basic Christian doctrines as the Trinity and Atonement of Jesus, would be excluded if they did not agree with fundamentalist dogma.
This book is my story about becoming a Christian fundamentalist and how I began to examine what I believed using the very tools I was taught by fundamentalists to identify truth. My examples are specific to my situation and the dogmas of Christian fundamentalism. But the lessons I have learned and share here can apply to fundamentalism of any variety, religious or not. My intent is not to bash fundamentalists; many of the fundamentalists I have known deeply loved God and me. I am not bitter, or angry, and I have not blamed God for the failings of humans. I have simply taken the tools I was given for discerning truth, and applied them to the fundamentalist beliefs I once held. Sadly, most did not do well on the final exam. I hope to give these tools to you, the reader.
I did not have to amputate my Christianity simply because I discovered some things that did not jive with my fundamentalist dogma. I am not a disillusioned rebel now ready to point out the flaws of faith. I simply want everyone to be able to bask in the love and grace of God promised to us by his son, Jesus without exception. I have rediscovered the teachings of Jesus, and they are simply amazing and life changing! Instead of rigidity, I have found grace and mercy, freely given by God, expected to be shared by me. Domination has been replaced with humility and a teachable heart that seeks to serve others in the spirit of truth rather than requiring submission to the letter of the law. Exclusion based on differences or fear of becoming tainted has become interaction and contact, hoping that my actions will look more like Jesus who was willing to touch and be touched by all sorts of rabble.
I recently asked if I have simply modified my beliefs to make myself more comfortable. No, and it seems that being aligned with Jesus and his principles is an exercise in agitation and action rather than malaise and comfort. He calls me to be active and inject myself into my world so that I can share God’s love. I am to seek justice and mercy in every aspect of life – at home, in my community, my country, and the world. I am to confront sin and evil by doing good never fearing that I will become tainted with the sin of the world because greater is he who is in me, than Satan and sin. Seeking the unity of the faith in the bonds of peace is not simply a verse to be read from one of Paul’s letters, but a daily exercise of choosing to put others above myself, and to lay aside my petty differences.
Jesus broke with the strict legalism of his day, demonstrating that paying attention to the smallest detail of the law was no good if you neglected the obvious lessons of justice, mercy and grace.
Jesus had all the authority in heaven and earth, and he never once used it to dominate or to take control. He left that in God’s hands, submitting to his Father’s will. He said that he didn’t come to rule, but to serve, and that anyone who wanted to be great in his kingdom would follow his example.
Jesus extended love and mercy to everyone that the religious leaders of his day excluded. In sharp contrast to his acceptance of the rabble was his total intolerance for hypocrisy. The same Jesus that healed the unclean leper, forgave the adulteress, and let a prostitute wash his feet with her tears, fashioned a whip with his own hands and drove money changers out of the temple, righteous anger blazing bright as the noonday sun. The same Jesus who spoke tender words of encouragement to a widow, and a Roman Centurion seeking healing for his son, harshly singled out the religious leaders of his day who said they loved and followed God, but refused to promote God’s justice, mercy and love. It is clear that Jesus loves everyone, but does not condone hypocrisy of any kind. He seriously desires truth in the inward parts of our lives.
What is the ultimate cure for fundamentalism? I cannot say for everyone, but I focus on a very simple rule I learned from Jesus himself. I only need two loves in my life - for God and for the person in front of me at any particular time. I must let the love of God conquer my heart knowing full well he won’t be done in my lifetime.
