What do people mean by christian fundamentalist

Perhaps people whose interpretation of the Bible ( note, capital B), is literal and who are creationist?
Anybody care to add to that?

I think this is a good, balanced explanation. Sorry it's a link (but it is quite short!)

www.victorious.org/chur21.htm

That's my understanding Soutra and they often live in 'closed' communities too, are the Amish fundamentalists?

Thank you for that link Ana. Hurrah. It says what I am trying to say.

I agree with the last paragraph.

Yes whitewave. Thank you. The last paragraph is the important one.

I'm so glad I joined Gransnet as I have learnt so much about stuff I didn't even know that I didn't know about!!! Thanks

Does that describe you soontobe, I seem to remember you putting great reliance on the Bible in the past.

Yes Soutra. The first part of the link.

So why did you start this thread?

At least fundamentalist Moslems (in fact, most Moslems) insist on reading their holy book in the language in which it was written and don't claim that it is the word of Allah when it has been translated into another language.

Mind you, I do find the idea of divine dictation – whether by God, Allah or the FSM – faintly amusing.

Because this evening, and at other times, I see the words christian fundamentalist used in both ways.

The meaning of the two words now seem to mean what is in the last paragraph to about 3/4 of the posters on here. And about 1/4 think of it as what is in the first part of the link, myself included.

That is a supercilious and nasty comment absent.

Which one jingl?

Laughing at other people's beliefs.

Mind you, I am now convinced you can't actually help yourself. You just don't see it.

The idea that a man-made book created over an extended period of time is a collection of a divine being's words or thoughts is laughably absurd, especially given the multitude of contradictions that exist in the text.

Yes well. just say it nicely.

It's the 'faintly amusing' that's so offensive. OK, so you think it's inconceivable. But don't sneer.

I use the term Christian Fundamentalists to describe those who do at least one or any combination of the following

a) take the Bible literally & reject scientific evidence (e.g. world created in 6 days)

b) rely more on the OT than NT to justify their actions/ beliefs (e.g.an eye for an eye rather than turn the other cheek)

c) do not put the writings of the Bible in to their historical and social context (e.g. believe homosexuality is an abomination)

d) manipulate the stories of the OT/NT to justify their beliefs/actions (birthdays not mentioned in Bible so cannot celebrate birthdays!)

This will include all 'exclusive' groups such as Bretheren etc.

I thought it was a very good article but I did wonder what was meant by "orthodox Christians" at the end. To me fundamentalism means a judgemental and uncompromising stance and the belief that anyone who doesn't believe the same as me is wrong.

Good definition Penstemmon - would you accept that soontobe?

Wot Penstommen said.

I am puzzled by your OP soon - not sure what you are saying.

For what it's worth my definition of a Christian fundamentalist is someone who believes without thinking.