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Mark 12:28-34 & "fundamentalism"

sugnim

Member
Based upon what I've read in popular media and the news, when a Christian is referred to as a "fundamentalist," it typically means that the Christian is socially conservative. Although no description can apply to everyone, it seems that a typical "fundamental" Christian might be in favor of things like teaching creationism in public schools, public prayer, and restricting access to abortion, and might be against things like gay marriage, gender equality, and the study of evolution. I'm sure you could add to that list.

But, it seems to me that if someone is going to be "fundamentalist" about Christianity, they might look to Mark 12:28-34, when Jesus specifically says what he believes is the most important commandment. Essentially, other than loving the Hebrew God & loving your neighbor as yourself, there isn't really anything else that's terribly important. Everything else is subordinate to that, so it would seem that to be a "fundamentalist," a Christian might work on those 2 things exclusively, and only if they can truly accomplish those things, they might move on to something else.

So, what's up with "fundamentalist" beliefs & actions? Thoughts?

The verses from the NIV Bible:

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”There is no commandment greater than these.”

32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
 

Trackdayguy

Speed doesn't kill, it's hitting the wall
Good post. I think for me Christianity has become about belief, rather than the greatest command which you mention. Paul affirms this when he say you can have faith that moves mountains, but if there is no love you are nothing.

I think Jesus would have a hard time understanding what Christianity is.
 
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David1967

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
Good post. I think for me Christianity has become about belief, rather than the greatest command which up mention. Paul affirms this when he say you can have faith that moves mountains, but if there is no love you are nothing.

I think Jesus would have a hard time understanding what Christianity is.

I think you are right. Fundamentalists as defined by the OP, have become the very self righteous Pharisees that Jesus preached against.
 

David1967

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
I was once in that camp, I think that fundamentalism can look attractive as it is rigid in a moving world, it also doesn't require you to think, just obey.

I agree. Too much thought leads to questions that cant be sensibly answered within the context of fundamentalist teachings. Therefore is discouraged. Sad really.
 

74x12

Well-Known Member
Based upon what I've read in popular media and the news, when a Christian is referred to as a "fundamentalist," it typically means that the Christian is socially conservative. Although no description can apply to everyone, it seems that a typical "fundamental" Christian might be in favor of things like teaching creationism in public schools, public prayer, and restricting access to abortion, and might be against things like gay marriage, gender equality, and the study of evolution. I'm sure you could add to that list.

But, it seems to me that if someone is going to be "fundamentalist" about Christianity, they might look to Mark 12:28-34, when Jesus specifically says what he believes is the most important commandment. Essentially, other than loving the Hebrew God & loving your neighbor as yourself, there isn't really anything else that's terribly important. Everything else is subordinate to that, so it would seem that to be a "fundamentalist," a Christian might work on those 2 things exclusively, and only if they can truly accomplish those things, they might move on to something else.

So, what's up with "fundamentalist" beliefs & actions? Thoughts?

The verses from the NIV Bible:

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”There is no commandment greater than these.”

32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
I don't think this is a fair analysis and fundamentalist Christians in general do not get a fair chance in the media or public sphere any more. At least not as often as they should.
 

Trackdayguy

Speed doesn't kill, it's hitting the wall
I don't think this is a fair analysis and fundamentalist Christians in general do not get a fair chance in the media or public sphere any more. At least not as often as they should.

Actually I think its very fair and an honest picture. I think the years of judgement and shame communicated by many fundamentalist Christians has not only misrepresented the message of the Gospel but closed the ears of the masses.

My best guess is they never got the memo on "dont judge"
 

InChrist

Free4ever
Based upon what I've read in popular media and the news, when a Christian is referred to as a "fundamentalist," it typically means that the Christian is socially conservative. .
Maybe the media defines a Christian fundamentalist as meaning a social conservative, but the accurate meaning is a believer who adheres to the fundamental ( foundational, basic, essential, elemental) teachings and doctrines of the Bible.
 

Trackdayguy

Speed doesn't kill, it's hitting the wall
Maybe the media defines a Christian fundamentalist as meaning a social conservative, but the accurate meaning is a believer who adheres to the fundamental ( foundational, basic, essential, elemental) teachings and doctrines of the Bible.

Its my conviction that christian fundamentalists have lost there way, when what they believe becomes more important than loving and accepting people who are different and have different beliefs.
 

sojourner

Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
This may be all on me, but I have an extremely difficult time carrying on even a very surface theological discussion with fundamentalists. I find them, as a rule, much too rigid in their beliefs, and at least somewhat entitled in their attitude toward the subject. By and large, they seem unwilling to consider other perspectives and have a propensity to make judgments about the spiritual health of those who think differently. It seems antithetical to an attitude based in love of neighbor.
 

Trackdayguy

Speed doesn't kill, it's hitting the wall
This may be all on me, but I have an extremely difficult time carrying on even a very surface theological discussion with fundamentalists. I find them, as a rule, much too rigid in their beliefs, and at least somewhat entitled in their attitude toward the subject. By and large, they seem unwilling to consider other perspectives and have a propensity to make judgments about the spiritual health of those who think differently. It seems antithetical to an attitude based in love of neighbor.

My sentiments exactly. It becomes very difficult for them to hear, when they believe they have the truth.
 
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Faithofchristian

Well-Known Member
Based upon what I've read in popular media and the news, when a Christian is referred to as a "fundamentalist," it typically means that the Christian is socially conservative. Although no description can apply to everyone, it seems that a typical "fundamental" Christian might be in favor of things like teaching creationism in public schools, public prayer, and restricting access to abortion, and might be against things like gay marriage, gender equality, and the study of evolution. I'm sure you could add to that list.

But, it seems to me that if someone is going to be "fundamentalist" about Christianity, they might look to Mark 12:28-34, when Jesus specifically says what he believes is the most important commandment. Essentially, other than loving the Hebrew God & loving your neighbor as yourself, there isn't really anything else that's terribly important. Everything else is subordinate to that, so it would seem that to be a "fundamentalist," a Christian might work on those 2 things exclusively, and only if they can truly accomplish those things, they might move on to something else.

So, what's up with "fundamentalist" beliefs & actions? Thoughts?

The verses from the NIV Bible:

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”There is no commandment greater than these.”

32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.


Seeing you have no idea or clue about what Jesus was talking about, in Mark 12:31-- "And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself"

First seeing Jesus was speaking to the people of Israel.
So who would be Israel's neighbour ?

Seeing the Samaritans were Israel's neighbour, that believed in the same God as did Israel, the Samaritans were Israel's neighbour.

For a Christian their neighbour would be a person who comes to their church every Sunday, they are not a member of their church, but they believe in and worships the same God as the Christians do.
That's the Christian neighbour.

But once this neighbour joins the church, Then they are no longer a neighbour, but becomes a brother or sister in Christ Jesus.
 
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sojourner

Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
Seeing you have no idea or clue about what Jesus was talking about, in Mark 12:31-- "And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself"

First seeing Jesus was speaking to the people of Israel.
So who would be Israel's neighbour ?

Seeing the Samaritans were Israel's neighbour, that believed in the same God as did Israel, the Samaritans were Israel's neighbour.

For a Christian their neighbour would be a person who comes to their church every Sunday, they are not a member of their church, but they believe in and worships the same God as the Christians do.
That's the Christian neighbour.

But once this neighbour joins the church, Then they are no longer a neighbour, but becomes a brother or sister in Christ Jesus.
Not quite. The Samaritans would have never been welcome in a Jewish synagogue. They were considered unclean, because they didn’t keep the Law as the Jews did. They were not in covenant. Samaritans were very difficult, if not impossible for the Jews to love. That’s why the parable of the Good Samaritan is such a shocker. It was not believed that a Samaritan was capable of goodness.

Therefore, loving one’s neighbor means loving the unlovable, not just “someone who visits church.”
 

Faithofchristian

Well-Known Member
Not quite. The Samaritans would have never been welcome in a Jewish synagogue. They were considered unclean, because they didn’t keep the Law as the Jews did. They were not in covenant. Samaritans were very difficult, if not impossible for the Jews to love. That’s why the parable of the Good Samaritan is such a shocker. It was not believed that a Samaritan was capable of goodness.

Therefore, loving one’s neighbor means loving the unlovable, not just “someone who visits church.”

I didn't say the Samaritans were welcome in the Jewish synagogue.
I said the Samaritans were Israel's neighbour.
That the Samaritans worship the same God as did Israel.

Had you any knowledge or understanding about the parable of the good Samaritan.

Jesus said in Luke 10:30-37

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise"

Seeing that Priest and Levite were brothers in Israel.
That leaves the Samaritan as the good neighbour.
That means that the Samaritans being Israel's neighbour.
 

Faithofchristian

Well-Known Member
Not quite. The Samaritans would have never been welcome in a Jewish synagogue. They were considered unclean, because they didn’t keep the Law as the Jews did. They were not in covenant. Samaritans were very difficult, if not impossible for the Jews to love. That’s why the parable of the Good Samaritan is such a shocker. It was not believed that a Samaritan was capable of goodness.

Therefore, loving one’s neighbor means loving the unlovable, not just “someone who visits church.”


By all means please do tell, Who's the father of the Samaritans ?

Seeing that Jacob is the son of Isaac and Isaac is the son of Abraham

No which one of these, is the father of the Samaritans ?

Go read the book of John 4:1-12, notice verse 12 The Samaritan woman saying to Jesus that the father of the Samaritans is Jacob,
Jacob being the son of Isaac
and Isaac being the son of Abraham.
 

sojourner

Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
I didn't say the Samaritans were welcome in the Jewish synagogue.
I said the Samaritans were Israel's neighbour.
That the Samaritans worship the same God as did Israel.

Had you any knowledge or understanding about the parable of the good Samaritan.

Jesus said in Luke 10:30-37

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise"

Seeing that Priest and Levite were brothers in Israel.
That leaves the Samaritan as the good neighbour.
That means that the Samaritans being Israel's neighbour.
But it’s not at all the same thing as “the visitor at your church,” as you alluded to earlier. The Samaritan would never be a visitor at church. Therefore, the neighbor to be loved is the unlovable who loves, and not the lovable particularly.
 

sojourner

Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
By all means please do tell, Who's the father of the Samaritans ?

Seeing that Jacob is the son of Isaac and Isaac is the son of Abraham

No which one of these, is the father of the Samaritans ?

Go read the book of John 4:1-12, notice verse 12 The Samaritan woman saying to Jesus that the father of the Samaritans is Jacob,
Jacob being the son of Isaac
and Isaac being the son of Abraham.
Doesn’t matter. The Samaritans were shunned. Yet they’re the “better neighbor.” Even though the Jews didn’t view them as “neighborly.” Loving one’s neighbor as oneself means seeing the unlovable, untouchable as “one of us.”
 

Faithofchristian

Well-Known Member
But it’s not at all the same thing as “the visitor at your church,” as you alluded to earlier. The Samaritan would never be a visitor at church. Therefore, the neighbor to be loved is the unlovable who loves, and not the lovable particularly.


What is it that you have a hard time understanding.
I didn't say the Samaritans were a visitor at a church.
I said, a neighbour is a person who.goes to church every Sunday, they are not a member, they are the neighbour.

But once they join the church they are no longer the neighbour, but are now a brother or sister of the church.
 

Faithofchristian

Well-Known Member
Doesn’t matter. The Samaritans were shunned. Yet they’re the “better neighbor.” Even though the Jews didn’t view them as “neighborly.” Loving one’s neighbor as oneself means seeing the unlovable, untouchable as “one of us.”

Have you any idea as to who is the father of the Samaritans ?

The son of Abraham is Isaac and the son of Isaac is Jacob.

Now which one is the father of the Samaritans, Isaac or Jacob ?
 
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