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.
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.