5/12/2006 01:45:00 AM Good definitions are hard to come by for fundamentalism. I read so many different takes on what fundamentalism is, that is is really hard to say that fundamentalism is this: ________. Rather than a strict definitions, I was thinking categorical definitions might work. The way I am grouping definitions is kind of like gradient circle. The center of the circle is extreme fundamentalism and the further one moves away from they center, the more moderate the fundamentalism becomes. This view will help understand my categorizations. These organizations though don't usually support stances against secular society


Doctrine: These definitions leave out any kind of separatism from society, and have more to do with doctrine. Fundamentalism according to these definitions would include any organizations that defines fellowship based on doctrine.

Adherence to the theology of this movement (Fundamentalist Movement)

Self-described Christian fundamentalists see their scripture, a combination of the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, as both infallible and historically accurate. The New Testament represents a new covenant between God and human beings, which is held to fulfill the Old Testament, in regard to God's redemptive plan. On the basis of this confidence in Scripture, many fundamentalist Christians accept the account of scripture as being literally true.

Fundamentalists differ from Pentecostals in their strong insistence upon "correct" doctrine and often advocate separatism (which often also divides fundamentalists from each other) as opposed to the experiential emphasis of Pentecostals.

Doctrine + Practice: Under these definitions, fundamentalism goes a step further, in that they will adhere to strict doctrine and practice a strict moral/purity code such that they shut themselves off from soceity in part or in whole.

We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord; and, that separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices and associations is commanded of God.

A usually religious movement or point of view characterized by a return to fundamental principles, by rigid adherence to those principles, and often by intolerance of other views and opposition to secularism.

Doctrine + Practice + Militance: These definitions define fundamentalism as taking the two former groupings a step further, in that they lash out against those who don't agree with them. Not only do they define their themselves, they also define their enemies.

An organized, militant Evangelical movement originating in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century in opposition to Protestant Liberalism and secularism, insisting on the inerrancy of Scripture.

I originally thought 3 concentric circles would be the way to go, but there is some gray here. Some of the speratist groups are not as strict as others for instance.

**Defnitions taken from Wikipedia, dictionary.com, and the IFCA's website.**

tags: fundamentalism