(When I use the word "fundamentalist" in this article, its connotation means "orthodox"; as a Reformed Christian I see card-playin', movie-goin', dancin', smokin', and drinkin' as issues of Christian liberty...so I just wanted to put that out there)
As I write this article, I would like the reader to know, I am writing it as a Bible-believing (six literal days, global flood, Jonah swallowed by whale, etc.; the whole sha-bang), fundamentalist Christian. Many secularists, even those with a conservative outlook, see fundamentalism within any religion as bigoted, restrictive, intolerant, and dangerous to liberty. However, "fundamentalism" is simply a "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." (dictionary.com). As far as "intolerance" goes, the definition should say "unacceptance." Christians are to tolerate other beliefs in that they should respect someone's right to espouse those beliefs. However, Christians cannot hold Christ to be THE Way, THE Truth, and THE Life if they accept alternate faiths and beliefs as equally valid and true. Now before you secularists cringe at the thought of theocracy, you must first assess a religion's basic tenets. Take Biblical Christianity: supreme authority of Scripture (Sola Scriptura), serve God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and treat others as you would like to be treated. Having a large section of the population believe this seems harmless if not beneficial (before you accuse me of advocating the replacement of the U.S. Constitution with the Bible, first remember the Bible itself dictates to "render unto Caesar what is Caesar's, and render unto God what is God's"; which actually advocates the separation of church and state). Those who bomb abortion clinics, call for the extermination of "mongrel" races, and practice hypocrisy are in no way supported by the Bible; in fact, they are condemned by Exodus 20:13, Romans 2:11, and Matthew 12:34 respectively. Therefore, don't fear those who practice true fundamental Christianity, fear those religious types who don't.Now let's switch gears to Islam. Fundamental Islam calls for Muslims to convert, tax, or kill the entire world for Allah. That is what the Quran says; therefore, fundamentalist Muslims, true Muslims are obligated to do this. Christians are called to preach the gospel with love, Muslims are called to force their "gospel" with the sword and kill those who resist. Christians are commanded to pray for their enemies; Muslims are commanded to slay all their enemies.Why would Christians kill nonbelievers? The Christian's fight is a spiritual one that seeks to win souls for Christ. Christians know that while conversion and rebirth is instant, the decision to convert may take a while. Christians "plant the seeds" in peoples' hearts and "God gives the increase." For example, I abhor abortion and condemn those who perform or undergo them, but if I believe that a fetus is a human life, than I can be assured that those who have been aborted are in heaven with God. The "aborter" and the "abortee" are souls in need of the living waters of God's grace, not a Molotov cocktail. They are sinners (like me) who need to repent and believe the gospel. Christians believe Jesus will return and reign "in power and glory" when the last weary soul accepts Christ as Lord and Savior. Muslims believe Allahs kingdom will come when they have established a global theocracy; a "heaven on earth" if you are fond of the conditions of 7th Century Arabia.Fundamentalism indeed has a negative connotation. The word itself, however, is amoral. It is only as dangerous as the religion from which it is spawned. I hope it is clear that all fundamentalists are not created equal.
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