Fundamentalist Groups

Please post your thoughts about the various Fundamentalist Groups that were presented in class. You may use the following questions to guide your comments, or just put down whatever you think!

1. What makes these groups "Fundamentalists"?

2. How do Fundamentalist groups differ from "Modernist" groups?

3. How do these groups compare to each other?

4. What spiritual or secular advantages do these Fundamentalist groups provide?

5. What challenges or conflicts do these Fundamentalist groups cause?

6. Can Fundamentalist groups coexist with a secular society?

'''After learning about and discussing the various christian fundamentalist groups, it has become apparent to me that they are all generally connected somehow. Not including Atheism, many of these religions believe in strict interpretation of the bible. Though all of them tend to branch out from the same original idea, they all offer something different. For example, charismatic Christians believe in the opportunity to be "born-again" which could appeal to those who have committed sin and are unable to gain complete forgiveness. And the Pentecostals allow a direct relationship with God, rather than an indirect one where one communicates through a priest or minister. Although these different groups allow for different experiences with religion, they can often cause conflict between religious groups and non-religious members in a community, or people of another religion. Even though there are many people that are christian, there are also people that are not religious, or are simply unsure about what to believe. Although these fundamentalist groups are able to offer good opportunity for these people to find faith, they are also often scared away by the groups' extreme beliefs. ~ A.L. '''

''1. They're all Fundamentalists because they share strict interpretations of the "right" way to practice religion with little to no wiggle room.

2. Modernists are much more lax and accepting; they have made an effort to adapt to the demands of this modern world and so their rules aren't nearly as constraining.

3. They all (save Atheism) share a certain fervor that isn't associated with other, less extreme religions.

4. A sense of community is bound to emerge in groups that share the most influential part of their lives, as well as a sense of purpose.

5. As they think tat anyone not sharing their mode of worship and their values will go to hell it's natural for them to try to impose their religion upon others, but this causes problems when those others don't want to be converted or to have religiously-based legal limits placed on their behavior.

6. Fundamentalists will have trouble in a secular society because it's fundamentally contrary to their beliefs to passively allow others to do what they see as condemning themselves.

-AR ''

'''Each group has strict interpretations of text and rather strict ways of worship, lifestyle, rights, etc...as well as the need to help others find salvation. This is what connects them to each other even though their styles of worship differentiate. Fundamentalists also share similar struggles, whether it's through soul-winning or bans on actions that stem from their religious beliefs. This is why they would have trouble adjusting to a secular society. Modernists do not have as extreme views as most fundamentalists. --AT'''

=
==========================================================================================================================

''1.It has come to my realization that the groups we have been dicussing, have the similar trait of being structured on strong and strict beliefs in thier own way. They hold the "ultimate knowledge" of the "correct way" to follow and interpret the bible.

2.Compared to Modernist groups, fundamentalists have more firm and binding conditions/regulations....more hardcore. The Modernist group seems to be more loose,adaptable, optimistic etc.

ok..so i dont feel like numbering the answers anymore so im just going to say this: All these groups compare to each other in a way that they all fit under a strong belief. They all have several followers and supporters, and they all have a stable, set up core. The people that believe are the ones that keep these religions alive, they are the very things that fuel its progress. Although they have similar factors, they all have something different and unique that distinguishes them from the other religions. These religions provide kind of like a "home" for some people, people can take shelter under them...they feel safe, they can adapt the teachings and beliefs of the certain religion to thier lives. They can pave out thier spiritual path in life based on the religion they choose. These religions create a vas community where its believers can also connect with each other spirtually, and having all of them as an option broadens some horizons. However, sometimes differences between religions can stir up trouble. The slightest difference between religions can become something, because all these religions believe so strongly in thier teachings and way of worshipping etc etc. They are obviously going to think that thier way is right and any other way is a pile of hoo-haa. Basicly thier strong beliefs clash and well....nothing good comes of it. Fundamentalist groups CAN coexist..but its not going to be a walk in the park...they are going to want to "fix" others errors, anything that goes against thier religions teachings and thier beliefs.= A. Mejia ''

=
========================================================================================================================

'''I found learning about other religious groups was very interesting. I liked how each group had its own interpretations of the religious text and different ways of worship as well as the way they live their lives because of their religions. I also noticed that the different groups may have their own way of worship and possibly different interpretations of the religious text but that they are also all connected when it comes to what they believe in. Most of the groups basically believed in monotheism. i also agree with what Alex said with each grouop having something different to offer. The Pentocostals believe in a practice when thye hold a posionous snake in their hand and they feel as though that if God doesnt want them to be bitten but then snake that he wont allow it and that he will protect them. These religions are all unique and I find that a good thing because Christians have a choice on which interpretation of the Christian religion they feel best suits their own feelings towards the religion and towards God. Though I have to say I personally think that some of these groups take the religion to an extreme, but, I dont believe that it is a bad thing because that is just how certain groups worship and practice their religion. --&gt; DH '''