Darkthorn’s Blog

Christianity – Logbook Exercise 5.3

In what ways is fundamentalism a response to modernity? Is it accurate to say the fundamentalism is only a defensive and negative response to modernity? If not, in what ways does fundamentalism respond to modernity?

It is clear that fundamentalism is a way in which conservative and evangelical groups are emerging into political action. What issues are typical issues for such groups to be drawn to? What are the positive concerns in such political issues? Are there any reasons for thinking that groups that might have been slower than others in beginning political engagement must remain slower?

The development of fundamentalist Christianity in response to modernity has both positive and negative aspects. While repression of new ideas prevented integration of Christian beliefs into modern society, use of the Bible’s teachings for problem solving and preserving freedom provided a more positive aspect of fundamentalism.

Christianity has encountered many social and political upheavals, the greatest change being that of modernity (Walls, 1998). Christianity’s fundamentalist response maintained cultural isolation and took a defensive position in order to protect the Church’s authority from various nations’ evolving government’s influence (Weeks, O’Toole & Crowe, 2005). Pinnock (1990, p. 44) states that “[strict] fundamentalism arose in order to defend the authority of the Bible”, whilst open fundamentalists are using a more modern and moderate fundamentalism which is accepting of change (such as intellect’s place in Christianity) (Cox, 1984 as cited in Pinnock, 1990).

Pius X rejected modernity in the 20^th century as undermining the scriptures and reducing the Church’s all-important dogmas to interchangeable teachings (Weeks et al., 2005). This led to a repression of research into the newer applications of the scriptures and suspicion for the new methods of thinking (Weeks et al., 2005). Fundamentalism’s response to modernity was negative, its defensive position impeding important change, and integration of Christianity into current society (Weeks et al., 2005). However, use of the Bible for problem solving, as well as preserving freedom and providing a moral example for humanity are three positive aspects that have arisen from fundamentalist belief (Walls, 1998; Pinnock, 1990).

Groups such as the Southern Baptist Convention typically interpret and follow the Bible strictly as it serves their purpose. Archetypal views, such as of the wife being inferior to her husband and acting as his servant are upheld, as well as opposing sexual immorality (such as homosexuality) and speaking on behalf of the unborn (against abortions) (Southern Baptist Convention, 2008). While these views may be negative and old-fashioned by today’s standards, the outcry by fundamentalists brings these important issues to the attention of the media (Allan, 2008).

Other more obvious political influences of conservative and evangelical Christians include the leadership of USA president George Bush and Reverend Jesse Jackson on abortion and homosexuality (Pinnock, 1990). More positive motivations include a love of democracy and support for Israel and Jews (not rejecting it as outdated as in traditional Christian doctrine) (Pinnock, 1990). These fundamentalist Christians demonstrate clearly to liberal Christians that the Bible’s message does not need to be overturned and reinterpreted radically in order to be a good, moral Christian in today’s society (Pinnock, 1990).

There is no logical reason that religious groups that were initially slower to engage politically would remain slower. Reverend Jerry Falwell progressed rapidly from condemning pastors who involved themselves politically in society, to interfering large scale (via his leadership of the Moral Majority, a fundamentalist movement) on issues such as abortion (Pinnock, 1990). While Falwell protests that the Moral Majority is not a political party in the sense of wanting to control America, they do desire to influence government rulings (Pinnock, 1990).

The response to modernity by development of fundamentalist Christianity, like many other religious movements, has both positive and negative aspects. Fundamentalism’s relative political progress has demonstrated the practical implications and applications of the Bible as being current in today’s changing society.

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