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Why do we have Fundamentalism?

Change, growth and diversity create anxiety. Since all religions are based on specific doctrines and traditional customs, they are threatened by change. That’s why, in times of new discoveries and advancing technology, it’s inevitable that a backlash of rigid and even violent Fundamentalism often develops.

Groups who believe “we have all the truth” are naturally upset if insights emerge that seem to contradict their creeds.

Groups who believe “we are the only ones who are right” are naturally upset if familiar rituals are eliminated or updated.

Groups who believe “everyone must be like us” are naturally upset when individuality and diversification increase.

Change and growth and diversity always create anxiety, but they are absolutely essential if we are to make progress and “bring in the Kingdom.” Jesus said, “I have many more things to say to you, but they are too much for you now” (John 16:12, NCV).

When are we ever going to get around to listening to these other things Jesus has to tell us?

He also said, “Whoever believes in me will do the same things that I do. Those who believe will do even greater things than these . . .” (John 14:12, NCV).

When are we ever going to acknowledge that today we are doing things that Jesus was not able to do? Truly the Kingdom is in our midst.

Now, don’t get me wrong. We need conservatives and fundamentalists (notice the small letter beginning these words). We don’t need Conservatives and Fundamentalists (please notice the difference I make). We need fundamentalist who aren’t wishy-washy and carried about by every fad; but we don’t need Fundamentalists who defy anyone to ever have a new insight. If it weren’t for the fundamentalists, we’d never preserve any valid insights from the past.

Also, we don’t need Liberals–those who want to follow every new fad to the bitter end; but we do need progressives and liberals–those who have open minds and welcome new thinking. If it weren’t for the progressives and liberals, we’d still be living in caves. We do not need to fear either fundamentalists or liberals; but I am terrified of Fundamentalists.

I believe we have adequate safe-guards to keep both Liberals and Fundamentalists in check—all we have to do is sit down and discuss things. Truth will out if it’s given a chance.
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This issue of NEW PERSPECTIVES is from an unpublished manuscript © copyrighted 2007 by Miles and Maralene Wesner, Idabel, OK. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO USE THEM IN ANY WAY YOU THINK IS APPROPRIATE. The only thing we ask is that you give credit for original material in PUBLISHED works.

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Miles E Wesner