CHRISTIAN FUNDAMENTALIST Meaning and
Definition
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A Christian fundamentalist is an individual who adheres strictly to the core beliefs and principles of Christianity, placing utmost importance on a literal interpretation of the Bible. This term typically denotes a conservative approach to faith and a belief in the infallibility of scripture. Christian fundamentalists tend to emphasize the foundational tenets of Christianity, such as the belief in the divine nature of Jesus Christ, his virgin birth, death, and resurrection, as well as the existence of heaven and hell.
The beliefs of Christian fundamentalists often manifest in their strong opposition to progressive or liberal interpretations of Scripture, as well as societal changes that they perceive as challenging traditional Christian values. Consequently, Christian fundamentalists may resist embracing modern scientific theories, secular ideologies, or social changes that run counter to their worldview.
In practice, Christian fundamentalism is characterized by a strict adherence to moral codes, conservative social stances, and active evangelism efforts. These individuals may engage in literal interpretations of biblical passages, rejecting certain contemporary interpretations or scientific knowledge that seem incongruent with their religious convictions. Furthermore, Christian fundamentalists often participate in activities that aim to spread and defend their religious beliefs, which might include missionary work, the establishment of faith-based organizations, or political activism.
It is important to note that while the term "Christian fundamentalist" can be used broadly to describe individuals who adhere closely to the foundational tenets of Christianity, not all Christians identify with this label and may prefer different interpretations or expressions of the faith.
Etymology of CHRISTIAN FUNDAMENTALIST
The term "Christian fundamentalist" emerged in the early 20th century in the United States. To understand its etymology, we can examine its individual components:
1. Christian: This word originates from the Greek "Christianos", meaning "follower of Christ". It came into use as a term to describe the adherents of Jesus Christ and his teachings. The term "Christian" gained wide usage around the 1st century CE.
2. Fundamentalist: This word has its roots in the Protestant movement known as Christian fundamentalism. In the early 20th century, conservative Protestant Christians in the United States sought to defend and promote what they saw as the essential or "fundamental" doctrines of Christianity. These doctrines included the belief in biblical inerrancy, the virgin birth of Jesus, his atonement, bodily resurrection, and other key theological principles.
