Victim's of American Fundamentalism

[gadfly]

Are you a victim of American fundamentalism?

American fundamentalists are some of the loudest and most obnoxious Christians ever. Like, ever. It is therefore understandable that many today think they represent Christianity.

But this is untrue.

Historically speaking, if we could consult ALL Christians—including those long dead—American fundamentalists would find themselves in the less than 1%. Paul, Augustine, Anselm, Aquinas...maybe even Calvin (but I’m not sure about him)....they would be baffled and even a little appalled by some of the "non-negotionables" of American fundamentalists.

American fundamentalism is truly a phenomenon. And it needs to die.

So, I propose a test. Are you a victim of American fundamentalists?

Well...answer the following questions. If "Yes", then, sorry, you are a victim or American fundamentalism.

To be a Christian you have to believe the Bible is inerrant—no two sentences can contradict each other?

To be a Christian you have to believe that Jesus died bc God was so pissed off at humans he needed to kill someone. His son volunteered

To be a Christian you have to believe there are two alternative “places” where people "go" when they die—a place where you sing songs in white clothing and a place where you literally burn forever.

To debate (as a Christian or not) well in the current topic you merely have to quote a single bible verse that at face value supports your thesis.


So then....if you answered Yes to any of these, I am sorry to say, you are a victim of American fundamentalism.

Since this is a debate forum, I suppose I must ask a more productive question. Is my contention correct? are there other criterion to be added?

[1213]

...
To be a Christian you have to believe the Bible is inerrant—no two sentences can contradict each other?
...

I think it is not wrong to think Bible is inerrant, when no one can prove it is not. But, I think it would be good, if everyone would know Biblical definition for who is a Christian, a disciple of Jesus. I think it is quite simple, but it seems many don't know it:

…The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Acts 11:26
Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
John 8:31-32

[Athetotheist]

[Replying to 1213 in post #2]

I think it is not wrong to think Bible is inerrant, when no one can prove it is not.

You base your argument on the conclusion you want to reach, making the argument circular.

[1213]

[Replying to 1213 in post #2]

I think it is not wrong to think Bible is inerrant, when no one can prove it is not.

You base your argument on the conclusion you want to reach, making the argument circular.

So, you can prove Bible errant?

[Difflugia]

So, you can prove Bible errant?

That's been done repeatedly, the fingers in your ears notwithstanding.

[Athetotheist]

[Replying to 1213 in post #2]

I think it is not wrong to think Bible is inerrant, when no one can prove it is not.

You base your argument on the conclusion you want to reach, making the argument circular.

So, you can prove Bible errant?

If you think it can't be done, maybe you should start an online forum where you can challenge people to present their evidence and arguments.

[1213]

[Replying to 1213 in post #2]

I think it is not wrong to think Bible is inerrant, when no one can prove it is not.

You base your argument on the conclusion you want to reach, making the argument circular.

So, you can prove Bible errant?

If you think it can't be done, maybe you should start an online forum where you can challenge people to present their evidence and arguments.

Is this not good enough for that?

So, you can prove Bible errant?

That's been done repeatedly,...

Where? In your mind?

[Athetotheist]

[Replying to 1213 in post #7]

If you think it can't be done, maybe you should start an online forum where you can challenge people to present their evidence and arguments.

Is this not good enough for that?

I"ll just let that hang in the air.

[Difflugia]

Where? In your mind?

How about here, here, here, here, here, here, here, or here?

This is a pretty small sample, but each time a contradiction has been explained to you, your response has been simple denial. You occasionally offer a feeble attempt at a harmonization, but your response is most often just a minor variation on, "I have not seen any intelligent reason to think that is true." That's the rhetorical equivalent of sticking your fingers in your ears.

[1213]

Where? In your mind?

How about here, here, here, here, here, here, here, or here?

This is a pretty small sample, but each time a contradiction has been explained to you, your response has been simple denial. You occasionally offer a feeble attempt at a harmonization, but your response is most often just a minor variation on, "I have not seen any intelligent reason to think that is true." That's the rhetorical equivalent of sticking your fingers in your ears.

Ok, so all you have is your interpretations? Why should I accept interpretations that make Bible look wrong?