There's No Fun in Fundamentalism

What is Fundamentalism?

Webster’s defines it, generally, as “a movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles”. I think this is a fair definition, and I think this definition is not biased toward any particular type of belief (whether that be religious or otherwise). With that, we can move forward.

So Fundamentalism is adhering to the Scripture (or doctrines) as written, when talking in a religious sense.

Christian Fundamentalists are sources of bigotry, racism, homophobia, anti-Semitism, sexism, and at their worst, violence. Waiving signs that say “God hates fags” at a soldier’s funeral, picketing outside of an abortion clinic with signs that say “Murderer!”, and denying other Americans access to certain legal protections and benefits solely based on sexual preference are just a few examples of what Christian Fundamentalists are known for. This stems directly from literal and selective interpretations from the Bible.

Islamic Fundamentalists are sources bigotry, racism, homophobia, anti-Semitism, sexism, and at their worst, terrorism. Butchering of rape victims, oppression of women, female circumcision, and suicide bombings are just a few examples of what Islamic Fundamentalists are known for. This stems directly from literal and selective interpretations of the Koran.

Jain Fundamentalists are sources of pacifism, asceticism, peace, tolerance, and at their worst, self-denial. Absolute vegetarianism, inspiring leaders such as Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr., and near lethal forms of asceticism are just a few examples of what Jain Fundamentalists are known for. This stems directly from literal interpretations of its scriptures.

Blind adherence to any doctrine is unhealthy, but is the problem here Fundamentalism, or the teachings of the faiths themselves? If there wasn’t a glaring amount of bigotry, racism, homophobia, anti-Semitism, sexism, and violence in the Bible and Koran, “Fundamentalists” would have no fuel to stoke their hateful fires. I am in no way a supporter of Fundamentalism or dogmatism, in fact I am the exact opposite, but I must also point out that Fundamentalism is only dangerous when the code to which someone is being “fundamental” toward has violent and/or intolerant teachings.