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It’s a fact that people love labels, even if they don’t understand the definitions behind them; they’re happy to superimpose their own meanings onto them.
So it is with the words orthodoxy and fundamentalism in the Christian context- both words have evolved to have meanings in some instances that are similar and overlap- but are false.
(Christian) fundamentalism is an American concept in origin. As the US exports so much of its culture to the rest of the world however, combined with the ignorance of the general public, as well as the deliberate redefining of words by Orwellian societal gatekeepers, the confusion is perhaps understandable.
I quote the Dictionary.com website for a definition in respect of fundamentalism;
A movement in American Protestantism that arose in the early part of the 20thcentury in reaction to modernism and that stresses the infallibility of the Bible not only in matters of faith and morals but also as a literal historical record.
We’ll stop here.
As the American Fundamentalist movement entered politics on the coattails of the Republican Party the names of, ”The religious right”- or “The bible belt”- in reference to the religious southern states- were added to the mix.
Now let’s examine Christian Orthodoxy- its definition also from Dictionary.com.
5. Confirming to the Christian faith as represented in the creeds of the early church.
4. Sound or correct in opinion or doctrine, especially theological or religious doctrine.
3. Customary or conventional, as a means or method; established.
So, that’s it.
It has no connection to the following;
Culture- rather outside of such based on the timeless truths of its doctrines
Politics- left, right or centre.
Biblical literalism - understands scriptural interpretation as being both literal and figurative.
Not legalistic- that is, does not impose man-made rules as regards drinking, smoking dancing etc.
Not confined to denominations – as orthodoxy is applicable across the board
Is not a fringe movement – but based on the original or classical version of Christianity i.e. as per the apostolic age and based on its foundations.
Just to add here that the ‘fringe movements’ are either to the ‘right’ or ‘left’ of Christian orthodoxy.
Is not extremist but orthodox-meaning being linked to the original- but orthodox has been defined as extremist in the modern context, proving how out of whack the concept is. The confusion is related to the naming of Muslim extremists as fundamentalists- another American parody- as the term fundamentalism in the English language means basic, or adhering to the basic tenants of doctrine- be that of a religious or political nature, in no way to be automatically conflated with extremism and its association with violence.
For those not following the logic, an extremist should be called by the proper name- an extremist, or put another way call something what it is- not something else. No language gymnastics required.
Christian orthodoxy has been discredited by those with an anti-Christian agenda, by the likes of the apostate - Bishop Spong and his cohorts. They don’t hold to the fundamentals of the faith but call themselves liberal theologians who deny the existence of the supernatural- which forms the basis of the Christian faith- yet have never been disrobed by Church of England leaders- a travesty if ever there was one. A Jewish Rabbi who questioned the tenants of Judaism would be relieved of his position within 24 hours of his declaration, as has been borne out- ditto for any other religion.
It should be stated that those who don’t even adhere to the basic doctrines of Christianity as stated in the creeds have no business calling themselves Christian. Period.
It’s obvious that classical or orthodox Christianity must be separated from the ruse of fundamentalism. The opponents of Christianity and their attempts to tame, lampoon, and demonise through the label of fundamentalism must be resisted. It was from the 1970’s onward that saw the growth of religion with a political bent based on the American example.
And the myth that this has any connection to basic Christianity anywhere else continues.
