Transcript

Religious Fundamentalism in an Age of Tolerance

Matthew 22:34-40
Sunday, May 19, 2002  
Pastor Randy Smith

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Barbara Ehrenreich of The Progressive stated that " Islamic and Christian fundamentalists" are all "crabbed and punitive in outlook." Andrew Sullivan in the New York Times labeled the war on terrorism "a religious war-but not of Islam verses Christianity and Judaism. Rather, it is a war against faiths of all kinds that are at peace with freedom and modernity." His definition of fundamentalism is "the blind recourse to text embraced as literal truth, the injunction to follow the commandment of God before anything else, the subjugation of reason and judgment and even the conscience to dictate the dogmas." In an interview with New York Times columnist Anthony Lewis, Mr. Lewis equated Osama bin Laden and John Ashcroft. He said both men are sure of what they believe and this support of indecent and inhumane policies, for "certain is the enemy of decency and humanity in people who are sure they are right." Elsewhere, in complaining about fundamentalists, Mr. Lewis charged that people who are certain of their own views harm the world, yet the columnist idolized Nelson Mandela in 1990, calling him "a man of extraordinary conviction and strength." The Seattle Post called Supreme Court Justices Rehnquist, Scalia and Thomas "spiritual heroes to the Taliban wing of the Republican party."

In a rebuttal to this current trend WORLD Magazine in an article entitled "The Greatest Spin Ever Sold," said, "Post 9-11 spinners, facing tough odds, went to work. We began hearing that religious people murdered thousands on September 11, so we should be wary of religion . We began hearing that the only thing we have to fear is belief itself , so we should fight strong religious commitment . Pundits and liberal politicians pulled out rhetoric tools of all kinds, and the result was a spin that helped to reverse a cultural trend."

Well, from the national scene to the local scene. Two weeks ago a few of you came to me with concern regarding an editorial which appeared recently in the Coast Star. The article runs concurrent with the new trend of broadly attacking religious fundamentalism. Though I believe the article is nothing more than a demonstration of irrational rhetoric, chalked with generalizing bigotry, and blatant ignorance and contradiction, I do believe it summarizes a pervasive ideology that is permeating our culture. Namely that devout Christians are synonymous with terrorists. Therefore, in lieu of this teaching opportunity, I have chosen to break from Proverbs and expose this faulty presupposition. The goal is for you, as Christ's ambassadors, to better understand the demands of Jesus Christ and better explain those demands to a bewildered and belligerent world.

The article is as follows:

Religious Fundamentalism A Perversion of the Truth

Editor, The Coast Star

Religious fundamentalism is an almost unavoidable by-product of religion. It occurs when members of a particular religion irrationally purport to be in possession of the truth revealed by God himself. In extreme cases the strict and rigid adherence to these beliefs can become abusive, coercive, unjust and devastating to human dignity. Religious fundamentalism tries to reduce a complex reality, man's relationship to God, to relatively simplistic terms. The most basic principle upon which religious fundamentalism stands is the belief that one possesses the complete and absolute truth about God and his will for mankind.

Because of this belief it becomes difficult to regard others' beliefs as valid and worthy of respect. It does not allow for the possibility that other religions may also hold the truth although seen from a different historical and cultural perspective.

Fear, based on an erroneous concept of God, is at the heart of religious fundamentalism. God may sometimes be seen as loving and merciful but only toward those who follow him without deviation. For the extremist the predominant attributes of God are justice and retribution.

God dispenses love, mercy and compassion in a parsimonious fashion. Of course, fear is a natural outgrowth of this conception of God. It then becomes normal to fear anyone who does not believe and adhere strictly to God's laws and commandments. Clear judgment and common sense give way to fanatical compliance to prescribed principles.

In order for religious fundamentalism to grow and prosper, it is necessary to have a closed system in which authority cannot be questioned. Any challenge to authority is strictly forbidden and is seen as a violation of God's will and is dealt with harshly. Religious fundamentalism is conspicuous by its absence of female participation and leadership. It is a male dominated system in which specific individuals claim to be unerring in their judgments based on their own authority.

Religious fundamentalism takes advantage of man's propensity to seek systems which present beliefs and moral precepts in a more or less ritualistic fashion. Unscrupulous leaders can take advantage of people by demanding blind obedience and strict adherence to unchallenged and unquestioned rules and behavior. There is only black and white, only good and bad, only righteous and the condemned.

Religious fundamentalism is a perversion of the truth. True religion might teach that there are principles and truths worth dying for while fundamentalism would teach that these truths and principles are not only worth dying for, but worth killing for. True religion might teach about the dignity of women while fundamentalism would teach repression of women under the guise of tradition.

Fundamentalism uses physical, spiritual and psycho-emotional force to achieve its ends. This type of coercion and intimidation is used in varying degrees by all extremists. The ends may be maintaining proper ritual behavior, preservation of dogmatic purity or the promotion of extreme aggressive behavior in the pursuit of religious ends.

JOSEPH WOERNER
Beacon Blvd., Sea Girt

If you were to respond to this article, what would you say in your rebuttal? Think about it! For starters, maybe this would be a good question to ask. "Am I personally included in Mr. Woerner's fiery attack?" The letter addresses religious fundamentalism. Do I consider myself a religious fundamentalist? According to Webster's New World dictionary, fundamentalism defined is "religious beliefs based on a literal interpretation of the Bible." Now, I do believe the Bible contains hyperboles, approximations, symbolism, etc. as does our communication today. These figures of speech never intended literal interpretation. But according to the general definition, yes, I believe that the Bible is God's truth and therefore bears authority. Yes, I believe the Bible stands objectively beyond human reason and speculation. Yes, I therefore believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God and is to be interpreted literally unless told to do so by accepted grammatical principles. Therefore, am I a fundamentalist according to the definition? Answer, a big yes! Next question. Do I fit into Mr. Woerner's descriptive box? Answer, a big no!

Mr. Woerner's methodology is becoming increasingly common today. Speaking God's name publicly is forbidden, but it's OK to take His name in vain. We are to be tolerant to all groups in America, except Christianity. Bigotry and stereotyping are the cardinal sins of this politically correct, postmodern world. However, when committed against those with faith in Christ, it is acceptable and even esteemed by many academic and media leaders.

In Mr. Woerner's attempt to confront religious bigotry, he is guilty of committing bigotry by indulging in broad religious profiling. In his article, all devout religious groups are stereotyped to fit into his box of evil. Though some may fit into his box, my question is, are all guilty of his charges? Because some Muslims crash planes into tall buildings are all Muslims evil people? Let me bring it a little closer to home. Because some people have only spent a two-hour layover in Newark on their way to Paris, is all of New Jersey…?

It is because I take a literal (fundamental) view of the Bible, I am found to disagree with the overwhelming majority of his editorial. As a matter of fact the literal teachings of Jesus Christ stand diametrically opposed to Mr. Woerner's characterization.

Critics who spew forth their ignorance in a combative tone have been around since the beginning of time. Jesus Christ himself had His share of them. On one occasion, Jesus was tested by such critics as to the nature of the Greatest Commandments. To that Jesus responded, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Mt. 22:37). Folks, His response is the heart of Christianity! All Christianity is a literal interpretation of these commands. Ignoring these commands denies the very faith founded by Jesus Christ! I would like to dissect Mr. Woerner's editorial in light of this perspective.

1. THE CHRISTIAN FUNDAMENTALIST'S VIEW OF GOD

First let's look at a fundamentalist's view of God according to the literal interpretation of the Scriptures. "And (Jesus) said to him, 'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Mt. 22:37).

Who is God?

Let's look further at each of these sub-points. First, Who is God? Ironically, Mr. Woerner comes close to describing the biblical God in his editorial; however, according to the critique, this is not a God that Mr. Woerner can embrace.

But regardless of what we as God's creatures desire Him to be, the God of the universe is who He is. He is not about to change or allow Himself to be recreated into the image of man. He is the great "I am who I am" (Ex. 3:14). He is the "Alpha and the Omega," the One "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. (Rev. 1:8). He is the omnipotent "God in the heavens; (who) does whatever He pleases" (Psm. 115:3). Job 36:23 says, "Who has appointed Him His way, And who has said, 'Thou hast done wrong?" God must be understood according to the biblical revelation of Himself, not the fancy of our own imagination.

In regards to that revelation of His nature, are "love, mercy and compassion (dispensed) in a parsimonious (stingy) fashion" as Mr. Woerner purports? Is God only "loving and merciful" to those who "follow Him without deviation?" Put yourselves in God's position. You create humans in your own likeness for the purpose of bringing yourself glory. "Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory , Whom I have formed, even whom I have made" (Isa. 43:7). Then those humans reject your loving fellowship and purposely turn their backs to worship idols in place of the living God. How would you respond? Well, let's see how God responds in consideration of His attributes.

Romans 1:20-25 says, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, that their bodies might be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen"… (After listing a litany of sins) Romans 2:2, "And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things"… (skip to) Romans 2:5, "But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to every man according to his deeds: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation."

Though we could turn to hundreds of places in the Bible, these verses clearly summarize the attributes which are attacked in the editorial. Yes, God is a God of love and mercy. The mere fact that He allows unrepentant, rebellious individuals to take another breath demonstrates His mercy and patience beyond human understanding. But ultimate and eternal mercy will only be granted to those who turn from idols and submit to His authority. And though He is a God of mercy and love, He is also a God of "justice and retribution." Though these are not His "predominate attributes," they are nevertheless included in His character and must be mentioned if we are to teach "the whole purpose of God" (Ac. 20:27).

A literal interpretation of the Bible presents an awesome God of glory. He is One to be respected, One to be praised, One to be obeyed and One to be worshipped. We need to come to God on His terms. We need to accept Him for who He is whether we like it or not. We have no choice! God says in Psalm 50:21, "These things you have done, and I kept silence; You thought that I was just like you; I will reprove you, and state the case in order before your eyes." And in Isaiah 45:9 we read, "Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker-- An earthenware vessel among the vessels of earth! Will the clay say to the potter, 'What are you doing?' Or the thing you are making say, 'He has no hands?"

Should We Fear God?

Mr. Woerner, after creating his personal god, concludes that his god is a god which should not be feared. "Fear, based on the erroneous concept of God, is at the heart of religious fundamentalism." Erroneous concept? Our Lord Jesus Christ adamantly differs. "But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who after He has killed has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him" (Lk. 12:5)! Throughout the Bible, people from the time of Adam to the Israelites to the church age are exhorted to fear God. A proper fear of God recognizes the enmity that exists between one and his/her creator. It recognizes the consequences of that enmity and runs to God for forgiveness and reconciliation. Hebrews 10:31 says, "It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

Even after one has found refuge under the benevolence of God's loving care, the reconciled believer is still, supported by over 100 references in the Bible, commanded to fear God. No, this is not a fear of His wrath (Rom. 8:15); rather, it is a fear of ever forsaking or departing from our heavenly Father. It is a mentality that approaches God with reverence and awe.

What is God's Relationship to Humans?

Well, can this God be known? Solomon said in Ecclesiastes, "He has also set eternity in (the heart of man)" (Ecc. 3:11). Jeremiah 29:13, "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." Throughout the centuries men of every tribe and tongue have tried to come to grips with their creator. But unless God chooses to reveal Himself, the search will be futile and meaningless. But this One and only God desires to make Himself known. He has graciously displayed His attributes in nature and the human conscience. Specifically He has made Himself known through the Scriptures (2 Pet. 1:21) and the person of Jesus Christ (Jn. 1:18). Paul says in Acts 17 that we "should seek God, if perhaps (we) might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us" (Ac. 17:27). Yes, man's relation to a knowable God is a "complex reality" which has baffled the most gifted theologian as the editorial claims; however, in contrast, it can also be reduced "to relatively simplistic terms" understandable to even a young child.

God revealed Himself for one purpose- to be known. He wants to be known. He can be known. And can there be any greater pursuit, any greater joy than to be known by the Creator of the universe? And when we come to know this wonderful God on such an intimate level, is it not expected, and desired that we are to fulfill the great command mentioned earlier? "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Mt. 22:37). The command is to give God all of our lives, complete surrender to His lordship.

Consider Mr. Woerner's comment, "Clear judgment and common sense give way to fanatical compliance to prescribed principles." Could anything be any further from the truth? Clear judgment and common sense do not give way, but rather promote wholehearted compliance. Does not the living God deserve that? And it is not in a "ritualistic fashion" as was mentioned, but rather in steadfast unwavering love devoted from the heart to His cause. God does not want our religion; He wants our hearts to prize Him as our first love (Rev. 2:4) and to give Him first place in everything (Col. 1:18).

2. THE CHRISTIAN FUNDAMENTALIST'S VIEW OF OTHERS

Well, we have examined the Christian fundamentalist's view of God. Now, let's turn our attention to the Christian fundamentalist's view of others. I remind you of the second greatest commandment. "The second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Mt. 22:39). In examining these sub-points, let's keep in mind the command to love others as we love ourselves under the premise of a literal view of the Bible.

What is the Bible's Literal View of Authority and Leadership?

Let's first examine leadership and authority. According to Mr. Woerner's comments, should fundamental leaders "claim to be unerring in their judgments based on their own authority?" Should it be "a closed system in which authority cannot be questioned?" Should "any challenge to authority (be) strictly forbidden and seen as a violation of God's will?" I can guess where he draws these conclusions, but they are neither in agreement with Christian fundamentalism, nor a literal view of the Bible, nor the commandment to love others as we love ourselves!

The Bible is replete with verses which address the issue of authority. Matthew 28:18 says, "And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, 'All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." As the second Person in the Trinity, all authority belongs to Him. He has ultimate authority. That includes authority over nature, human beings, angelic beings and the church (Eph. 1:22).

However, God has appointed authorities in the world. Romans 13:1 says, "For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God" (i.e. the government, employers, parents, etc.). He has also appointed authorities in the church. Specifically, we call them elders and deacons. "Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account" (Heb. 13:17). All authority is appointed by God to serve under His authority, accountable to Him as His ruling representatives.

In speaking to Titus, the Apostle Paul said, "These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority " (Titus 2:15). Yes, the church leaders have authority, but a church leader's authority only spans the biblical directives in the Word of God. When they exercise an authority beyond what is given them through the Scriptures, they overstep their boundaries and bring judgment upon themselves. In Jeremiah 5:31 God said, "The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule on their own authority ; And My people love it so! But what will you do at the end of it?"

Since a leader's authority is based on the Scriptures, they are to be held accountable by the remainder of the flock. Even when they feed the flock through the proclamation of the Scriptures, the flock is to imitate the noble-minded Bereans. "For they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so" (Ac. 17:11). This is the farthest thing in the world from Mr. Woerner's comment of "demanding blind obedience and strict adherence to unchallenged and unquestioned rules and behaviors." God's will is found in the Word. If authority is to lead according to God's will, they must lead according to the Word under the accountability of God and His church.

Additionally, contrary to Mr. Woerner's analysis, they are not to "use physical, spiritual and psycho-emotional force to achieve (their) ends." Furthermore, they should not lead in a spirit of "coercion and intimidation?" Is that loving others as ourselves? Does that mimic our Shepherd who is meek and humble? Does that follow His command to avoid overbearing lordship in Matthew 20? "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mk. 10:45).

What is the Bible's Literal View Toward Treating Others?

The editorial also seems to claim that fundamentalists "deny the dignity of women" and teach the "repression of women." Could anything be further from the truth? How would you literally interpret Galatians 3:28? "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female ; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." The Christian fundamental realizes that women are to be esteemed and praised (Pro. 31:28). They are to be loved by their husbands as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her (Eph. 5:25). They are equal in essence with men and joint heirs of the kingdom of God (1 Pet. 3:7).

Furthermore, our Christian teachings are not "abusive, unjust and devastating to human dignity," nor do they promote "extreme aggressive behavior" and "killing." Rather, they emulate the instruction of our peaceful Lord and Savior. Christians realize that the problem of September 11^th was not strong religious beliefs; the problem was murder. Christians realize that human dignity is preserved by teaching others that they are created in the image of God, not that they evolved in a swamp some 40 million years ago. Christians realize that our faith is based on belief, and true belief, which must come from within, can never be forced upon someone. Christians realize that tolerance toward people is a biblical virtue, but tolerance toward error is sin. Christians realize that Jesus came not to devastate human dignity, but as He Himself said, "I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly" (Jn. 10:10). Christians realize that our goal is to love others as we love ourselves.

So often the critics fail to realize that fundamental Christians brought forth the abolition of slavery, drafted every major document on which our country was founded and originated numerous hospitals and relief organizations. Even The Grace Tabernacle, if I can label us as religious fundamentalists, have greatly assisted others. We have implemented numerous children's programs. We have practically served and distributed thousands of dollars each year to help the needy ones within our church. We have assisted those in our town with counseling and financial aid. We have collected food for the hungry in the local community. We have sent thousands of dollars each year oversees to support missionaries, not only in the propagation of the gospel, but also to feed starving natives within their countries. We have counseled numerous individuals, visited those in the hospital and assisted in the nursing home. The list goes on. I wish the critics would investigate the records more carefully before they make such unbalanced attacks. As a matter of fact, the Bible says Christians are saved for the purpose of good deeds (Eph. 2:10).

3. A CHRISTIAN FUNDAMENTALIST'S VIEW OF CHRIST

Finally, a Christian fundamentalist's view of Christ is consistent with his or her literal view of the Bible. What is a literal view of salvation in Christ? Allow me to read some references. "And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life" (1 Jn 5:11-12). "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved" (Ac. 4:12). "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him" (Jn. 3:36). We are forced to come to one of two conclusions. Either, there is error in the Bible and we should not take a literal, fundamental view. Or we trust the Bible and believe that salvation is through Christ alone. For only He was resurrected from the grave, only He claimed to be God and only He died for sin. And He has commanded His followers to proclaim salvation in His Name until He returns. So we can proclaim a message of hope, truth and love. And we are not silenced or intimidated by the ACLU, gay or abortion rights activists, NOW, etc. as they proclaim their message and lead our country into moral decay. Don't tell me those people aren't standing up for what they believe with boldness and uncompromising conviction! If they stand up for such error, why can't we stand up for the truth?

I will allow spiritual fundamentals from other faiths to speak on their own behalf. But, Mr. Woerner's attack of Christian fundamentalism is not an attack on Christians, it is an attack on the God of the Holy Scriptures in an attempt to create a system of darkness to accommodate a love of sin. John Piper once said, "Our concern with truth is an inevitable expression of our concern with God. If God exists, then He is the measure of all things, and what He thinks about things is the measure of what we should think. Not to care about truth is not to care about God. To love God passionately is to love truth passionately."

We must hold fast to the truth as it is found in the Scriptures (Jn. 17:17) and not to someone's subjective definition of the term. Fundamental Christianity is not a "perversion of the truth" as the editorial is entitled, but rather a pursuit of the truth. The pursuit of the One who said, ""I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me." A pursuit of the One who said "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. And you shall love your neighbor as yourself."