John D, here are the characteristics I'm referring to:
Quote:
Characteristics shared in Fundamentalist religions:
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These family resemblances include:
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-religious idealism as basis for personal and communal identity;
-fundamentalists understand truth to be revealed and unified;
-it is intentionally scandalous, (similar to Lawrence's point about language -- outsiders cannot understand it);
-fundamentalists envision themselves as part of a cosmic struggle;
-they seize on historical moments and reinterpret them in light of this cosmic struggle;
-they demonize their opposition and are reactionary;
-fundamentalists are selective in what parts of their tradition and heritage they stress;
-they are led by males;
-they envy modernist cultural hegemony and try to overturn the distribution of power.
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The Five ideological characteristics are:
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-fundamentalists are concerned "first" with the erosion of religion and its proper role in society;
-fundamentalism is selective of their tradition and what part of modernity they accept or choose to react against;
they embrace some form of Manicheanism (dualism);
-fundamentalists stress absolutism and inerrancy in their sources of revelation; and
-they opt for some form of Millennialism or Messianism.
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The organizational characteristics include:
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-an elect or chosen membership;
-sharp group boundaries;
-charismatic authoritarian leaders; and
-mandated behavioral requirements.
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Does your religion meet these? Really? I mean, just because it says "fundamentalist" on the door doesn't mean it fits the definition of what I mean by "fundamentalist."
I know everybody wants to be a martyr, but let's not go there until we establish that I am truly waving the sign of the beast at you.
[ 08-24-2004, 03:54 PM: Message edited by: Timber Loftis ]