Does Fundamentalism come with age?

[Soma-Sight]

Does Fundamentalism come with age?

It seems that most if not all the hard core hellfire preaching members of this board are of the older generation?

Is this due to a need of certainty and security after experienceing hellish events in ones life?

Is the desensitation and alienation against other cultural interpretations of the Divine due to fear and a loss of innocence?

What do you guys think?

Are their any young generation members of this board who are in sink with the Exclusivistic Fundy mindset?

Am I way off here?

The majority of hard core Churches I have attended had 60 - 70 percent old folks (45-80) in the crowd.... It seems like they had saw so much and done so much "stupid" stuff that they are afraid to question anything anymore and tend to "play it safe" and follow like a sheep the best way possible.......

[/b]

 

[Drew]

45 is old? Well then at 47, I guess I am old.....

Anyhoo, I certainly do not fall into the fundamentalist camp. I would say that I was a little more inclined to fundamentalism in my 20's (although I was never really a fundamentalist).

My opinion: Its easier to have a fundamentalist type of world view when you are younger - as one ages, the lessons of life (if you pay attention to them) demonstrate that fundamentalism just doesn't work. It would be nice if some fundamentalist beliefs worked, but they don't seem to, in my opinion.

 

[destiny]

Does Fundamentalism come with age?

It seems that most if not all the hard core hellfire preaching members of this board are of the older generation?

Is this due to a need of certainty and security after experienceing hellish events in ones life?

Is the desensitation and alienation against other cultural interpretations of the Divine due to fear and a loss of innocence?

What do you guys think?

Are their any young generation members of this board who are in sink with the Exclusivistic Fundy mindset?

Am I way off here?

The majority of hard core Churches I have attended had 60 - 70 percent old folks (45-80) in the crowd.... It seems like they had saw so much and done so much "stupid" stuff that they are afraid to question anything anymore and tend to "play it safe" and follow like a sheep the best way possible.......

[/b]

This is exactly the kind of topic that causes anger and discord.
You could have posted a topic on 'refuting fundamental beliefs', but you chose to take it to a personal level.
Judge yourself with the same standards you set for others.

 

[Nocturnal_Principal_X]

Does Fundamentalism come with age?

Define Fundamentalism. I only ask because like Liberalism, when it comes to theology, differs depending on the century it comes from.

 

[KnarfKS]

Does Fundamentalism come with age?

When does wisdom come to a person to not ask questions that will only irritate people? And ask questions that actually spur debate?

 

[Orthodox Christian]

45 is old? Well then at 47, I guess I am old.....

Anyhoo, I certainly do not fall into the fundamentalist camp. I would say that I was a little more inclined to fundamentalism in my 20's (although I was never really a fundamentalist).

My opinion: Its easier to have a fundamentalist type of world view when you are younger - as one ages, the lessons of life (if you pay attention to them) demonstrate that fundamentalism just doesn't work. It would be nice if some fundamentalist beliefs worked, but they don't seem to, in my opinion.

I, at the middlin' age of 43, find that you have taken the words right out of my mouth, so-to-speak.

Naturally, even discussing this will offend some people. Perhaps the real issue here would be better described as rigidity and self-righteousness. There are some people who consider themselves conservative and fundamental in their beliefs who are, nonetheless, accomodating and understanding of others.

 

[Soma-Sight]

So far it seems that my premise is false according to you guys.....

I guess this is all just personal experience talking.....

Most people that preach the hellfire and exclusivism in the fundy mold have always been of the older generation in my life.....

This is exactly the kind of topic that causes anger and discord.
You could have posted a topic on 'refuting fundamental beliefs', but you chose to take it to a personal level.
Judge yourself with the same standards you set for others.

I am not judging! Some people are proud of being fundamentalists and exclusivistic to other interpretations of the Divine!

I merely think that ANY RELIGIOUS Fundy... Not just CHRISTIAN.... IE Islam and Hindu..... GETS STRONGER WITH AGE.... Like a good Napa Valley Merlot!

 

[Blazin Bones]

Soma you're missing a key premise to this argument. Knowledge comes with age. That is a given. Therefore, in order to grow into any persuation it take time. A 20 year old isn't going to understand all the things a 40 year old does simply because the 20 year old hasn't seen all the older person has. This is true for any system of belief. A 20 year old Athiest for the most part can't defend his views nearly as well as a 40 year old atheist. That's what we call growing. 8-)

 

[Soma-Sight]

Soma you're missing a key premise to this argument. Knowledge comes with age. That is a given. Therefore, in order to grow into any persuation it take time. A 20 year old isn't going to understand all the things a 40 year old does simply because the 20 year old hasn't seen all the older person has. This is true for any system of belief. A 20 year old Athiest for the most part can't defend his views nearly as well as a 40 year old atheist. That's what we call growing.

I can see where youa re going with this but.....

If I could only remember HALF the books I have read... I would be the smartest man in the world!

Sure you have experience as you age but do you really recall even a quarter of the info you have been exposed to?

I can see your point on "growing" up but in what sense? Restricted dogmatic assertions limiting exposure to new takes on things or expansive open minded dialogue with people of other faiths?

In my experience age brings more of the restritive fear driven "I have Truth you do not" mentality so popular today.....

Younger people are more open to DISCUSS rather than immediately cast judgement because someone may be a Buddhist or something....

 

[Muad'Dib]

Rejecting the views of others is different than judging them Soma. But I actually think you are right. Religiousness in general comes with age. I'm only nineteen, and I'm sorry to say most people my age care about little except themselves. It isn't a matter of being more open as much as it is an apathy to all things political, religious, cultural, etc.

 

[Relic]

.



Oh, for Heaven's sake. :roll:

photosource:http://www.bubbygram.com/jackbenny.htm

 

[Gary]

I think the New Age "fundies" are generally young, like Soma-Sight. As long as you have some measure of Jesus, Buddha, Allah and some drug-induced experience with some "spirit"... then you can join them.

Remember that one of the rules of of New Age "fundies" is that the Bible is not the Word of God.

Oh yes.... you must also be "open" to any sort of idea. Like condoning that Gandhi slept with young girls and rejected his own children. That is very New Age.

You are very "open" to new ideas as a New Age "fundy"... you even question if Jesus really existed and read any book by any liberal Christian as long as it challenges historical Christianity.

However, New Age "fundies" have their own rituals. They smoke magic buttons and attend "Church" on Saturdays.... Jesus did that did he not?

: :

 

[Blazin Bones]

Soma you're missing a key premise to this argument. Knowledge comes with age. That is a given. Therefore, in order to grow into any persuation it take time. A 20 year old isn't going to understand all the things a 40 year old does simply because the 20 year old hasn't seen all the older person has. This is true for any system of belief. A 20 year old Athiest for the most part can't defend his views nearly as well as a 40 year old atheist. That's what we call growing.

I can see where youa re going with this but.....

If I could only remember HALF the books I have read... I would be the smartest man in the world!

Sure you have experience as you age but do you really recall even a quarter of the info you have been exposed to?

I can see your point on "growing" up but in what sense? Restricted dogmatic assertions limiting exposure to new takes on things or expansive open minded dialogue with people of other faiths?

In my experience age brings more of the restritive fear driven "I have Truth you do not" mentality so popular today.....

Younger people are more open to DISCUSS rather than immediately cast judgement because someone may be a Buddhist or something....

Soma, again you are arguing from a faulty premise that knowledge yeilds wisdom and/or understanding. This is not true, and anyone can see that. A person could memorize the entire Guiness book of records and have knowledge on all subjects imaginable. However, this would not be wise as the records are mere trivial knowledge and won't guide your life one way or the other.

 

[Lonelyguide]

Does Fundamentalism come with age?

I guess that, to properly answer the question, one should first establish what constitutes fundamentalism.

For me ... a fundamentalist is someone who claims that he alone knows the path to God and that he alone is capable of defining that path. This is something which - with the exception of Jesus Himself - constitutes blasphemy, because saying that one can define the path to God implies that one believes that one is capable of defining God Himself.

I therefore don't believe that fundamentalism comes with age. I believe that it generally comes ..... let me use the kindest word I can find ..... with primitive minds, as do most religions or sects which primitively, and unlike Holy Spirit, manifest in an exlusive rather than in an inclusive manner.

And by the way ... my age is 55

 

[Soma-Sight]

I guess that, to properly answer the question, one should first establish what constitutes fundamentalism.

For me ... a fundamentalist is someone who claims that he alone knows the path to God and that he alone is capable of defining that path. This is something which - with the exception of Jesus Himself - constitutes blasphemy, because saying that one can define the path to God implies that one believes that one is capable of defining God Himself.

I therefore don't believe that fundamentalism comes with age. I believe that it generally comes ..... let me use the kindest word I can find ..... with primitive minds, as do most religions or sects which primitively, and unlike Holy Spirit, manifest in an exlusive rather than in an inclusive manner.

And by the way ... my age is 55

Right on....

Thats what I meant to say!!!

Good post!

 

[destiny]

because saying that one can define the path to God implies that one believes that one is capable of defining God Himself.

John 14:6
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Jesus is the only way to God.

 

[bibleberean]

because saying that one can define the path to God implies that one believes that one is capable of defining God Himself.

John 14:6
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Jesus is the only way to God.

I agree with your narrow minded outlook!

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

John 10:7-9 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

There are many who want to promote a Super Highway to God.

These are thieves and wolves...

 

[destiny]

because saying that one can define the path to God implies that one believes that one is capable of defining God Himself.

John 14:6
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Jesus is the only way to God.

I agree with your narrow minded outlook!

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

John 10:7-9 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

There are many who want to promote a Super Highway to God.

These are thieves and wolves...

I agree with your "exclusive" outlook too! :

 

[Soma-Sight]

I think the New Age "fundies" are generally young, like Soma-Sight. As long as you have some measure of Jesus, Buddha, Allah and some drug-induced experience with some "spirit"... then you can join them.

Remember that one of the rules of of New Age "fundies" is that the Bible is not the Word of God.

Oh yes.... you must also be "open" to any sort of idea. Like condoning that Gandhi slept with young girls and rejected his own children. That is very New Age.

You are very "open" to new ideas as a New Age "fundy"... you even question if Jesus really existed and read any book by any liberal Christian as long as it challenges historical Christianity.

However, New Age "fundies" have their own rituals. They smoke magic buttons and attend "Church" on Saturdays.... Jesus did that did he not?

Gary,

I want you to know that I do appreciate the fact that at least you pay attention to my posts......

You could just label me an idiot for no reason like some do but at least you have some solid premisepoints! :-?

For the record buttons are not "smoked" and the NA Church DOES believe that the Bible is the Word of God....

I do not question the existance of Jesus just the interpretation....

Gandhi made mistakes like everyone else but put his money where his mouth is and freed a country from oppresive rule.... I admire that... I dont worship the man but see the Spirit through his humble actions.....

Historical Christians (Sunday Evangelicals) in my personal life have stolen 15,000 dollars from me, labeled me a satanist, and threatened to kill me..... "By thier fruits ye shall know them???????" (Oh yes and they ignored my girlfriends child molestation charges and excepted the perpretrator "back into the fold" because he was "forgiven" with NO CHARGES pressed......

Saturday is the Sabbath and I am not sure how many New Age fundies believe this....??????

Yep I guess thats a New Age fundy for ya.....

 

[Soma-Sight]

I think the New Age "fundies" are generally young, like Soma-Sight.

Matthew 18:3

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Bet you didnt see that one coming...... :