Theos-Talk Archives (January 2002 Message tt00452)

On Mon, 28 Jan 2002 08:55:33 -0500 "Bill Meredith" <bilmer@surfsouth.com>
writes:
> 
> 
Hi Bill,

Acually I am well aware of the labeling problem. I went with the term 
"fundamentalist" since that is what every one else was using. I did not
see Paul's contribution but will share my understanding. Let's see how
close that is to Paul's.

Basically, the term Conservative Christian is a good coverall. The media
seems to prefer the term Christian Right, but either will do.

Fundamentalists are one segment of this group as you have stated. They
maintain that the Bible in its current form is still the actual word of
god. No mistakes here. Somehow through all the various translations the
original had been preserved. They will hear nothing of "P", "J" or "E"
sources and look baffled when one asks "if the Bible is all true, then
why are there conflicting versions of the Easter story in the four
gospels". They will then tell you that there is no contradition and
infirm you that Satan has you firmly in his grasp and you'd better repent
or your going to hell, Nice bunch. I always enjoy talking to them.

The next group is the Born Again Christians. The are the various
charismatics who rely on the Gifts of the Spirit. Healing services,
speaking in tongues, snake handlers, all that bunch. Here the personal
relationship with the Savior is more important than the recieved word.

Mormons are also Christian Right, though most of the others don't like to
acknowledge them. Thier support is appreciated on Christian Right issues
such a abortion, homosexuality, prayer in public schools, etc., but
beyond that there are concidered an aberation.

Jehovah's Witnesses ditto. There beliefs throw them in with the
conservatives, but since they are apolitical they are easier to dismiss
then the Mormons. This group is actually the rebirth of an early
Christian sect known as the Arian Christians whose chief tenant is the
singularity of God vs the trinitarian belief which one the day those many
years ago.

How does that measure against Paul's contribution.?

Larry
> 
> Recently Paul has offered some insight on the modern labeling of 
> liberal,
> conservative, and fundamentalist. Essentially all conservatives are 
> not
> fundamentalists, but all fundamentalists are conservative. Maybe he 
> will
> repost the Karen Armstrong link. I have done some file cleanup and 
> can't
> find where I put it.
> 
> There is either a church or a convenience store on nearly every 
> corner. 
> Each sells to the public at the highest price the market will bear. 
> I grew
> up steeped in Southern Baptist traditions. I am very aware of the 
> KJV
> bible and the hell's fire and brimstone preacher. 30 years ago, as 
> a young
> man, I left Church one Sunday morning and for all practical purposes 
> never
> went back. As I walked determinedly through life, I kicked over 
> one rock
> after another. Recently, I have concluded that the Truth is not 
> under a
> rock either. :)
> 
> Bill
> > Larry
> > 
> > 
> > On Sun, 27 Jan 2002 21:21:44 -0500 "Bill Meredith" 
> <bilmer@surfsouth.com>
> > writes:
> > 
> > >
> > > The number of card carrying members is probably not an important 
> 
> > > measure of
> > > the theosophical movement's success. We will probably never 
> catch 
> > > the
> > > world wrestling federation in that department. However, amongst 
> 
> > > thinking
> > > people (lots of talk lately about being free thinkers, thinking 
> 
> > > outside
> > > the box, etc) theosophy is by definition already a way of life. 
> 
> > > Many
> > > practical theosophists have never heard the word 'theosophy' and 
> as 
> > > a
> > > consequence would not readily label themselves as such. In many 
> 
> > > ways these
> > > 'unlabeled' theosophists are my favorites to talk with, listen 
> to, 
> > > and
> > > learn from. When we put theosophy in a box and label it 
> Theosophy, 
> > > we may
> > > be making it more marketable, but not necessarily more valuable. 
> 
> > > 
> > > regards,
> > > Bill
> > > 
> > > 
> > > 
> > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to 
> > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/ 
> > > 
> > > 
> > 
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> > 
> 
> 
> 
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> 
> 

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