Theos-Talk Archives (May 2005 Message tt00490)

> -Dear Perry,
> 
> Here is a link to a site with info on fundamentalism:
> 
> 
http://atheism.about.com/library/glossary/western/bldef_fundamentalism
.h
> tm?terms=go
> 
> and a quote about family resemblances between different 
fundamentalisms:
> 
> religious idealism is used as a foundation for personal and 
communal 
> identity; 
> truth is revealed and unified; 
> fundamentalism is intentionally "scandalous" (i.e., makes dramatic 
an 
> fundamentals challenges to prevailing norms); 
> members are part of a cosmic struggle; 
> historical events are reinterpreted in light of their cosmic 
struggle; 
> opposition is demonized (because the opposition is on the opposite 
side 
> of the cosmic struggle); 
> what parts of their tradition and heritage are stressed are chosen 
> selectively; 
> men almost always control positions of power; 
> the modernist cultural hegemony is envied, eve as they try to 
overturn 
> it; 
> the erosion of religion and its proper role in society is normally 
> presented as their primary concern; 
> some form of Manicheanism (dualism) is used; 
> absolutism and inerrancy in their sources of revelation is 
stressed; 
> some form of Millennialism or Messianism is used. 
> 
> Now, briefly, to your questions:
> 
> -- In theos-talk@yahoogroups.com, "Perry Coles" <perrycoles@y...> 
wrote:
> > Hi All,
> > The word fundamentalist is a word that immediately evokes fear in 
> > people's minds.
> > 
> Fear due to the fact that fundamentalism Christianity has made huge 
> advances in political power in the US, and now the country is 
committed 
> to an endless war with fundamentalist Islam, with ramifications for 
> everyone else on the globe.
> 
> > As a point of discussion perhaps it may be helpful to discuss 
what do 
> > we mean by fundamentalist.
> 
> See above. In brief, a dogmatic, aggressive scriptural literalist.
> > 
> > What is it about fundamentalism that makes it dangerous and 
against 
> > freedom?
> > 
> Adherence to doctrine overrides all considerations of human 
compassion 
> and understanding. Hence, they are a danger to their neighbors. 
> 
> > What types of mindsets do fundamentalists have?
> 
> "We have all the answers and if you don't accept them you are our 
enemy 
> and the enemy of God [the Masters, whatever]"
> 
> > 
> > How can theosophy help in a world that seems fixated with black 
and 
> > white concepts and simplistic beliefs?
> > 
> Whatever help it could give humanity has long since been given; 
opening 
> Western minds to the truth claims of Eastern religions. Now it 
lacks 
> the cultural influence to effect any such changes. All it can do 
is 
> help its adherents develop a more inclusive and peaceful mindset.
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Paul