Oh boy now a major Catholic blog has repeated an error I just hate. Vox Nova has Fundamentalism Is Not The Answer
To repeat media and indeed Catholic blogs should not use the term Fundamentalist or Fundamentalism unless it is apt. Is it here?
If one does a circuit around the blogosphere, you’ll see a number of posts speaking of the demographic bomb coming to the church. Although the answers vary a little bit, the answers are essentially fundamentalist.
Ok we shall see.
In one version, Catholics need to all be evangelists under the guise of discipleship.
What? I am not sure what he is talking about here. Apologetics? Witnessing? Many people and groups do that not just Fundamentalists.
In another version, we have the bemoaning of not enough catechesis or not enough “good” catechesis.
What this has to do with Fundamentalism is beyond me.
It is not clear if the author of the post at Vox Nova is confusing Evangelicals and Fundamentalists. See Get Religion's The word is evangelical, not fundamentalist
From that article:
This modern form of evangelicalism began, therefore, as a kind of reform movement within fundamentalism. In the beginning years (the period much of this issue covers) the terms “fundamentalist” and “evangelical” were interchangeable. But eventually, the lines of division hardened.
Today, the terms usually refer to two different groups, ultra-conservative Christians (fundamentalists) and those who take a more engaged approach to modern culture (evangelicals). Both, however, share the same family tree.
Further the Associated Press Stylebook says about using the word fundamentalist:
fundamentalist The word gained usage in an early 20th century fundamentalist-modernist controversy within Protestantism. In recent years, however, fundamentalist has to a large extent taken on pejorative connotations except when applied to groups that stress strict, literal interpretations of Scripture and separation from other Christians. In general, do not use fundamentalist unless a group applies the word to itself.
See also from Get Religion Plea for journalism fundamentals (updated)
Both versions are blaming our problems on accretions and claiming our problems go away if we just get back to fundamentals. That is fundamentalism.
ReplyDeleteWhile Fundamentalists are big on the their version of the "fundamentals" in a Christian context it refers to to a distinct Christian group that has its own history and belief.
ReplyDeleteI think the word is used way too much and in an accurate way.
I know its a losing battle but I wish people would quit using it as much
You made some good points there. I have read few of articles here and can say it was really interesting, thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDelete