Washblog

For immediate release: Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Christian Fundamentalists - They'll Be Back
Local Scholars Discuss How to Respond

Evangelicals may not claim the deciding role in the mid-term election, but Christian fundamentalism is not going away, either in Washington D.C. or in Washington State. So says a panel of local experts, who will be discussing the Evangelical phenomenon on November 16 at Town Hall, Seattle.

Christian fundamentalism was born in the early Twentieth Century. Faced with findings in fields as diverse as linguistics, neurology, astronomy, pharmaceuticals, and biology, many Christian theologians began to rethink their understanding of the Bible and the Christian faith. Others dug in, asserting that the traditional "fundamentals" were beyond question. These fundamentals included a literal Garden of Eden, a literal virgin birth and resurrection, a literal heaven and hell, and a view of the Bible as literally perfect, essentially dictated to God by the writers.

Christian fundamentalism, (often calling itself "Biblical" or "Evangelical" Christianity) has been growing over the last thirty years, attracting both members of mainline Christian denominations and the unchurched. Local megachurches such as Mars Hill and Overlake Christian, with approximately 5000 and 10,000 members respectively, take pride in contributing to this trend. Valerie Tarico, Ph.D., psychologist and ex-evangelical sees it as a problem.

"Fundamentalism offers clarity and security in uncertain times," Tarico says, "but at a high price. It distracts from the core moral questions facing our society. It forces believers to build mental walls. It diminishes the sacred worth of those who don't belong to the tribal community of believers."

Rabbi Daniel Weiner agrees. "Fundamentalism is not mainstream faith.  Though it gets considerable play in the media, most faith communities, and the weight of Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions embrace a love, understanding and acceptance lacking in fanatical approaches.  It is time for people of progressive and pluralistic faith to stand up and be counted.

Even scholarly Christians are worried.  "The Bible is overwhelmingly concerned about issues of economic justice,"  says Reverend Rich Lang of Trinity United Methodist in Ballard.  "Jesus never talks at all about cultural wedge issues like abortion or homosexuality. But today's fundamentalists strain out gnats while swallowing camels.  They forget that the central narrative of scripture moves us away from tribalism and  legalism.  Instead of this, Biblical narratives move us towards openness to the stranger, hospitality for the outcast, and a willingness to care for our enemies. "

"We must insist on the truth that Christian history evolves.  At any given time, our understanding of God and scripture is tentative, and provisional as we move forward by humbly wrestling with hard questions. Fundamentalism denies this growth, binding people to archaic priorities and understandings of God.  Part of our political crisis today is that an increasingly number of fundamentalists believe that they have the right and responsibility to impose these priorities on our whole society.  This is what I call, Christian fascism. "

David Domke, Ph.D., communications professor and spouse of an ordained Presbyterian minister, looks at the impact of fundamentalism on American politics. His research examines the courtship between the political right and the religious right. "There is no question," Domke says. "Fundamentalism is shaping our public policies, and political operatives are seeking to manipulate the priorities of the faithful. This is a long term trend. Americans need to be aware of what is going on so that they can make informed decisions based on their own social and spiritual values.

Tarico, Weiner, Lang, and Domke are all actively involved in stimulating public dialogue about the impact of Christian fundamentalism on American society. The Town Hall panel discussion, entitled The Evangelical Phenomenon: What is it? How should the rest of us respond? is their first shared forum on the topic.

Date: November 16, 2006 - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Town Hall Seattle - 1119 Eighth Avenue (at Seneca Street)
Tickets: $5 at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5953  or $7.50 at door.