Pope's call to end Fundamentalism

[TransmutingSoul]

I doubt that it will do much good. Fundamentalists don't typically think much of the Catholic version of Christianity, or the Pope.

I think all constructive criticism is helpful, if not for all, at least a few.

All the best, Regards Tony

 

[TransmutingSoul]

So, I shouldn't literally "Love your neighbor as yourself"?

You are looking for fault for what was offered by placing it in a different frame of reference

Try Love without that twist.

Regards Tony

 

[TransmutingSoul]

Does this mean that Baha'u'llah's scripture is not intended to be understood literally?

That is a bigger topic. There are two aspects to scripture. There is both an outward literal meaning, but there is also many hidden and spiritual meanings.

The issue is, taking the literal meaning and adding ones own thoughts and cementing it in place as a fundamental truth. This usually ends in conflict and division.

Baha'u'llah has explained this in detail.

Regards Tony

 

[Truth in love]

This speech by the Pope is worth considering.

Pope: Religions must be purified of extremism, self-righteousness - Catholic News Service

Pope Francis said.

“It is time to realize that fundamentalism defiles and corrupts every creed; time for open and compassionate hearts,”

And

“We need religion in order to respond to the thirst for world peace and the thirst for the infinite that dwells in the heart of each man and woman,”

So, will we finally see the breakdown of literal interpretation of scripture, which has been the fundamental cause of the demise and suppression of religion?

Regards Tony

This could get interesting.

Things like Christ is the only way, don’t kill, steal, lie, get drunk etc. all seem pretty literal to me.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

So, will we finally see the breakdown of literal interpretation of scripture, which has been the fundamental cause of the demise and suppression of religion?

I really hope so.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

That is a bigger topic. There are two aspects to scripture. There is both an outward literal meaning, but there is also many hidden and spiritual meanings.

That's the same exact thing, word for word, that fundamentalist Evangelical Southern Baptists say about the Bible.

 

[TransmutingSoul]

This could get interesting.

Things like Christ is the only way, don’t kill, steal, lie, get drunk etc. all seem pretty literal to me.

Luckily Jesus the Christ taught us the Morals and Values we need to overcome these issues.

We literally have to reinforce those morals and values. Jesus was all inclusive, not exclusive.

Regards Tony

 

[TransmutingSoul]

That's the same exact thing, word for word, that fundamentalist Evangelical Southern Baptists say about the Bible.

Then they have a great starting point.

The key here is, that the literal interpretation should be balanced in science and reason.

If the Literal is not supported in science and reason, then we need to consider the literal meaning is intended as spiritual food.

Regards Tony

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Then they have a great starting point.

The key here is, that the literal interpretation should be balanced in science and reason.

If the Literal is not supported in science and reason, then we need to consider the literal meaning is intended as spiritual food.

Regards Tony

Literalism is a part of fundamentalism. And no, they don't have a good starting point at all, except a damn good start for deflecting outside criticism.
fun·da·men·tal·ism
/ˌfəndəˈmen(t)lˌizəm/

noun

1. a form of a religion, especially Islam or Protestant Christianity, that upholds belief in the strict, literal interpretation of scripture.

 

[TransmutingSoul]

Literalism is a part of fundamentalism. And no, they don't have a good starting point at all, except a damn good start for deflecting outside criticism.
fun·da·men·tal·ism
/ˌfəndəˈmen(t)lˌizəm/

noun

1. a form of a religion, especially Islam or Protestant Christianity, that upholds belief in the strict, literal interpretation of scripture.

I see we need both aspects of faith. The literal aspect enables us to set meaningful laws that guide society. The Spiritual aspects enables us to bind and grow together one organic human race.

The key is, that we need to acknowledge a source that offers that guidance.

Regards Tony

 

[sun rise]

What is fundamentalism?

Edited

That's actually a very good question.

If we look at history, the Puritans who settled in the US were "fundamentalists" who were looking to orient their lives around their Christian beliefs.

There are those who are commonly called fundamentalists who are filled with anger and the desire to impose their beliefs on everyone. Along with that they are very judgemental.

We should use "fanatic" not "fundamentalist" for the latter but often the two go together with the fanatic having a fundamentalist theology.

 

[Kenny]

You are looking for fault for what was offered by placing it in a different frame of reference

Try Love without that twist.

Regards Tony

So then that begs the question, when is it fundamentalism (literal) and when is it not fundamentalism.

Very subjective IMO

 

[Revoltingest]

“It is time to realize that fundamentalism defiles and corrupts every creed; time for open and compassionate hearts,”

I'll believe it when he becomes pro-abortion.

 

[Kenny]

That's actually a very good question.

If we look at history, the Puritans who settled in the US were "fundamentalists" who were looking to orient their lives around their Christian beliefs.

There are those who are commonly called fundamentalists who are filled with anger and the desire to impose their beliefs on everyone. Along with that they are very judgemental.

We should use "fanatic" not "fundamentalist" for the latter but often the two go together with the fanatic having a fundamentalist theology.

excellent point!!!!

 

[sun rise]

So, I shouldn't literally "Love your neighbor as yourself"?

There is a story of a saint in India who was trouble with lust and literally blinded himself to avoid the temptation. (Matt 5:29) Bilvamangala Thakura voluntarily made himself blind - Vaniquotes (Hindu not Christian)

In Islamic sufi tradition there is a saying that to obey if your teacher asks you to "stain your prayer carpet with wine" (forbidden to Muslims).

Of course the point is that human intelligence should be used to understand what is meant to be taken literally and what is not.

 

[Kenny]

There is a story of a saint in India who was trouble with lust and literally blinded himself to avoid the temptation. (Matt 5:29) Bilvamangala Thakura voluntarily made himself blind - Vaniquotes (Hindu not Christian)

In Islamic sufi tradition there is a saying that to obey if your teacher asks you to "stain your prayer carpet with wine" (forbidden to Muslims).

Of course the point is that human intelligence should be used to understand what is meant to be taken literally and what is not.

And that is so simple to understand. That is why I don't comprehend when someone fundamentally says that the other person is a fundamentalist.

IMV, it simply seems to mean "if you don't agree with my position, you are a fundamentalist".

Your separation of fundamentalist vs fanatic was expertly expressed.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I see we need both aspects of faith. The literal aspect enables us to set meaningful laws that guide society. The Spiritual aspects enables us to bind and grow together one organic human race.

The key is, that we need to acknowledge a source that offers that guidance.

Regards Tony

The Pope just said things like literalism aren't good. And he's right. It's very destructive for the church, both for membership and people's willingness to join and stick around.
But, personally, I'd prefer you and others keep it up. I come from that world and would love to burn it to a pile of ashes for my own personal gratification and so it can't harm anyone again.

 

[YoursTrue]

Does this mean that Baha'u'llah's scripture is not intended to be understood literally?

Evidently, like Roman Catholicism, it can be expanded.

 

[YoursTrue]

Ok....

but how does that fit, "“It is time to realize that fundamentalism defiles and corrupts every creed; time for open and compassionate hearts,”"

How does one = the other?

That's interesting. So throw out the catechisms?

 

[Kenny]

That's interesting. So throw out the catechisms?

not sure how one would come to that conclusion