Christian fundamentalists are trapped in a self-imposed belief system of rigid either/or thinking which leaves little room for those who fail to believe as they do.

Christian fundamentalism teaches the belief in a singular, solely masculine, authoritarian God who demands unquestioning obedience and who mercilessly punishes any dissent. Fundamentalism teaches that fear ("the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom") is essential to sustain what they perceive to be a divinely ordained hierarchical order in which a celestial God reigns singularly at a pinnacle far removed from the earth and all humankind.

Christian fundamentalism is largely an unexamined faith. People are mostly indoctrinated into such a belief system where doubting and questioning are severely resisted. Unquestioned loyalty is expected and intelligent thought is considered sinful.

Christian fundamentalism is pessimistic, emphasizing that all of humankind is born into the world as evil beings. The only hope for these evil beings is a conversion to fundamentalist theology which is the only true belief system.

Christian fundamentalism demonstrates a disregard for human freedom, dignity, and self-determination. It would control, contain, and confine spirituality - the relationship between mankind and God - thus alienating themselves from others and from the divine.

Christian fundamentalism is the professed faith system of the President of the United States. It is then no mystery why George W. Bush's behavior is often that of an arrogant adolescent who sees most things through the lens of premillenial fundamentalism. Whenever one believes he has the ultimate truth and is God's pet, how else would one be expected to act?

Christian fundamentalists believe they are mandated to convert everyone to their narrow theology. A non-believer would be too great a threat. That could explain why fundamentalists will use whatever method and even mis-represent the truth in order to achieve their goals. Christian fundamentalists are taking over established churches and are targeting schools by getting elected to school boards. Look around and see for yourself. These people are on a crusade, and they take no prisoners.

Christian fundamentalists are cultic and tribalistic. When indoctrinated into fundamentalism it is extremely difficult to escape because fundamentalists have simple answers to complex questions. Having committed intellectual suicide themselves, they see no contradictions and are convinced their way is the righteous way.

To escape from Christian fundamentalism requires study and a desire to find the truth for oneself. It is not easy, but it is possible.

Give it a try, you may like it.

SHALOM.

This article was first published in the Gainesville Times in April 2003