People are of varying opinions on whether real differences exist between being a fundamentalist and being a catholic. Questions have been asked in several online answer sites, in relation to this issue. Some people have taken this matter to web-based church forums. It is common to see heated debates on social media about this topic. It is easy to compare and contrast Catholicism and fundamentalism. On the outset, these are separate school of thoughts each with different goals, agendas, and beliefs. As much as differences do exist, there is still more than one point of convergence. There seems to be some similarities.
Examination of historical aspects automatically differentiates these ideologies. On one hand, it is said that the first Catholics started practicing their Faith, almost two millennia ago. The Early church is said to be the beginning of Catholicism with the contemporary Catholic Church simply being a continuation. Christian fundamentalism has lasted for slightly more than a century. There might have been earlier manifestations of this agenda but the earliest gatherings of people who identified themselves as fundamentals, happened in early 20th century when the ground was officially laid for this movement.
The major denomination in the world is Catholic. It has a following in all the major continents of the world. Fundamentalist flock does not in any way constitute a denomination. The best word that describes it is a movement within the wider Protestant church. This movement was formed by American and British protestants who rejected the ideals of theological liberalism and cultural modernism that had started to take root in the Protestant church. There are a good number of churches in the world that can be labeled as fundamentalist.
In reality, Catholicism started in Europe. Presently, the Holy See otherwise called Vatican is the global center of Catholic Church. The European roots of this denomination are quite evident. On the contrary, it is clear that fundamentalism is largely an American idea. A team made up of American scholars, business people, pastors, and theologians drafted the fundamentalist doctrine. This doctrine was named, "The Fundamentals." It was a series of apologetics, polemics, and essays that addressed the various issues related to fundamental agenda.
Similarities do exist between these religious ideologies. The issue of conservatism is a major point of unison. In catholic and fundamental circles, the major emphasis seems to be on traditional values. It is common to find fundamentalist and strict Catholics who out rightly reject secularism.
Another point of similarity is Virgin Birth. Both fundamentals and Catholics agree that the birth of Jesus was divinely inspired and that it was not as a result of sex between a man and a woman. Also, resurrection of Jesus and his impending Second Coming is another point of convergence. Adherents of both ideologies are eagerly awaiting the second return of Christ. A staunch catholic and a strict fundamentalist also agree on the supremacy of the Bible and the fact that the Bible should always have the final say on anything.
This topic has perplexed scholars from different parts of the world. Many church goers usually research this religious topic. There are books that offer some answers. The easiest and cheapest way to get valuable perspectives is by reading free articles published online.
Catholic Church is centuries old. Fundamentalist movement has existed for slightly over a century. The major similarity is the issue of conservatism and traditional values.
Examination of historical aspects automatically differentiates these ideologies. On one hand, it is said that the first Catholics started practicing their Faith, almost two millennia ago. The Early church is said to be the beginning of Catholicism with the contemporary Catholic Church simply being a continuation. Christian fundamentalism has lasted for slightly more than a century. There might have been earlier manifestations of this agenda but the earliest gatherings of people who identified themselves as fundamentals, happened in early 20th century when the ground was officially laid for this movement.
The major denomination in the world is Catholic. It has a following in all the major continents of the world. Fundamentalist flock does not in any way constitute a denomination. The best word that describes it is a movement within the wider Protestant church. This movement was formed by American and British protestants who rejected the ideals of theological liberalism and cultural modernism that had started to take root in the Protestant church. There are a good number of churches in the world that can be labeled as fundamentalist.
In reality, Catholicism started in Europe. Presently, the Holy See otherwise called Vatican is the global center of Catholic Church. The European roots of this denomination are quite evident. On the contrary, it is clear that fundamentalism is largely an American idea. A team made up of American scholars, business people, pastors, and theologians drafted the fundamentalist doctrine. This doctrine was named, "The Fundamentals." It was a series of apologetics, polemics, and essays that addressed the various issues related to fundamental agenda.
Similarities do exist between these religious ideologies. The issue of conservatism is a major point of unison. In catholic and fundamental circles, the major emphasis seems to be on traditional values. It is common to find fundamentalist and strict Catholics who out rightly reject secularism.
Another point of similarity is Virgin Birth. Both fundamentals and Catholics agree that the birth of Jesus was divinely inspired and that it was not as a result of sex between a man and a woman. Also, resurrection of Jesus and his impending Second Coming is another point of convergence. Adherents of both ideologies are eagerly awaiting the second return of Christ. A staunch catholic and a strict fundamentalist also agree on the supremacy of the Bible and the fact that the Bible should always have the final say on anything.
This topic has perplexed scholars from different parts of the world. Many church goers usually research this religious topic. There are books that offer some answers. The easiest and cheapest way to get valuable perspectives is by reading free articles published online.
Catholic Church is centuries old. Fundamentalist movement has existed for slightly over a century. The major similarity is the issue of conservatism and traditional values.
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