From the Pastor…

Understanding Fundamentalism

   “There is no religion that has a monopoly on hate.  We must stand in front of God and ask, ‘Did we promote the fundamentals of our faith, or did we promote fundamentalism?’  These are two different things.”

-Rev. Munib Younan, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and    the Holy Land

 The line between fundamentals and fundamentalism can become razor thin during an election season.  It can be hard to tell what motivates our heart, our convictions, and our politics.  Issues such as abortion, homosexuality, or prayer in schools can test the edges of love and hate.  Friendships can become strained, communities can be divided, congregations can be split, and even marriages can be tested by our heart-felt convictions.

 So, after votes have been counted, I invite you to take part in a conversation that may help us sort out what it means to have fundamental beliefs as Evangelical Christians, and the danger of allowing such beliefs to become narrow, closed-off, or fundamentalistic.

 At 6:30 p.m. on two Monday nights in November we will gather to learn about and discuss two forms of fundamentalism:

    November 17:  Christian Fundamentalism.

    November 24:  Global Fundamentalism.

 The discussion will follow a two-part DVD series entitled “Understanding Fundamentalism” that was produced in 2007 by the ELCA.  Here’s more information on the DVD.  No books or pre-registration is necessary:

 “Here are two Baptist ministers, Jerry Falwell and Jesse Jackson Sr.  Now, what is a Baptist?”

-Gregg Quiggle, Professor of Theology, Moody Bible Institute

“The influence of fundamentalist Christianity is felt in every walk of American life.  This program helps viewers better understand the story behind the rise of fundamentalism and the later evangelical movement, so that Christians, liberal and conservative, can find ways to open doors of dialogue and ecumenical fellowship.”

 Please join in the discussion.

Grace and peas, Pastor Mark