The rise of Fundamentalism caused issues for Americans. With the 1920’s controversy over Fundamentalism Vs. Modernism, two direct paths were created for religious exploration. Liberalism led toward open interpretations of the bible and open change to traditional views and customs, while Conservatism caused issues due to its literal interpretations of the bible and lack of flexibility.
In Robert Mathisen’s, “Critical Issues in American Religious History,” article 105, “The Bible and Modern Critisicism,” David Heagle, a German Professor, provides us with his view, criticizing Modernism. In another article, “Fundamentalism as A Challenge for Religious Education,” written by Heinz Streib, a Professor at Bielefield University, the opposing view is expressed as finding negative effects of Fundamentalism.
In Heagle’s document from the early 1900’s, he attempts to persuade people to believe that the Bible is a “proven, divinely inspired, heaven-given book, a communication from a Father to his children.” (pg550). Heagle states that the Bible condemns man; therefore, saying God is superior to all. Heagle also states that the Bible is superior to all other religious documents because no other god gave his son for the good of man. Heagle is arguing against Modernism because he believes that God has authority over all men, and that no Christian should change the word of God in order to modernize his life. The fight between the up rise of Modernism and Fundamentalism created a wide gap between the two over the next century.
In Streib’s article we can see what Fundamentalism has done to the youth that were raised under such circumstance. Although this article does acknowledge a positive influence of Fundamentalism, the sense of community among the church, it appears that the negative influence of Fundamentalism is superior. This article gives case studies to show how the rearing of children under the Fundamentalist views are raised by authoritarian parents who have narrow points of view. The families live their lives by the word of the bible, without modern interpretation; therefore little room is left for issues such as children’s needs. Children raised in this setting often have psychological oppression due to the lack of affection from parents, as well as complications with resolving conflict.
The rise of fundamentalism brought with it a feeling of certainty, one could lean on the Bible for confidence in all aspects of life, however, many contradictions made by the Bible were overlooked. Fundamentalists used persuasion to overcome their fear of the rise of Modernism by using this authoritarian style against their children. The fear Fundamentalists held against scientism made them fight even harder for the rise of Fundamentalism. They let fear overpower clarity, creating a support system for a contradictory bible.
“Fundamentalism as A Challenge for Religious Education.” Religious Education 2001, Volume 96 Issue 2, Pg 227-244
Streib, Heinz.
Mathisen, Robert R. “Critical Issues in American Religious History: A Reader (2nd Revised Edition).” Waco: Baylor University Press, 2006. Print.
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