The Exponent


11/01/01	5 day quick link 10/31 \| 10/30 \| 10/29 \| 10/26 \| 10/25

Columnist mistakes fundamentalism

Fundamental - "Of or relating to the foundation or base; elementary"

Extreme - "Extending far beyond the norm"

Source: American Heritage College Dictionary. 1993.

It would appear that John Wakefield could use a dictionary. Then he would know better than to use the sentence, "Religious fundamentalism is a bastardization of what religion really is." Fundamentalism is the core of a religion; extremism is its perversion. Muslim fundamentalists don't bomb civilians and Christian fundamentalists don't bomb abortion clinics; extremists do.

Christians do not believe they are elite or that their soul is better than another's. They believe God loves everyone equally, even the Taliban, difficult though that may be to accept. They also believe that everyone can receive salvation and everyone can go to heaven. They do NOT believe that they are "the only ones God deems worthy for salvation" instead, they believe that no one is worthy of salvation. It is a gift from God, not something that can be earned.

Yes, the Bible tells us that salvation is the only path to God because there is no such thing as "a reasonably moral life" when compared to God's perfection. And yes, Christians believe it is their responsibility to share this so that others have the opportunity to believe in Christ also.

An analogy I once heard goes as follows: What if everyone on Earth had a terminal illness and didn't know it? And what if someone had told you, and had given you a cure? Wouldn't it be cruel not to share it? Whether you agree or not, that is the situation from a Christian standpoint. Out of love, out of thankfulness, we want to share the gift of salvation.

Take issue with extremists if you like, Mr. Wakefield. Even argue points of fundamentalism. But know the difference, and the facts.

Kristy Scott

Sophomore, School of Veterinary Medicine

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