7/27/2005 06:01:00 PM|W|P|Dan Burrell|W|P|Fundamentalism is a dirty word in this generation’s lexicon. Utter the term and, unless you have an understanding of the historical context of the word, you’ll probably conjure up images of abortion clinic bombers, head dress wearing anti-American militants, burkha-clad women being beaten by bearded-Muslim clerics or some late-night tele-evangelist who has a penchant for smacking people on the head in order to “heal” them. Theologically, I’m not ashamed to identify with historic Christian fundamentalism which was defined by a belief in certain basic Bible doctrines and includes believing that the Bible is the infallible and immutable Word of God. But the word has gained so much connotative baggage due to the conduct of people ranging from Eric Rudolph to Oral Roberts and the inclusion of other forms of “fundamentalism” as in extremist Muslims, I find it almost too cumbersome to explain what I mean when I use the term in reference to my own theological positions. Today, fundamentalism has been re-defined in such a way that it connotes a militant, sometimes violent, unreasonably rigid, often frightening adherence to a set of values or principles. Just as more common words such as “gay” or “cool” or “righteous” have taken on different definitions, so has the term “fundamentalism” and to ignore it is to run the risk of miscommunicating what one really does believe. That said, I think conservative Christian thinkers should be warily examining and challenging the rising tide of “secular fundamentalism”. If the “new” characteristics of fundamentalism described above are to be applied uniformly, consider the actions and attitudes of those who are daily waging war on the liberal left. Freedom of religion for the secular fundamentalist has gone to the extreme of freedom from religion. The radical secularists would particularly hold conservative Christianity in disdain and have proactively attempted to intimidate religious right activists from speaking out on issues of moral importance. How can one explain the unending dedication and perseverance of those who would give enemy combatants in Guatanamo Bay their own (government-issued) copy of the Koran while spending millions trying to prevent our children from hearing a Bible verse in a public school or seeing the Ten Commandments on a courtroom wall? Is there not an utter contempt and loathing that is palpable from the ardent secular fundamentalist who holds a position as a network newscaster, Hollywood producer or star, newspaper editorial writer, public university department chair or the head of Move-On.org? The lip-curling diatribes from the likes of people like Michael Moore, Barry Lynn and Ted Turner are not all that dissimilar from those spouted by the Muslim clerics in Iraq and Saudi Arabia. I’m not accusing all liberals of being proponents of some sort of secular jihad anymore than I believe conservative Christians are trying to resurrect the Crusades. I am saying that there is an extremism embedded in secularism that is every bit as dogmatic and dangerous as those who use their religion to persecute those they consider infidels. The hostility of the radical left and the growing desperation they obviously feel with each election that leaves them in the minority and every federal judgeship that comes open is very much obvious to those who observe and recognize the worst characteristics of the newly-defined “fundamentalism.” We ought not condone their outrageous excesses any longer or with any more patience than we would those who put on white-robed clan uniforms or who would beat a woman for exposing her elbow. One of the great pillars of evangelical Christianity in general, and among Baptists in particular, is the “fundamental” belief that religious identification and commitment cannot be forced. Those who are not or will not be persuaded by the Spirit of God are not reachable by the threat of coercion or the manipulation of men. We must resist accepting a mentality that would force its values on our culture, our nation or our families. It’s not American, it’s not Christian and it’s not right. Extremism of any flavor or wearing any moniker is a dangerous thing.|W|P|112250172698897694|W|P|The Rise of Secular Fundamentalism|W|P|jdpettus@gmail.com7/27/2005 02:05:00 PM|W|P|Dan Burrell|W|P|One of the most dangerous things a commentator can do is to criticize a pop culture icon. Some of the most stinging rebukes I’ve ever received is because I dared question the antics or philosophy of folks ranging from Elvis Presley to Michael Jackson. But I like to live on the edge, so let me raise an issue with you today. Far be it from me to criticize the athletic prowess of Lance Armstrong and his inarguable accomplishment of winning France’s Le Tour de France a record seven times. His feat and fame only become more significant when one hears the store of his battle with and victory over testicular cancer – a tragic killer of many young men. But I will tell you Lance Armstrong lost much of his luster in my eyes, several years ago when he walked away from his wife, Kristin and his young children. If you saw the emotional and climactic conclusion to this year’s race and the culmination of Armstrong’s career (this was his final professional race), you might have noticed several family members dressed appropriately in bright yellow jerseys. Among them were the Armstrong children – but the beautiful lady at his side, was not his wife, but his girlfriend, rock singer Cheryl Crowe. Myriad are the athletes who have walked away from their families and spouses while at the height of their fame and achievement. No sport is immune from it nor is any vocation. However, let’s keep in mind that in our culture, we virtually worship are athletes and routinely refer to them as “heroes.” It’s that declaration with which I take umbrage today. I’m a big St. Louis Cardinals fan, but when Mark McGuire hugged his little boy upon breaking the home-run record a few years ago, I wondered where the boy’s mom was. I’m a die-hard Miami Dolphin’s fan, but during his years as head coach, I had no respect for Jimmy Johnson who chose a career building football teams over his wife and children and even delineated the struggle and his choice of football over his family in a public interview. I have held Jeff Gordon, Kobe Bryant and Mike Tyson to the same standard. All are amazing athletes, but I’m not going to call them a “hero.” Real heroes are those dads who stick it our for the sake of their children. They refuse to quit, they are willing to sacrifice, they willfully choose to be there for their kids rather than pursue other interests, career goals or a new female conquest. In my way of thinking, I hold in great admiration, those men who are willing to go to counseling to save their marriage than they are to just walk away and see their kids on the week-ends or let someone else raise their children. From where I stand, those men who have grease under their nails, help mom get the kids ready for church, play ball with their sons in the yard and have tea-parties with their daughters while goofily perched on a footstool are the real men worthy of emulation. I know not every man has the option of staying with his wife and not every intact marriage is a healthy place for kids. But we throw around the title of “hero” far too lightly and I’d far prefer my sons grow up to be faithful, dependable spouses and dads, than to sign a multi-million-dollar endorsement deal with an athletic manufacturer because they can hit a ball or run a race. Our recreation and entertainment culture thrives on displaying these icons of success, but from an eternal perspective and for those who hold a Christian World View, we need to look beyond the yellow jerseys and the Superbowl rings. Is this what we want to promote as an example for our sons and future leaders? Or would you settle for someone who can be trusted to keep his vows, be loyal to his family, remain committed for the long haul and be there at the finish line? The expectations that a man be faithful to one woman and their children for a lifetime are not unrealistic. Certainly, if a man can hit, drive, throw, run, bike or jump his way into the record books, he can also be successful at home. As for me, I want my sons to admire the less famous who are committed to being more faithful.|W|P|112248759796114426|W|P|So What Makes a Hero?|W|P|jdpettus@gmail.com8/21/2005 10:21:00 PM|W|P| Terry Lange|W|P|Thanks for posting what you did about Lance Armstrong. People will remember what he did in the athletic realm, but they seem to forget that he left his wife and kids.... I wish more people would remember that!