On Apr 5, 2005, at 2:48 AM, William T Goodall wrote:
But the fundamentalists are the fastest growing Christian sects.
All the more reason for those of us who are not fundamentalists to act now.
Preserve it as a quaint irrelevant historical artifact. Which is fine :)
You are certainly in line with Dr. Borg and other scholars in viewing it
in a historical light. As to its relevance, while I naturally uphold
your freedom to accept or reject it as a source of inspiration or
guidance, it would be hard to make a compelling case that it is irrelevant.
But the fundamentalists are the fastest growing Christian sects.
True enough for the time being, but one of the metaphors that run through that historical artifact is that of the faithful (loyal) remnant who continue to believe (trust) in God in the face of sometimes overwhelming opposition. I and others will continue promote an alternate vision of Christianity in that spirit.
John Shelby Spong compares fundamentalism to the act of putting make-up on a corpse: it briefly gives it the appearance of life, but doesn't bring it to life. I fail to see how calcifying something can possibly animate it.
Dave
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