Similarities & Differences Between Catholicism And Fundamentalism

By Shawn Hunter


It is easy to assume that Catholics and fundamentalists are one and the same thing. However, as much as there is a connection there also exists fundamental differences. Many theologians and churchgoers want to know more about the differences. Catholicism and fundamentalism part ways when it comes to a number of issues. However, there are also several points of convergence. Many people are looking for answers on different places. Some are posting questions on answer sites, with this topic as the subject matter.

The major point of difference relates to history. The history of the Catholic Church begins with teachings of Jesus Christ. Therefore, this church can be traced to the 1st century. It is said that contemporary Catholic Church is the continuation of the church of the early apostles. On the other hand, Christian fundamentalism began in the late years of nineteenth century.

The major denomination in the world is Catholic. It has a following in all the major continents of the world. Fundamentalist flock does not in any way constitute a denomination. The best word that describes it is a movement within the wider Protestant church. This movement was formed by American and British protestants who rejected the ideals of theological liberalism and cultural modernism that had started to take root in the Protestant church. There are a good number of churches in the world that can be labeled as fundamentalist.

Catholicism has its root in Europe. The center of this Faith is at the Holy See, in Vatican. This is the place where the head of the catholic denomination and other senior members of the church stay. On the other hand, fundamentalist churches are mainly in USA. Therefore, this movement can be considered as largely American. American scholars and pastors drafted the doctrine that actually laid the ground for fundamentalist agenda, in USA. This doctrine is commonly called, "The Fundamentals." It is a twelve-volume set of polemic, apologetic and essays.

Similarities can be drawn between Catholics and fundamentals. All of them seem to have conservative inclinations. In some quarters, they are called right wings. Individuals in both of these divides are in agreement with traditional ideologies and they seem to reject most if not all secularist and liberal ideals.

Virgin Birth of Christ unites both sides of the divide. There seems to be a consensus in most Christian churches on the issue of Immaculate Conception. Resurrection of Christ and the impending rapture, second return and Judgment, is believed to be true by Catholics and fundamental believers. They both agree that the Bible is supreme and there is no other publication that can act as Bible's substitute.

This matter is not only the concern of scholars. Even lay people want to find answers. To get insights and perspectives on this subject matter, there is need to read books written by experts on this issue. Many publications dissect this topic and deliver much needed information those who are interested in this matter. Many comprehensive articles have been published online in relation to fundamentalism and Catholicism. These articles can be read free of charge. They are found on catholic and protestant sites. However, the books addressing this subject matter, have to be bought from online, and offline stores.

Catholic Church is centuries old. Fundamentalist movement has existed for slightly over a century. The major similarity is the issue of conservatism and traditional values.




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Similarities & Differences Between Catholicism And Fundamentalism

By Shawn Hunter


It is easy to assume that Catholics and fundamentalists are one and the same thing. However, as much as there is a connection there also exists fundamental differences. Many theologians and churchgoers want to know more about the differences. Catholicism and fundamentalism part ways when it comes to a number of issues. However, there are also several points of convergence. Many people are looking for answers on different places. Some are posting questions on answer sites, with this topic as the subject matter.

The major point of difference relates to history. The history of the Catholic Church begins with teachings of Jesus Christ. Therefore, this church can be traced to the 1st century. It is said that contemporary Catholic Church is the continuation of the church of the early apostles. On the other hand, Christian fundamentalism began in the late years of nineteenth century.

The major denomination in the world is Catholic. It has a following in all the major continents of the world. Fundamentalist flock does not in any way constitute a denomination. The best word that describes it is a movement within the wider Protestant church. This movement was formed by American and British protestants who rejected the ideals of theological liberalism and cultural modernism that had started to take root in the Protestant church. There are a good number of churches in the world that can be labeled as fundamentalist.

Catholicism has its root in Europe. The center of this Faith is at the Holy See, in Vatican. This is the place where the head of the catholic denomination and other senior members of the church stay. On the other hand, fundamentalist churches are mainly in USA. Therefore, this movement can be considered as largely American. American scholars and pastors drafted the doctrine that actually laid the ground for fundamentalist agenda, in USA. This doctrine is commonly called, "The Fundamentals." It is a twelve-volume set of polemic, apologetic and essays.

Similarities can be drawn between Catholics and fundamentals. All of them seem to have conservative inclinations. In some quarters, they are called right wings. Individuals in both of these divides are in agreement with traditional ideologies and they seem to reject most if not all secularist and liberal ideals.

Virgin Birth of Christ unites both sides of the divide. There seems to be a consensus in most Christian churches on the issue of Immaculate Conception. Resurrection of Christ and the impending rapture, second return and Judgment, is believed to be true by Catholics and fundamental believers. They both agree that the Bible is supreme and there is no other publication that can act as Bible's substitute.

This matter is not only the concern of scholars. Even lay people want to find answers. To get insights and perspectives on this subject matter, there is need to read books written by experts on this issue. Many publications dissect this topic and deliver much needed information those who are interested in this matter. Many comprehensive articles have been published online in relation to fundamentalism and Catholicism. These articles can be read free of charge. They are found on catholic and protestant sites. However, the books addressing this subject matter, have to be bought from online, and offline stores.

Catholic Church is centuries old. Fundamentalist movement has existed for slightly over a century. The major similarity is the issue of conservatism and traditional values.




About the Author: