Open-minded FUNDAMENTALISM! NOT possible?

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A response to Blade376 (Myles Dyer's) video: Are you openminded?

This video is mainly based around my Christian faith, although I'm aware both Christians and Muslims get bashed by the f-word!

I discuss being open-minded and why we might need a few more fundamentalists?

Channel: People & Blogs
Uploaded: June 13, 2008 at 3:38 am
Author: talk74

Length: 00:04:44
Rating: 4.68
Views: 1706

Tags: Open minded fundamentalist fundamentalism f-word christian muslim faith blade376

Video Comments:
garethac81 (July 10, 2008 at 2:45 pm)
Fundamentalism is about more than simply adhering to core values. It is about condemning anyone who does not share those values. All fundamentalists, of any faith, practice this condemnation. This relates to the concept of fundamentalism which promotes adhering to core values you KNOW to be right (an absolute truth). Once you KNOW you are right, anyone who disagrees with these values MUST be wrong. This negates debating or learning from the ideas of others - which is why the word is negative.
louiseiiid (June 22, 2008 at 1:01 pm)
Hmmm. Nice brain you have.

I am fundamentally a fun-mentalist. I think everyone should be thinking of something funny all the time.
talk74 (June 23, 2008 at 12:52 am)
cheers!

fun-mentalism has its place too :)
Zachski (June 18, 2008 at 7:41 pm)
I applaud you for a wonderful video that made me think.

By your logic, then I, too, am a fundamentalist. There are certain principles I refuse to let go of, even though some people have pressured me to do so.

I think that I will stop using the word "fundamentalist" as a negative term. This video was really inspiring.

Thank you.
Blade376 (June 14, 2008 at 12:30 pm)
I came back to this after some thought - really good video. Unfortunately with times evolving words which suggest origionally good things, such as fundamentalism (the values you auggest are truly good) come off as a negative. An extreme example I guess is the symbol of hope, that was used in the Nazi regime.Unfortunately it never seems to be able to be reversed. But in the true meaning of fundamentalism, it's important this is kept...
Blade376 (June 14, 2008 at 12:32 pm)
Although I don't conform to any particular religion, I believe the majority of them offer good practices to living a good life - and if these fundamental practices are "right" (the point you made about openmindedness vs what is right and wrong was interesting) - then surely it's a good thing =] Not sure if I've made a coherent comment post it here haha. But another great video. Thanks for the response =]
talk74 (June 14, 2008 at 12:57 pm)
thanks for the comments. on questions like this it is too easy to play semantics and i was trying to avoid that. it's obvious that in common usage 'fundamentalist' has a negative conotation. however, as you picked up, i think there is something to be explored around blending an open-minded attitude with core values that are held to be 'right'. if this 'right' really is 'good' then that can only be a positive thing. but that is a big question! what is good?
talk74 (June 14, 2008 at 11:26 am)
I suppose for me the key with open-mindedness is that is an openness to hear and discuss/consider new thoughts and ideas. It does not equate to an automatic acceptance of everything. I have a long(ish) sporting analogy i could use to explain myself but maybe that's for another video!

Thanks for your comments. Good to hear from you again :)
talk74 (June 14, 2008 at 11:21 am)
thanks. i think you're right about religious leader knowing, and living, by the fundamentals. i suppose some of the issues we see today are where people can't agree on what is fundamental and what is peripheral.
talk74 (June 14, 2008 at 11:19 am)
i think my point on the rigidity of my core beliefs was that if i seek to 'love God with everything i have and love my neighbour as myself' then that does not create an antagonistic foundation for my faith. in that way, rigidity need not be a bad thing.