Biblical Interpretation and the Social Life of Christian Fundamentalism: A Case Study of the Evangelicalism

Subject Areas : Christianity

Maryam Nazari ^{1 *} , Leila Hooshangi ² , Hojjatollah Javani ³

1 - Theology faculty, Alzahra university
2 - Religions and Mysticism study, Faculty of Theology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
3 - Religions and Mysticism study, Faculty of Theology, Al -Zahra University, Tehran, Iran

Received: 2022-05-26 Accepted : 2023-03-05 Published : 2023-02-20

Keywords: Modernism, violence. Social life, literalism, Evangelicalism, the Bible, Fundamentalism,

Abstract :

Studies on appearance of Fundamentalism among different religious tradition has been emphasized in recent decades. In the Christian world and Evangelical Church, fundamentalism emerged in the 1970s and advocates for a literal interpretation of the Bible in religious and social life, often conflicting with modern aspects of society. The article explores the historical background and theoretical principles of fundamentalism, and compares its methods of interpreting the Bible to previous methods. It also examines the practical consequences of a fundamentalist approach, particularly in social life, education, and mass media. The article suggests that the emphasis on the inerrancy of the Bible has led to the attribution of social views and beliefs to the sacred text, resulting in condemnation of any opposing views. This has resulted in a sacred quarrel with others, and often led to violence.

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