Major Differences And Similarities Between Catholicism And Fundamentalism

By Shawn Hunter


Many people want to know the difference between a catholic and a fundamentalist. People are looking for answers on this issue, on varied places including church forums, online answer sites and even on social media. The differences between Catholicism and fundamentalism are many. These two different schools of thoughts at times converge on particular issues.

History is a major differentiating factor when it comes to these Christian ideologies. Catholic Church has been around for more than fifteen centuries. On the other hand, the word fundamental was first heard, one century ago. Catholics like to trace their history right at the doorstep of the Church of the First Apostles. Catholic scholars say that Catholicism begins with the teachings of Christ. Fundamentalism went mainstream in the early years of 20th century. As the 19th century came to a close, there were signs of a growing fundamentalist congregation.

Catholic is more more than a church. It is a denomination with slightly more than a billion followers. Fundamentalism is not a denomination. Actually, it is a movement that is largely protestant. Some protestant churches are in agreement to this philosophy while others reject this idea. This ideology is against the modernism, secularism and liberalism that has entered the doctrine of the church. The first adherents of this ideology were Protestants from US and UK.

Europe is the official birthplace of Catholicism. This continent hosts some of the first catholic churches in the world. At one moment in Europe, almost the entire continent was catholic but this changed with the great reformation. Presently, the headquarters of this denomination is in Vatican City, which is an independent state within the territories of Italy. For the case of fundamentalism, there is nothing like an official headquarter although the first meeting of fundamentals who drafted the fundamentalist agenda, took place in New Jersey, USA. While catholic has European roots, it can be said that fundamentalist movement has American roots.

There are many similarities between this movement and the catholic faith. Both of them lean towards the conservative side of things. In other words, they can be termed as right wing. They tend to be on favor of traditional ideologies and in total rejection of some secularist and liberal tendencies.

Lines of similarity are also drawn on the issue of Virgin Birth and Resurrection of Jesus on the third day. The hope of people from both camps is eternal life and the ultimate return of the Messiah at a date that is only known to God. Both doctrines are grounded on the sinless nature of Jesus Christ. The fact that He was born without sin and died without blame.

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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