Religious research paper

[eugeneliberal]

I'm writing a research paper for a psychology of religion class on fundamentalist Christians. I've read a lot of articles about them; their behavior and the characteristics of people who become involved in these groups; but the big question I want to answer is if they claim to follow the teaching of Christ, why are they anti-peace, pro-death penalty, etc. Is it because they are following what their leaders tell me; an obedience issue? If anyone can point me to some resources, I'd be most grateful.

[n2doc]

1. Check out the book "American Theocracy"

by Kevin Phillips. It will give you a lot of sources to look at for more details on your questions.

[Warpy]

2. Check out the periodicals files at the library

Harper's has done quite a few articles, most notably "The Rise of the Mega Church." There are some good insights in their articles.

Also, if you're a pretty strong person, consider visiting one of these places. Just be aware that getting caught up in the moment is a real risk, that the power of a crowd to sweep one away is enormous. The good news is that it doesn't last unless you want it to.

The price for the social support a fundy church offers is checking your brains at the door. Many people are willing to pay it.

[mzteris]

3. they're easily confused......

They're PRO-PEACE - unless they're being a SOLDIER of GOD. and fighting the LORD's battle to kill those godless heathens. Killing godless heathens isn't really in violation of the 10 C's 'cause Godless heathens doesn't count.

"Love thy Neighbor" means just that - the guy who lives next door and goes to the same church as you do. Neighbor does NOT mean someone living a continent away and worshipping some IDOL!

Pro-death penalty - well - you know GOD SAID - an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. And he who lives by the sword shall die by the sword and if thy right hand offends the smite it off and if your eye offends you pluck it out.

(ok - I know - like I said - they get confused. They BELIEVE a LOT of things that aren't actually IN the Bible.....)

They LOVE to resort to the OT when IT SUITS THEM (like quoting portions of Leviticus to bolster their prejudices).

I grew up as a Southern Baptist so I KNOW these people. I currently live in a SBC seminary town.

[xchrom]

5. just remember killing isn't a sin -- murder is.

the commandment correctly read doesn't say anything about ''killing'' -- nor would the old testament god.

[azurnoir]

4. checkout

chemical dependency a good deal of todays fundies were yesterdays junkies changing addictions

[mzteris]

7. There was a study done

that linked OCD to religious fanatacism....

[Critters2]

6. I'm curious

Why aren't you asking this at a site where there are likely to be fundamentalists? Go to the denominational websites of conservative denominations. Most of them have forums where people are willing to answer respectful questions. BUt I have yet to see a fundamentalist here, so this isn't the place to be asking.

[greyl]

8. They wouldn't realize why or be honest about it if they did. nt

[Critters2]

9. You won't know that until you try nt

[greyl]

10. I have tried it. nt

[Proud_Democratt]

13. They were paranoid about it right?

[SlackJawedYokel]

11. I found this useful

"Moral Politics : How Liberals and Conservatives Think by George Lakoff"

Not so much from a religious perspective but it helped frame the "conservative" issue nicely.
Which, I'm thinking, is more relavent to their behavior/positions than their religious beliefs.

From a more pertinent religious perspective try Karen Armstrongs "A History of God" and "The Battle for God".

Good luck.

Cletus

[eugeneliberal]

12. Thanks so much

for all the great resources. I have a lot of reading to do! There are fundamentalists in every religion, but it just seems odd to me that people who put Jesus at the core of their religious belief can be so...well, anti-Jesus. I hope I can find the answer. Thanks again.

[Igel]

14. Don't stereotype.

I was in a fundie church that had members go to prison in WWII, Korean War, and hide out during Vietnam. Conscientious objectors all; serving in the military as medic or supply clerk wasn't ok.

At the same time it was pro-death penalty, but its members would not serve on juries, even for speeding tickets, since Christ said "judge not ...".

It wasn't a large fundie church, but its members were sufficient in numbers to dispose of supposing there's one psychology for all fundies taken as a group.

Maybe if you defined fundamentalist Christian in an accurate and precise way, it would help make the generalization valid.

[Hoping4Change]

15. Read the Introduction of Anti-Intellectualism in America by

Richard Hofstadder. It has tremendous insight into the fundementalist mentality. If you want read the whole book go ahead but the Inroduction gives a terrific insight into those fundementalist Christians who are anti-peace, pro-death etc.

[Hoping4Change]

16. BTW welcome to DU.

Glad you're here. :hi: