Word's modern definition wrongly used to define faith

Since others addressed the bulk of Bob Wynhausen's letter (Feb. 4, Daily Bee), I thought I'd address his use of the words fundamentalist and tolerance.

The word "fundamentalist" is often used in its modern connotation to unfairly and inaccurately describe Christians in a negative way. The modern term is commonly associated with different forms of religious radicalism. Is being called a Christian fundamentalist a bad thing? Not if you understand its original intention.

"Historically, fundamentalism has been used to identify one holding to the five fundamentals of the faith adopted by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the USA in 1910. The five fundamentals were the miracles of Christ, the virgin birth of Christ, the substitutionary atonement of Christ, the bodily resurrection of Christ, and the inspiration of Scripture." Moody Handbook of Theology, 1989

The other issue is the term tolerance. The modern context redefines it to all values, all beliefs, all lifestyles, all truth claims are equal. This is false because logic tells us that not all truth claims can be equal. This new definition is used to ridicule primarily Christians for claims to exclusivity. Of course this illogical attitude contradicts and self-refutes the very message the "tolerance" advocates are trying to push.

The result is extreme intolerance toward Christianity from people who talk so much about tolerating all views. Jesus said in John 14:6.," I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Acts 4:12 states, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is non other name (Jesus) under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Jesus claimed exclusivity. We "fundamental" Christians therefore claim exclusivity. We base our philosophy of lifestyle, education, political views, and science on this premise without apology. Are you going to be tolerant of our world view?

The words "fundamentalist" and "tolerance" are commonly abused by those who have an anti-Christian axe to grind. I hope this can clear up some of the ignorance and abuse of these terms which will allow for a more intellectually honest and informed discussion on these topics in the future.

TIM KNAPP

Clark Fork