There is No Fun in Fundamentalism

"It is only a small minority of fundamentalists who commit acts of terror, but even the most peaceful and law-abiding are perplexing, because they seem so adamantly opposed to many of the most positive values of modern society. Fundamentalists have no time for democracy, pluralism, religious tolerance, peacekeeping, free speech, or the separation of church and state." --Karen Armstrong, "The Battle For God"

"Fundamentalism is the attempt to impose a single truth on a plural world." --Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

It doesn't matter whether it is Christian, Jewish or Muslim, fundamentalism in any form is not a good thing. It has been the source of worldwide terrorism since the beginning of time. It has led some to feel justified in bombing abortion clinics or bashing and killing gays, lesbians and transsexuals. It has fueled the fires of intolerance, hatred and bigotry, all in the name of God.

I have spent most of my life studying religious texts, and not just the Christian ones. At their core, all world religions teach that love, compassion, and mercy are the characteristics that best describe God. Every major world religion contains the command that we should love our neighbors as ourselves. Since when do we show someone love by bashing our brother's brains in or bombing his city? Since when do we show someone love by throwing our sister out of church or denying her equal protection under the law?

If our world is going to evolve, instead of descend into absolute anarchy, then we must move beyond fundamentalism. We must create a world where all people are valued and not just those who subscribe to a particular religious or political point of view. I write this blog because I believe that gay and lesbians voices need to be heard in the conversation about who God is and how God works in our world. I don't claim to have the absolute truth like some of my fundamentalist brothers and sisters. I do, however, have a passion for sharing what I have learned about God so far in my spiritual journey. I hope that all those who read my blog will have the courage to do the same.