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Written by James Sorrells - The Positive Observer
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Tuesday, 30 June 2009 |
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 Intro: PART 1:
What is a fundamentalist? Who is a fundamentalist? Where is fundamentalism the most obvious? Are they one...are you? Close your eyes and make a picture of it. Now open and look around.
Definition: A movement or attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles. The strict maintenance of the ancient or fundamental doctrines of any religion or ideology. (Oxford English Dictionary)
Those that we refer to as "fundamentalists" consider us one as well. Many Europeans and other pockets of the planet see aspects of our society this way. Look at how some religious views impact our own political system and leaders. But fundamentalism is not just about religion, similar hard-line views and belief systems have roots in both secular and non-secular areas. Big and small: Government, community, house and self are all prone to such limited structures.
"A fundamentalist is one who considers whether a fact is acceptable to their faith BEFORE they explore it (not really based on religion, rather everything to do with an outlook regardless of what your religion is)...One who is curious explores first, then considers if they want to accept the ramifications." - Seth Godin
According to Paul Hawken, author of Blessed Unrest, what unifies is ideas, not ideologies. There is a vast difference between the two; ideas question and liberate, while ideologies justify and dictate. Ideas are based on observation, whereas ideologies act on the basis of belief or theory.
"There is no ONE truth. There are many truths. You have a truth, I have a truth...both could be true. Take a TREE - A botanist sees a particular species. A carpenter sees the wood as furniture. A religious person sees a sacred tree. A poet is inspired to write a poem and a painter sees a painting. A child sees something wonderful to climb and explore. ONE tree...many views. Many truths - all equally true. Truth is not important." - Unknown
Where fundamentalism is present, is it really about "us versus them" or "you versus me?" If so, does it exist primarily on a higher level (surface value) or do the roots run deep?
Follow this topic with us over the next few newsletters as we explore how fundamentalism weaves through many segments of our societies and ourselves, both here and abroad. Additional segments will also be highlighted on The Positive Observer website.
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Steps for Positive Observation
STEP 1: Recognize
What we are conditioned to experience... Where does the belief come from? Your belief or someone else's belief?
STEP 2: Realize
A positive outlook is a choice... You are always at choice. Example: Are you a smoker or someone who chooses to smoke?
STEP 3: Quantify
The positive and productive potential found within... You are and always have been total potential... Grab it... Grow it!
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