[Mrs. Don-o]

I don't think "fundamentalism" is a useful term, because like a smallish sweater on a broad-beamed babe, it has been stretched too often to cover too much.

It once had a far more useful, because of far more specific, meaning. From 1910 to 1915 a group of Protestant scholars published ninety articles, which were eventually compiled into twelve books, defending such things as the inspiration of Scripture, the virgin birth, the deity of Christ, and a host of others.

People who affirmed these doctrines were properly termed "fundamentalists."

Now "fundamentalist" is used to designate anybody of any group who sincerely believes the published doctrines of the group (fundamentalist Democrat, fundamentalist Druid, even fundamentalist Darwinist) --- but with the pejorative connotation that the individual is also

• self-righteous and up-tighteous,
  
• scorns rational discussion,
  
• lusts for the coercive power of the State to advance his cause,
  
• wears unusual underwear, and
  
• starches his pajamas.

  Let's retire "fundamentalist" and find a more acccurate terms, shall we?

[Dark Skies]

I don't think "fundamentalism" is a useful term, because like a smallish sweater on a broad-beamed babe, it has been stretched too often to cover too much.

lol...brilliant!

[tpaine]

Now "fundamentalist" is used to designate anybody of any group who sincerely believes the published doctrines of the group (fundamentalist Democrat, fundamentalist Druid, even fundamentalist Darwinist)
--- but with the pejorative connotation that the individual is also
self-righteous and up-tighteous, scorns rational discussion,
lusts for the coercive power of the State to advance his cause

Let's retire "fundamentalist" and find a more acccurate terms, shall we?

Fine with me. How does 'fanatic' -- or 'zealot' sound to you?