Part 298. Let's be pragmatic. (4)

The Parable of the Good Samaritan tells of the triumph of the principle of love over the limitations of the application of rules. Adherence to rules guided the behaviour of the priest and the Levite.  The Samaritan behaved in a pragmatic fashion, giving practical immediste assistance and ongoing support.  He was not constrained by  rules.

It is in this context I commend the following from Jim Rigby:  

THE SIN OF FUNDAMENTALISM

Fundamentalism imagines itself to be the essence of religion, but, by reducing religion to its unchanging “roots” fundamentalism robs religion of its living “fruits." 

The only true “fundamental” of Christianity was and is love. Love cannot be organized into a clear dogma nor established as a stable hierarchy. This is why Jesus sought to awaken people using outlandish parables but fundamentalism teaches in dogmas, rituals and rules. 

Fundamentalism is all stump and no blossom. Fundamentalism produces beliefs detached from thinking, rituals detached from creativity, and ethics detached from compassion.

Fundamentalism has to take love out of the equation to do the dirty work such reductionism requires.