Absolutism manifests itself in fundamentalist beliefs, where individuals seek clear and definitive answers, often shying away from the complexities of inquiry. Humanity craves certainty, desiring solid ground in place of the shifting sands of doubt. This quest for absoluteness fosters an environment devoid of compassion, filled instead with fear and anger, leading to demands for conformity. In essence, absolutism is our undoing.

Fundamentalism appears to be deeply rooted in human psychology. I have felt the pressure of its dogmas throughout my life. While religious fundamentalism is overtly visible, the more subtle form of atheist fundamentalism also exerts its influence, challenging my personal beliefs.

Atheist fundamentalists often mirror the absolutism of their Christian counterparts, ridiculing my faith and viewing it as foolishness. They attempt to undermine my beliefs, expecting me to conform to their rigid atheistic worldview, dismissing any perspective that deviates from their doctrine as illogical.

Their hostility towards my faith is palpable, as they seemingly demand that I renounce my beliefs in favor of their own. They disregard historical accounts, even reputable secular scholarship, when it comes to examining events like the crucifixion, despite the lack of Roman records for such occurrences.

For instance, while they insist that there is no evidence for Jesus’ existence, contemporary historians and writings from early Christians provide substantial documentation. The absence of official records from the Roman government does not negate the historical accounts of Jesus’ life, his teachings, or his execution.

Moreover, the writings of Paul were composed during the lifetimes of those who knew Jesus, further supporting the historical credibility of his existence. The earliest Gospel, Mark, dates back to a time when the Apostles were still alive, and other early writings corroborate the accounts of Jesus’ life.

The historicity of Jesus is generally accepted, even among secular scholars, while the question of his divinity remains a matter of faith. Regardless of belief, the teachings attributed to Jesus should inspire a more compassionate humanity.

The crux of the issue with fundamentalist atheism is that it often misframes the discourse. The focus should not be on Jesus’ divine nature or even his existence, which can detract from more pressing concerns—namely, how people who claim to follow him often act in ways contrary to the love and compassion he preached.

This fundamentalist stance is not exclusive to atheism; it also manifests in certain Christian doctrines that discourage questioning. I find myself labeled as misguided for embracing diversity, or as sinful for believing in the validity of LGBTQ relationships. I am deemed wrong for advocating for reproductive rights and am criticized for my interracial marriage.

Both fundamentalist atheists and Christians exhibit a rigid absolutism that stifles dialogue and understanding. Some atheists adopt a literal interpretation of their beliefs, similar to the selective biblical literalism of certain Christians, disregarding allegorical understandings of concepts like the Big Bang.

Both sides fail to distinguish between institutionalized religion and personal faith, leading to a questioning of individual beliefs rather than the structures that govern them. The absolutism of atheists often disregards the well-established existence of Jesus, relying instead on fringe theories.

The reality is that no credible ancient records dispute Jesus’ life and death, yet fundamentalist atheists often lean on discredited modern ideas to argue against historical evidence. They overlook the knowledge of early Jewish Christians who were contemporaneous with Jesus and fail to appreciate the historical context in which these narratives were formed.

Fundamentalism, whether religious or atheistic, tends to promote a selective interpretation of texts that supports its current dogma, while ignoring the historical and cultural contexts of those writings. This selective literalism leads to an environment where both sides weaponize their beliefs.

The Bible, like any historical document, must be analyzed with discernment to differentiate between cultural impositions and genuine historical narratives. We should be able to appreciate the overarching theme of love and grace that permeates these texts.

Ultimately, we should question why those who profess faith in Jesus often act in ways that contradict his teachings. While I do not claim to have all the answers, it is evident that the practices of some fundamentalist Christians diverge sharply from the compassion and love that Jesus embodied.

I find myself weary of being caught between these two absolutist ideologies, which leave little room for compromise or understanding. Both demand adherence to their beliefs, labeling any deviation as flawed or misguided.

My experiences have shown me that absolutism offers no room for hope or reconciliation. Instead of clinging to rigid beliefs, perhaps we can learn to embrace our differences and seek a more inclusive and compassionate society.

I do not expect others to share my beliefs, and my faith does not rely on their acceptance. However, I do believe in the importance of advocating for a fair and just society that recognizes and respects our diverse perspectives.

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