Can someone explain the criteria for being a fundie?

Fundamentalism means believing the fundamentals of the bible. Yes we are here on Y.A. and we are not in the same mould as Westboro Baptist Church (just in case that is who you have in mind).

Believing the fundamentals of the bible is one thing, ramming them down other people's throats and making threats is quite another. God wishes us to believe His word and live by it. He also tells us to preach the gospel in all the world but He does not tell us to be intimidating or threatening in doing so.

We are all answerable to God when we die and those who have MISUSED His word will be as guilty as those who chose not to use it at all.

The phrase "literal interpretation crowd" describes "Fundamentalist Christians".

A fundamentalist is someone that adheres to the fundamental, or actual teachings of Jesus Christ. Fundamentalism stresses the infallibility of the Bible not only in matters of faith and morals but also as a literal historical record, holding as essential to the Christian faith such doctrines as the creation of the world, the virgin birth, physical resurrection, atonement by the sacrificial death of Christ, the Rapture of the Church, and the Second Coming. Fundamentalism doesn't require any book other than the Bible to prove its legitimacy. Many people today hate fundamentalists because they hate God. [John 15:18-19]

http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jhn&c=1...

This is apposed to those in the recent "Modernist Movement" that falsely claims an attachment to Christianity. They seldom (if ever) speak of sin or the wrath of God to come and in most cases depend on "other books" to validate their false doctrine or claim no book at all. They believe there are many ways to get to heaven (something Jesus Christ Himself said was not true) and they believe that most of the Bible is metaphorical. They work to please men and ignore the sins of the lost going out of their way to never offend anyone by suggesting that they leave their comfort zone and consider the truth of the Bible. Bible prophecy speaks of such a movement arising during the end times and makes it clear that those who count themselves among this group will face severe judgment from God for either being "luke warm" [Rev. 3:15-16] or not of God at all. [Matt 7:22-23]

http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Rev&c=3...

http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=7...

The term "fundie" actually has more to do with politics and is used in an effort to "shame" fundamentalist Christians into defying God and either joining the ranks of the Modernist movement or walking away from Christianity totally so that the individual no longer votes according to the doctrines of God, but instead votes in favor of the doctrines of man; or doesn't vote at all. Bible prophecy also speaks of this movement and warns that this hatred of God, Jesus Christ and devout Christians will grow to such extremes that it will lead to the great tribulation, a time when devout Fundamentalist Christians will be led to slaughter in even greater numbers than were done by the ancient Romans. [Matthew 24:09-13]

http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=2...

I hope this answers your question.

A fundamentalist.

These are political / religious movements that are found in almost all religions. A fundamentalist is basically someone who believes the common practice of a religion is corrupted and that there is a need to return to the base of the message. An attempt at literal interpretations is often one of the characteristics, as well as a political shift to the right and the idea that religious leaders have more authority than other actors in society, such as scientists or politicians, for example.

It is true that Christian bible literalism is impossible today. But because fundamentalism is as much about politics as it is about religion, fundamentalists don't have any qualms insisting on the literalism of certain passages and ignoring others they find inconvenient, or simply impractical (such as the list of sacrifices the Hebrew must make to God).

A fundie Christian is someone who actually believe that there is a God who exists, reigns in heaven and sent only begotten (God) Jesus Christ in the flesh.

A fundie doesn't kiss statues.

A fundie doesn't kiss rings.

A fundie doesn't worship Mary.

A fundie doesn't worship saints.

A fundie doesn't believe in Roman doctrine.

A fundie doesn't believe in Christian doctrine that is unsupported by biblical truth.

Ever notice that everything said about fundies is negative? It's not because of the fundies. It's because people have their own flaws and seek to make honesty situational. Anyone can make their own Christian doctrine, apparently. That's why there are so many churches and so few Christians.

I'm a "fundie". We believe the bible is what it says it is and we try our hardest to live our lives for Jesus. Why would God have these apostles write these books and not say what He wants us to really know? If He wants us to follow His word, why would He make us have to interpret them? Therefore, the bible is what it says it is.

Taking the Bible literally as revealed truth. For instance, the world was created literally in six days.

Everything is either black or white to a fundie of ANY religion:

You are either believe what they believe or you are totally wrong.

There are hoards of literal interpretation believers here - look a little harder!

Or post a question about evolution and watch 'em come scuttling out

You have to hate Catholics, homosexuals, and anyone else who interprets the Bible in any way, shape or form unapproved by you.

I believe that "religious fundamentalist" is a more socially acceptable term for "person with a severe mental illness or undiagnosed learning disability".