---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Fundamentalism does mean reading quite…"
description: "\"Fundamentalism does mean reading quite conservatively and literally, saying 'the Bible is the word of God and we have to follow it. What it says is thi..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/223/elaine-pagels-8423_bible_fundamentalism-does-mean-reading-quite-c_3064806.jpg"
---

#  Fundamentalism does mean reading quite conservatively and…

![“Fundamentalism does mean reading quite conservatively and literally, saying 'the Bible is the word of God and we have to follow it. What it says is this.'” quote by Elaine Pagels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/223/elaine-pagels-8423_bible_fundamentalism-does-mean-reading-quite-c_3064806.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/223/elaine-pagels-8423_bible_fundamentalism-does-mean-reading-quite-c_3064806.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/223/elaine-pagels-8423_bible_fundamentalism-does-mean-reading-quite-c_3064806.jpg)

> “Fundamentalism does mean reading quite conservatively and literally, saying 'the Bible is the word of God and we have to follow it. What it says is this.'”

[Elaine Pagels](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elaine-pagels/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Fundamentalism interprets sacred texts literally, insisting strict adherence to the written word.

**In simple terms:** Literal reading defines fundamentalist belief.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the limits of literal interpretation.

Themes

religion interpretation fundamentalism

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

philosophical theological

When to use this quote

- theological debates
- faith communities
- educational curricula

Key Concepts

scripture literalism

Questions to Reflect On

- How does literal reading affect faith?
- When is metaphor appropriate?

A Different Perspective

Literalism can ignore context and nuance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

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