The word fundamentalist gets thrown around a lot, often with confusion or negativity. I’ve wondered where I fit: am I a Christian fundamentalist, an evangelical, or something else entirely?

So I sat down with a set of questions about Scripture, culture, church life, and morality. Below are my answers, side-by-side with what a typical Christian fundamentalist would believe.

Beliefs About Scripture & God

Question	My Answer	Typical Fundamentalist Belief
1. Do you believe the Bible is the literal, inerrant word of God?	I believe the Bible is inspired and inerrant, but each book must be read within its literary genre.	Bible is completely literal and without error in everything.
2. Is the Bible without error in everything it says, even science and history?	Inspired by God, but not a science or history book.	Bible is literally accurate in all details, including scientific and historical claims.
3. How do you view the creation story in Genesis?	“Day” could mean 24 hours or an indefinite span; the point is purpose, not hours.	Six literal 24-hour days; young-earth creationism.
4. Do you believe Heaven and hell are literal places?	Yes.	Yes.
5. Is Jesus Christ the only way to salvation?	Yes.	Yes.
6. How do you interpret Biblical miracles?	Both literal and spiritual.	Literal, historical events.
7. Does God still intervene miraculously today?	He can, but not always.	Yes, miracles are expected.
8. Should the Bible influence laws and government?	No.	Yes, laws should reflect Christian values.
9. Are doctrines like the virgin birth and resurrection non-negotiable?	Yes.	Yes.

Church & Worship

Question	My Answer	Typical Fundamentalist Belief
10. How important is regular church attendance?	Very important.	Very important; often mandatory.
11. Should church leaders be questioned?	Yes, questioning is healthy.	No, leaders are divinely appointed.
12. Do sacraments like baptism and communion matter?	Yes, key practices.	Yes, often practiced with strict rules.
13. Are spiritual gifts like prophecy or tongues active today?	Prophecy through preaching, and tongues are possible but orderly.	Yes, all gifts active and literal.
14. Is the church’s role to defend truth against modern culture?	No.	Yes, often defensive.
15. Should preaching emphasize warning against sin over dialogue?	No; preach the gospel and allow space for questions.	Yes — focus on repentance and safeguarding doctrine.

Morality & Social Issues

Question	My Answer	Typical Fundamentalist Belief
17. Should the Ten Commandments be the foundation of society?	No.	Yes.
18. Is abortion always wrong?	Generally, yes, except if the mother’s life is at risk.	Yes, rarely, if ever, allowed.
19. How do you view LGBTQ+ relationships?	Considered sinful, but people are free to do what they want.	Strictly sinful and must be opposed in culture.
20. Do gender roles exist Biblically?	Yes.	Yes, often rigidly defined.
21. Is divorce permissible?	Yes, in cases like abuse or adultery.	Only allowed in narrow Biblical exceptions.
22. Should Christians avoid secular culture?	No.	Yes, avoid worldly entertainment and influence.

Culture & Separation

Question	My Answer	Typical Fundamentalist Belief
23. Should Christians separate from secular culture?	No.	Yes, separation is key.
24. Should Christians avoid working with different believers?	No, unity in Christ.	Yes, avoid “liberal” or doctrinally different Christians.
25. Are cultural changes a threat to Christianity?	Only if forced on believers.	Yes, changes undermine Biblical values.

Science & Education

Question	My Answer	Typical Fundamentalist Belief
26. How do you view evolution?	Like most European Christians, I don’t care much.	Reject evolution entirely.
27. Should evolution be taught in schools?	Present theories; more than one.	No, teach creationism.
28. How old is the world?	Don’t know, don’t care.	About 6,000–10,000 years old.

Evangelism & Outreach

Question	My Answer	Typical Fundamentalist Belief
29. Should Christians evangelize and convert non-believers?	Evangelize, yes; conversion is God’s work.	Actively evangelize with urgency.
30. Should Christians confront others about sin?	For non-believers: preach the gospel, leave judgment to God. For believers: yes, but always confront in love.	Confront both believers and non-believers directly about sin.
31. How do you feel about interfaith dialogue?	Not into it personally, but okay that others do it.	Usually avoided or opposed.

End Times & Prophecy

Question	My Answer	Typical Fundamentalist Belief
32. Do you believe in a literal “rapture”?	No, I’m post-trib.	Yes, usually pre-tribulation.
33. Is the Second Coming imminent?	Yes.	Yes, and often feared.
34. Do you watch current events for prophecy fulfillment?	Not really.	Yes, constantly.