While the Democratic candidates for president aggressively espouse their theme of change, Republicans insist that the pivotal issue for the 2008 election is national security.  While the threats of extreme Islamic terrorists persist around the world, it’s another form of fundamentalism found within our own borders that concerns me more. 

The term "fundamentalist" has been generalized to mean strong adherence to any set of beliefs but the term was coined to describe a narrowly defined set of beliefs that developed into a movement within the US Protestant community in the early part of the 20th century. Fundamentalist tend to be dogmatic in their beliefs and unwilling to compromise on any issue they view as contrary to their faith or religion. 

 While I don’t proclaim to be a religious scholar nor an expert on the subject of religious fundamentalism, I do know a little bit about Christian fundamentalists.  I grew up in an independent Baptist Church and attended Liberty University, that bastion for ultra right wing thinking. 

From a young age I was taught that to differ from the leaders of our faith was to contradict God and, therefore, ensure one a place in the lake of fire for all eternity.  The path to heaven was straight and narrow (The straight part really bothered me!) and there was no room for abortionist, tree huggers, liberal democrats, homosexuals, and Episcopalians (Or as my dad called them-Whiskypalians) in that celestial city.

 I cannot help but see the many parralles between the Christian and Islamic fundamentalist.  Women are second class citizens and shouldn’t lead in faith or politics.  Queers should hanged, or at least banished to a deserted island, and  Democracy is good ONLY if those elected to lead strictly adhere to God’s Law. 

Back in the 1980’s the Iranian Constitution was amended to include Article 2 which states; The Islamic Republic is a system based on belief in the One God, His exclusive sovereignty and the right to legislate, and the necessity of submission to his commands; Divine revelation and its fundamental role in setting forth the laws; the return to God in the Hereafter, and the constructive role of this belief in the course of man’s ascent towards God; the justice of God in creation and legislation. 

Now, fast-forward to January 16, 2008, and hear the words of Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee; “I have opponents in this race who do not want to change the Constitution.  But I believe it’s a lot easier to change the Constitution than it would be to change the word of the living god.  And that’s what we need to do-to amend the Constitution so it’s in God’s standards rather than try to change God’s standards so it lines up with some contemporary view.” 

As difficult as this may be for me to admit, perhaps Bush is right.  There is no greater threat to Democracy, this country’s national security, and our way of life than extreme fundamentalism.  Whether clothed in a three piece suit or wearing a turban, whether carrying a Bible or a Koran,  whether yielding an improvized explosive device or a ballot iniative, religious fanatacism, or fundamentaism if you will, is the greatest enemy that America faces today.  In light of Huckabee’s win in Iowa’s caucuses,  Homeland Security might want to consider setting up a command post in Des Moines and bump that threat level to orange! 

David L. Wylie is the Senior Editor of GaySOFLA.com, South Florida's Premier Online Magazine for the GLBT Community. GaySOFLA’s purpose is to entertain, encourage, and educate the GLBT community. David can be reached via email at david@gaysofla.com.