February 11, 2000

Literalism in America

By VINCENT CRAPANZANO

When most people think of literalism in America, they think of Christian Fundamentalism. Since its origins in the late 19th and early 20th century, Fundamentalism has been associated stereotypically with poor, marginalized, and ignorant Southern "hillbillies." Hence it has been explained as a product of poverty and ignorance, as offering a transcendental escape from the grim reality in which these backcountry people find themselves. There is little truth in this

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