Christians are sometimes derisively labelled as "fundies", people who live in and perpetuate fear, uncertainty and doubt (ie. FUND).  Sometimes this criticism is justified by our refusal to even consider (which is not the same as accept) the merits of an argument supporting a scientific or social theory that we do not agree with.  Most of the time, in my opinion, it is simply abusive.

Reading Luke 8 today, I am reminded that this un-endearing behavioural trait is not unique to Christians.  In verses 26 - 38, Jesus had miraculously cured a man of his demonic possession.  However, instead of responding in gratefulness or at least curiousity, his fellow villagers chased Jesus away because they were afraid. 

… and the people went out to see what had happened.  When they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus’ feet, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid.  Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been cured.  Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear.  So Jesus got into the boat and left.

This, of course, was not the first and certainly not the last time people dismissed (if not dissed) the divine as an explanation for the otherwise inexplicable.  So, who is the fundie now ?