The Fountainheads of Fundamentalism
I. The Fountainheads of Fundamentalism
A. Right-wing evangelicalism is a form of evangelical Christianity that differs from Fundamentalism primarily in practice rather than in theology.
1. It is essentially the same as the broad, non militant, evangelical movement that emerged in the 1950s.
2. Since the 1970s, Fundamentalism has been rejected by an evangelical movement that has continued to use the label "Fundamentalist."
3. Separatist, militant Fundamentalism, however, continues to thrive.
B. During the movements first two periods, Fundamentalism’s enemies openly attacked the Bible, or at least its historical interpretation in the Protestant churches.
1. They were cultists, Romanists, and modernists;
2. They were blatant and they did not mince words and phrases.
3. They were easily recognized.
C. Then in the 1930s, classic liberalism was largely superseded by neo-liberalism; it appeared not only conservative but respectable. The new evangelicals accepted this new breed on equal terms as Christian brethren and thus abandoned their own heritage.
D.By the 1950s, the new evangelical movement had completely gained control of 1.churches, 2.Bible colleges 3.seminaries, 4.parachurch organizations, and 5.denominations E.Fundamentalists, in order to preserve their movement’s very identity and convictions, 1.had to begin all over in their pursuit of biblical purity
2.While Fundamentalism had always preached holiness (separation), this doctrine now became conspicuous, a.not as a badge on the breast but as a raised sword b.a militancy that now distinguished the movement from all others c.some new evangelicals, under liberal influences would forsake the doctrine of biblical inerrancy, d.All new evangelicals had, by the very nature of their movement forsaken the doctrine of biblical holiness and the practice of ecclesiastical purity - the trademarks of Fundamentalism.
F. While one must stress its transdenominational unity, the strength of Fundamentalism lies in its diversity.
1. A complex movement larger than any single denomination or organization.
2. Fundamentalism has never been and never could be limited to the affirmations of any particular denomination.
3. The Fundamentals of Fellowship transcend denominational distinctives, and they do so without weakening or compromising such distinctives.
4. While Fundamentalists have differed among themselves on certain interpretations of Scripture, they unite in fellowship for the common purpose of the defense of the faith and the spread of the gospel, accepting the Bible alone, without question, as the divinely and verbally inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God.