Comments on: Before “Fundamentalist” Became a Cuss Word

By: jrogerw

jrogerw — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:29:13 +0000

The irony of fundamentalist Christianity is that most of its adherents could not nor would not read and appreciate the four volumes entitled “The Fundamentals,” which I just found on line at http://www.xmission.com/~fidelis/. Talk about substantive, intellectual discourse!

I am aware of both the anti-intellectualism and emotionalism that have taken over much of American Christianity. It can be tough trying to pastor people who have been encouraged in that direction; I know from first-hand experience. By the same token, I am annoyed, to say the least, not to be able to use a word like “fundamental” for fear of the typical unthinking reaction so many have to that and many other words. Long before “political correctness,” Christians had developed their own kind of “spiritual correctness.” Between the two, it can be difficult sometimes to say anything thoughtful or incisive.

I pray that the currents swirling among the flock (talk about mixed metaphors!) will free us of some of that. Personally, I have enjoyed watching some of my young Christian friends digging into classical theological works with a vengeance. The result has been some great conversations!

By: Evangelicals and Populist Suicide « MER Christianity

Evangelicals and Populist Suicide « MER Christianity — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 05:27:48 +0000

[...] discussed here and here how believers are afraid of interacting with American culture. Fundamentalists shun the larger [...]

By: mraley

mraley — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:22:16 +0000

Joel, you raise a needed qualification. John MacArthur does still accept the fundamentalist label, and I do not see him as being part of a mob, or leading a mob. I wish his criticisms of Emergents were more precise, but I also wish Emergents would stop feeling sorry for themselves. They can sure dish out the attacks when they want to. Strong debate is part of theological discourse, and is not an inherently unloving exercise.

I too accept the label “fundamentalist” in its earliest theological sense, as MacArthur does: the Bible must be the focus of our thought, living, and teaching. But that is not what the term refers to most of the time. I think it refers to a particular subculture that rejects all others.

Thanks for writing!

By: Joe Miller

Joe Miller — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 07:55:19 +0000

I am enjoying your cultural stuff.

By: Joel

Joel — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 05:39:21 +0000

Very good article Matthew – very succinct. But let us not discount the positive contributions of those fundamentalists that have warned us against liberalism with a loving, not bigoted, heart. Neither is fundamentalism the sole proprietor of bigotry. I believe that John MacArthur still accepts the fundamentalist label, and if more fundies were like him, I might be more willing to accept that label myself. God Bless.
Joel.

http://www.sovereigngod.wordpress.com