Not Just a Theological Position

Being the research rat that I am, I offered to do a large share of information hunting for our search committee. In the last 48 hours, I have read through 90+ doctrinal statements of various undergraduate and seminaries/graduate schools.

I ran across this pamphlet written in 2005 by Paul W. Powell of Truett Seminary.  He was attempting to explain to the average lay person the nature of the changes and conflicts in the SBC (at least, in Texas).  I found the following quote very "spot on":

Fundamentalism is not just a theological position; it is primarily a spirit, an attitude, a disposition. It is characterized by narrow, rigid, inflexible beliefs. Its adherents are intolerant of views different from their own. Their arrogance leads them to exclude those who do not hold their beliefs, as though they alone know and hold the truth.

Russell Dilday, former president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, in the introduction of his book Columnswrites of fundamentalism:

“In the light of recent world events swirling around Islamic extremists, the term ‘fundamentalism’ has become a household word with negative connotations. A fundamentalist is one with extremist, fanatical views. Convinced that their position is the only right one, fundamentalists are confrontational and argumentative, demonizing anyone who differs.

Reflecting a hidden insecurity, fundamentalists try to control others, forcing them into conformity. In furthering their cause, the end often justifies the means …"

They are generally unloving, critical and judgmental toward those they cannot control, or who do not line up with them.”

Yep.  Been on the receiving end of that.

I wish that the definition of a Christian fundamentalist was someone who stuck to the fundamentals of biblical Christianity - the Triune God, salvation by grace in Christ alone, etc.  You know, the basics.  And actually demonstrated their Christ-likeness by being loving, kind and gracious to those that may not see exactly eye to eye with them.  I would have absolutely no problem being "labeled" as a fundamentalist, were this the case.

I cannot find a single instance in the Bible where arrogance, bull-headedness and outright arrogance are qualities that we are exhorted to cultivate. Yet, this is the description of the vast majority of those who currently call themselves fundamentalists. To make things worse, they have added a political agenda to their doctrine, making a huge stink about everything from Disney to abortion. It's one thing to stand for what you believe.  It's another matter altogether to try to force the government and society, non-Christian in nature, and expect them to behave in a Christian manner. Christ expected Christ-like qualities of his followers, not of the world.

Sadder yet is the fact that this country is seeing anything but Christ-like behavior in those who are most vociferously identifying themselves with Christ.

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