B.B. Warfield- Fundamentalist
On a fairly regular basis, I will encounter people who think of themselves as particularly enlightened, and, over the course of a theological disagreement, they will announce that I am a 'Fundamentalist.' This claim, I suppose, is intended to make me recoil in fear at my own opinion and cause others to view me as some sort of unclean leper that should be cast out of civilized society. What is sad, is that so many of my theologically conservative counterparts tend to react to these sorts of accusations by immediately dropping whatever subject is at hand and defending themselves against this apparently outrageous charge.
For my own part, I simply reply "I am not a Fundamentalist, I am an Evangelical, though, frankly, our nation could use a few more Christian Fundamentalists." I then return to the conversation at hand.
What is a Fundamentalist?
Historically speaking, the term 'Fundamentalist' first became prominent in America in association with a brilliant series of essays called 'The Fundamentals: A Testimony to the Truth". These articles, headlined by the likes of Warfield, pictured above, and other leading conservative theologians were published from 1910-1915 and sought to combat the errors of higher criticism and modernism. The heart of the movement was the inerrancy of the Scriptures, and they also strongly argued for penal substitutionary atonement, the literal virgin birth and resurrection of Jesus, and also taking the miracles of Christ and the global flood/creation accounts literally.
All of these things I happily stand for, and on most counts, conservative theologians today generally do as well (issues in Genesis and nature of atonement being the only real areas of dispute). In this sense the 'F-word' (which is how so many modern scholars treat it) is not the millstone it is made out to be. It is simply the affirmation that the Bible means what it says and is right about it. Fundamentalism was an ecumenical movement that highlighted the strength and agreement of God-fearing people against the rise of a liberal and shameful perversion of God's truth.
Why am I not a Fundamentalist?
If I celebrate their doctrine so enthusiastically, then why, exactly, do I not take up the mantle of Fundamentalism and own it proudly? The answer lies in the work of one of the most under-appreciated theological minds in the 20th century, Carl F.H. Henry. I have referenced him before in this blog, but, I must repeat that if you have not read Henry, place him as the next author on your reading list. His work is fantastic.
Carl F.H. Henry- Evangelical
In 1947, Henry published his book The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism in which he challenged conservative Christianity to not simply hold strong doctrine but to live it. Borrowing the term 'Evangelical' from concept in the great Awakenings, Henry sought a revivalist's spirit with a Puritan's mind. The goal was to 100% retain the sound theology of Fundamentalism while also emphasizing the command from Christ to spread the Gospel.
Henry continued this challenge throughout his life, publishing many other works, including Evangelical Responsibility in Contemporary Theology (1957) and Christian Countermoves in a Decadent Culture (1986).
Cultural redefinitions
In addition to the stigma surrounding the term 'Fundamentalism', many conservatives have begun to argue for the abandonment of the term 'Evangelical' as well, since it has been hijacked by liberal, mainline Protestants of various denominations. I think there should be an awareness of the cultural expectation that surrounds these terms, but I also think it is a terrible shame to simply let them be ravaged by those who spit in the face of God.
Neither label is essential, obviously, because in any instance the substance of a thing is far more meaningful than what you call it. (Insert worn out Shakespeare quote, here.) However, we owe so much to men like Warfield and Henry that I think it is unfortunate that a new generation of budding conservative theologians may associate their terms and concepts with something as nefarious as liberalism (in the case of Evangelicalism) or radical extremism (in the case of Fundamentalism). These movements, and the goal they aimed for, are a very important part of our religious heritage as theologically conservative Christians in America. So, even if you do not use these terms, yourself, understand their history and be willing to inform others of that history when the opportunity presents itself.
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