On the Rise of Fundamentalism

The rise of Fundamentalism occurred as a reaction to the growing impulses of progressive tendencies that emerged in the late 18^th century onward. German higher criticism, along with prevailing scientific opinion, eventually found its way into the lecture halls of 20^th century North American theological institutions. In some protestant circles, the faith “…once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) was eclipsed by the “social gospel” spearheaded by American Baptist, Walter Rauschenbusch. As people moved outward to embrace alternative ideas, philosophies and worldviews, many evangelicals withdrew inward from the world around them, doubling down on the traditional doctrines of the Christian faith (Dr. Ryan Reeves, Lecture 9-6: The Rise of Fundamentalism; Shelley p. 431). How should evangelicals embrace or reject the heritage of the Fundamentalist movement? I think we can approach this question with the balanced approach of both embracing and rejecting.  

We can embrace the heritage of the Fundamentalist movement by being reminded of the importance of submitting to God by resisting the pressure of this present evil age’s alternative ideas, philosophies and worldviews. A good place to start is through prayer and by obedience to the infallible truth, instruction, and divine authority of God’s Word. Paul wrote to the churches in Rome, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12: NKJV). The purpose of all of this is not to opportunistically regain influence in our society, but to glorify God as a result of our faith in Christ. The purpose of submission to God and not conforming to this world is to be transformed by Him and offer Him to this fallen world.

If Fundamentalism entails a withdrawal from the world around us, we can reject the heritage of the Fundamentalist movement because Christians everywhere, and at all times, are called to be salt and light of the world. We are called to engage the world by letting our light “so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NKJV). If William Wilberforce had possessed a fundamentalist mindset during his time, then slavery may have persisted among the British Empire for quite some time as it sadly did on American soil. I can’t imagine what our inner cities would look like today if Christ centered inner city churches and parachurch organizations were to pack-up and leave. Though we wrestle daily with an ever-changing world, we do so with the unchanging gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.