Unified
Fundamentalism?
Never
Happened-Never Will!
The very idea of a unified
Fundamentalism brings forth a chuckle of derision. Having been personally involved in
Fundamentalism for over forty-four years, I find the very notion of unity
within Fundamentalism ridiculous.
Fundamentalism has always been divided into numerous theological
taxonomies. In most part, these various
taxonomies had little or no identification or cooperation with one another
other than a general taxonomy in that they agreed there were certain fundamentals of the Christian
faith. They did not even necessarily agree
on the details of those fundamentals. Therefore, Fundamentalism was always divided
by adjectives such as Presbyterian Fundamentalism, Methodist Fundamentalism,
Congregational Fundamentalism, Pentecostal Fundamentalism, Baptist
Fundamentalism, or varying associations or groups of fundamentalists like the F.B.F.,
I.F.C.A., G.A.R.B.C., and ad infinitum. The point is that divisions have always been
a defining factor within the nomenclature known as the Fundamentalist Movement.
Separating from various groups within the movement has also been a descriptor of Fundamentalism. Perhaps this is what defines the word movement.
There are those that have given the analogy
that Fundamentalism is like an ocean
liner that has developed huge holes in it caused by divisions. These people postulate that those dividing
are actually taking big pieces of the ship with them causes the holes. Instead, I would postulate that the divisions
have been attempting to deal with the holes innate to Fundamentalism by using rescue boats to escape the originally
corrupt movement. It is those that have
escaped the ambiguous nomenclature of Fundamentalism with definitive doctrinal
positions that are the hopes for giving it any real and lasting hope and purpose. Those postulating that the divisions are the
problem simply do not understand that such evolving taxonomy is normal.
From the beginning of the
Fundamentalist Movement, there has been a continual evolution of divisions that
no longer cooperated with one another. Divisions
within divisions even developed. Were
some of these divisions nonsensical?
Probably, but those within those new divisions did not think they were
unimportant. They believed they would
answer to Jesus at the Judgment Seat and felt compelled to act upon what they
believed to be important. These new
divisions acted upon convictions or preferences they thought important. I want to understand what they believe and I
want to talk with them to discover why they think a new division is
essential. I may persuade them or they
may persuade me, but I will listen and hear what they have to say. These are conversations in which I regularly
participate, especially with young pastors just going into the ministry.
The latest unity craze within Fundamentalism is really a form of Ecumenicism between
various professing Fundamentalists, Conservative Evangelicals, Evangelicals, and
even many New Evangelicals. Within this
New Ecumenicism are included almost all forms of Reformed Theology, Covenant
Theology, and those holding to non-cessation of miraculous gifts such as tongues and healers. Ecumenicism is
defined as dialogue between diverse theological beliefs in order to set aside
many doctrinal distinctions in order to promote a common good. Those within
Ecumenicism are those willing to cooperate together in the common good. This common good within broad, or universal
Ecumenicism, has evolved into political and social activism in promoting the social gospel and the advancement of
Socialism in the world.
Most New Evangelicals immerse themselves
in Ecumenicism. This Ecumenicism became
apparent in the formation of Ministerial Associations in cities all over the
country. In the city of Hutchinson, MN
(about 13,000 people), almost every pastor in town (but me) belongs to the Ministerial
Association.
Old Fundamentalism completely rejected
Ecumenicism. New Fundamentalism has
developed its own form of Ecumenicism within their newly redefined parameters. These New Fundamentalists are no longer
content with having considerable and uncooperative divisions within their
Fundamentalist Movement. These New
Fundamentalists want a new Ecumenicism that promotes some kind of pseudo-unity for
the common good. This never existed in any real way within the
Fundamentalist Movement before. There
were a few organizations that attempted conferences promoting such unity, but
they never achieved it in any practical way.
They got along fairly well as long as no one started talking about
theology.
The very idea of unity within the broad
stream of Fundamentalism is ludicrous.
It is not ludicrous because we should not discuss differences in beliefs
with those with which we disagree. It is
ludicrous to think that there can be some kind of unity within diverse theological
divisions just for unity’s sake. The
very notion is bizarre. Unity is the
outcome of unifying beliefs, unifying practices, and unifying
attitudes/emotions. We cannot simply
create a taxonomy called Unity and put
within it anyone willing to be included.
How would such taxonomy be defined? – All Those That Do Not Care about Doctrinal Unity. This defines New Fundamentalism as New
Ecumenicism.
Old Fundamentalism has always been
divided into numerous uncooperative theological divisions. New Fundamentalism condemns that, even
calling what has historically been normal
to be now abnormal. There is an uncertain trumpet being sounded here. These New Fundamentalists are speaking in a language
of words that have no meaning. How can
one have unity where there are doctrinal divisions? How can that happen without
changing areas of disagreement? Unity
within disunity – really, is there anyone gathering to the sound of that
uncertain trumpet?
Anonymous comments will not be allowed.
Numerous studies and series are available free of charge for local churches at: http://www.disciplemakerministries.org/
Dr. Lance Ketchum serves the Lord as a Church Planter, Evangelist/Revivalist.
He has served the Lord for over 40 years.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment