What Can We Learn from Christian Fundamentalists? David S. Dockery Responds

^{Editor’s Note: 9Marks Ministries recently dedicated their recent eJournal issue to discussing Fundamentalism. SharperIron has received permission from them to reprint the articles here for discussion. We will post ten articles over the next two weeks. If you would like the complete eJournal or would like to subscribe to further editions, please go to www.9marks.org.}

David S. Dockery

Having been called a fundamentalist many times by those to my left, I am aware that in the eyes of many, a fundamentalist is “anyone to my right.” But, if by this term we mean those who have historically identified themselves as such since the early decades of the 20th century, then I think we can make the following observations.

We can learn both positive and negative lessons from the Fundamentalists. We can learn that the authority of Scripture is primary and the ultimate teachings of Christianity are to be heartily defended. We can learn that purity and holiness are important, even as we are reminded that the proclamation of the gospel message is imperative.

On the other hand, we can learn that a failure to distinguish primary doctrines from secondary ones brings about confusion. Carl Henry once said that Fundamentalists cannot distinguish between the important truth regarding the resurrection of Jesus Christ and questionable matters like attending movies. In their attempt to defend the Bible and the gospel, Fundamentalists have often presented the truths of Christianity in a negative light. Their concerns with worldliness have resulted in a separatism that has no impact on the culture or society. The emphasis on holiness often results in an unhealthy legalism.

That being said, the reaction to Fundamentalism among some Evangelicals has resulted in a failure to draw boundaries regarding the essential teachings of the Christian Faith as well as a form of worldliness that neglects concerns for holiness. In that regard, we do well to learn both positive and negative lessons from our Fundamentalist brothers and sisters.

David S. Dockery is the president of Union University and author, most recently, of Renewing Minds: Serving Church and Society Through Christian Higher Education (B&H).

March/April 2008, ©9Marks

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