A Godless Fundamentalist: Introduction

Admittedly, I am terrible at coming up with titles. In my actual writing job, it’s very rare that the editors use the title I send them. For what it’s worth, “Godless fundamentalist” is referring to me and my rebellion. I guess that doesn’t come across. I’m more than happy to take suggestions for alternative titles, though :)

I so appreciated your article, John. Thanks for being transparent and kind.

I grew up in the IFB ranks and still identify myself as one (with much definitions and disclaimers, ha!). I am thankful for the Youth Pastor that I had who answered my questions with grace and Bible wisdom.

I am looking forward to your continued conversation in the future.

[John E.]

Admittedly, I am terrible at coming up with titles. In my actual writing job, it’s very rare that the editors use the title I send them. For what it’s worth, “Godless fundamentalist” is referring to me and my rebellion. I guess that doesn’t come across. I’m more than happy to take suggestions for alternative titles, though

No, the Title is fine. You are dealing with the only you that you know!

Personally I never had a problem with believing what fundamentalists believe. By that I mean the fundamentals of the faith and not some of the cultural regulations that were mandated. I was affected by what I perceived as an attitude of proud intolerance toward anything that they often labeled as “questioning authority”. I did have a pastor in my teen years who I remember as somewhat sympathetic to us teenagers (I was 13-14)and our barrage of questions but he was fired because “he wasn’t a fighter” like his predecessor.

I’ve often likened my experience to that of the the plot in the movie “The Village” where people are kept in an artificial culture for their well-being primarily by a fear of the wickedness that is outside their village. The first time I saw the film, my oldest son looked at me when it ended and said, “We lived there, didn’t we Dad?” When I began to realize that the Body of Christ was bigger than my village and started to talk with “outsiders” I was reminded of the quote from the movie where the heroine has her first encounter with someone from outside. “You have kindness in your voice. I did not expect that.” Of course I have been warned since then that that “kindness” is one of the ways the enemy seduces us to leave the village.

Thank you for your kind words. I identify as a fundamentalist, too (not necessarily IFB, though).

Great article, John. I’m looking forward to reading more. I’ve appreciated your perspective on many of the articles that you have commented on and am glad to see your input. Thanks again!

btw - Tried to follow you on Twitter per the handle you mention on your blog but it appears to be no longer in existence?

My twitter account is no longer in existence. Among other reasons, I found that social media tempts me to feel anger towards those for whom I should be praying.

Thank you for reading it and for your kind words.

…and grew up in the IFB system, Christian school, camps, college, etc. Even though I didn’t take the path you did and our experiences were different, I can completely understand how your situation happens in our shared environments. In fact, I didn’t get truly saved until I attended an evangelical camp one summer. I do attend an IFB church, as an adult, and one of my kids goes to an IFB college. The group has changed alot in recent years, for the better, or I would have left it as well.

John,

I appreciate your spirit in the article. I’d much rather work with people asking questions than those who do not. And there are far too many of them. For many, to not question anything represents a false sense of security. This is where a lot of the desire for KJVO teaching, etc. comes from.