On David Beale's new book: Christian Fundamentalism in America
“Dr. Beale is a favorite! He thinks a lot about these topics and is well worth reading. This book is an update of his earlier work, now out of print, In Pursuit of Purity.” - Don Johnson
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As a young Fundamental Baptist kid trying to figure out what being a Fundamental Baptist even meant, I read In Pursuit of Purity along with One in Hope and Doctrine. Changed my life. Helped me divide the wheat from shaft from my heritage and in my own life. Sad that Pursuit is out of print but glad to see an updated version.
Josh Stilwell, associate pastor, Alathea Baptist Church, Des Moines, Iowa.
I read “In Pursuit of Purity” a while back. Any idea how much new material there is?
[josh p]I read “In Pursuit of Purity” a while back. Any idea how much new material there is?
I’m not sure. My copy of the new book is on its way, so we will see. Dr. Beale sent me a note about this, so I’m keen to get it.
BTW, he also mentioned that Peter Masters has asked him to come over and speak at his annual conference. If I can swing it, I’d sure like to go. Watch the Metropolitan Tabernacle site for details.
Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3
Ok thanks. Sounds like a great opportunity! Wish I could go too.
I really liked ‘In Pursuit of Purity.’
Dr. Paul Henebury
I am Founder of Telos Ministries, and Senior Pastor at Agape Bible Church in N. Ca.
First, some of the material from In Pursuit of Purity is contained in Christian Fundamentalism in America. However, the material has been reworked and expanded. It’s a bit longer, and it covers the last 35 years since In Pursuit… was published.
If you can get a copy of In Pursuit of Purity, it is a worthy companion. There are things Dr. Beale includes there that are worth knowing, including valuable appendices not present in the new volume. Of course, choices have to be made when updating a volume, so CFiA leaves some things out. So I think it is worth having both if you can find the first one.
So far I’ve read the chapter on definitions and skimmed some of the comments on other issues/organizations towards the end. Dr. Beale defines a fundamentalist as one who not only contends for the fundamentals but as one who contends for the purity of the church. To use Bauder’s terms, Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy.
Dr. Beale does point out that some formerly separatist institutions are not separatist any longer. I think his assessment is right.
Regardless where you are in your positions, I think Dr. Beale’s book is one that those who disagree must take into consideration. He isn’t given to hyperbole and carefully explains the history and his reasoning.
Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3
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