Type B fundamentalism and the Lansdale Conference

Six years ago I wrote a few blog posts on what I called “Type A” and “Type B” fundamentalism. The following year the blogs “SI” and “Neofundamentalism” published my article entitled “3 Lines in the Sand.” Those articles kicked off a couple of crazy years of new friends, new conferences and some exciting times. In those articles I argued for a kind of fundamentalism that in some ways was more reflective of the first generation of the movement than what’s been characteristic of fundamentalism over the last several decades. In these presentations, I made the point that there are good men in what I call the A, B and C “wings” of historic fundamentalism. In both articles I agrued for what I call a “Type B” fundamentalism. At the time I wrote this, I was encouraged by the numbers of men who contacted me privatly concering their agreement with my understanding of where ministries that grew out of fundamentalism should head. I have to say that now five years later, I am thrilled to see the conference that will be enjoyed with what I would call Type B and C leaders - such as Dr. Doran, Jordan, Bauder along with Dever in Lansdale. This kind of thing was a hope of mine - and frankly I’m surprised it’s come as fast as it has. To my horror I’m not in PA. My kids have mutliple concerts, and we have a playoff basketball game that I simply cannot miss as a father. In addition to that, I have several other pastoral obligations here in Gilbert that keep me in the desert this week. I’m looking forward to hearing the recordings of the sessions. To say I’m thrilled that this conference is happening would be the understatement of the year. At the time I wrote those articles, I was very afraid that it would mean the loss of a whole series of relationships. In the end, only a few relationships were affected. In return God has given me a ten-fold return of new brothers in Christ that walk together in faith and agreement. I am very grateful that now five years later, institutions and many of the churches connected with these such as Detroit Seminary, Calvary Seminary, Central Seminary (MN and VA), Clearwater Christian and Northland Univesity have gone on record in agreeing that there are some contexts where it’s actually healthy to have a kind of co-ministry between what I would call Type A, B and C fundamentalism. I understand that these men and ministries might define the similarities and differences different than I do. I also am very sure that these leaders have come to this decision their own way, that I’m sure is somewhat different than my reasoning five years ago. Frankly, I’m fine with that as well. My prayer is that the other fundamental institutions and the churches they represent, who have had a record of being careful and balanced will take the Biblical steps that these ministries have taken. Yes, you’ll have to pay a price by doing that. However, there is a cause that is greater than our comfort and acceptance by “whoever,” especially when God is honored.

To my friends who gather together this week in Lansdale, please know that while my body is here in the desert, my gratitude and hope is with you there in the snow bank of PA! I pray that God will grant you a blessed time together as you consider various topics related to the furthering of the church. Man, I wish I could be there with you! Rich blessings on you all!

Your friend,

Straight Ahead!

jt