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?

Dr. Lance Ketchum

Reprinted by permission

Midwest IndependentBaptist Pastor’s Fellowship