My cousin Jeff is in town.
He and his family attended our church for Easter services. Jeff and I come from similar church backgrounds, but in recent years many changes have occurred within the ranks.
This prompted him to ask me an interesting question, “Do I still consider myself a fundamentalist?”
This has been our identity for many years. We are Baptist but have no denominational ties. We believe in the fundamentals of the faith. We also align ourselves loosely with other churches of like doctrine and position.
Through the years, however, the independence of our “movement” has become increasingly difficult. Friends and acquaintances began to cross boundaries and attempt to police other pastors and churches.
The norm became an emphasis on minor issues while paying lip service to major issues.
For example, a pastor would preach on insignificant, non biblical issues such as open toed shoes on ladies only to be caught in an affair with a woman in the church. Another may harp on the importance of a young man’s polo shirt being tucked in as the pastor is actively engaged in embezzling funds from the church.
The scriptural comparison is Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees accusing them of straining at gnats while swallowing camels.
The absurdity and hypocrisy boils the blood.
When confronted with such disappointment from leadership, some choose to walk away all together. This is quite obviously not a wise choice. Truth is still truth even when trampled upon by the ones who should be upholding it instead of making a mockery of it.
Instead, we focus on what the scripture teaches clearly. We establish our obedience on commands, live according to biblical principles and understand our preferences to be guided by the Holy Spirit in our lives alone.
I would call my current position “Relaxed Fundamentalism”.
I am no longer interested in the whims of every mean spirited preacher on a power trip with an axe to grind.
I will pastor my church as the Lord leads. I am probably a bit too laid back for many of the more restrictive brethren, but it is not their job to judge another man’s servant.
In the end, you may see me with my shirt untucked while taking my kids trick or treating, but you can trust that the offerings are safe and the only woman I sleep with is my wife.
Joel Stiff's Adventure 
So let me ask you this, what’s the point in being a relaxed fundamentalist? And why not call a spade a spade and say liberal fundamentalist?
Well, Luke, the point is to maintain the biblical fundamentals that I have always adhered to while relaxing on the extra-biblical nonsense. I don’t feel like I have ever been too guilty of extra- biblical stuff, but I am sure I have at times. As far as the use of the word “liberal”, sure that would probably work just as well. Relaxed was the first word that came to mind simply because liberal best describes theology rather than behavior and I am far from liberal in my theology.
I’m just poking at you. I am undoubtedly more liberal or relaxed than most fundamentalist, but to each there own. I have been following your blog for a while and have enjoyed it thoroughly.
I figured so much, but every question deserves an answer. I was thinking about camp that one year when you couldn’t fall asleep because of what might get you in the night. I can’t for the life of me remember what we called him, though. I’m still bitter that you didn’t like my Chicago style pizza :-p
I thought we called it the reaper. You sat in the corner of the the bed and the light fell just so, that it was very frightening. And I have actually grown to like Chicago pizza. What was the restaurant called in flint with the pound of bacon BLT
That’s right! Man, I miss those times. It’s been like thirteen or fourteen years and I’ll think of something and just bust a gut laughing. We had a lot of fun. Glad to hear you’ve come around. We actually have a place about 45 minutes from us that serves it just the same. The huge BLT’s are at a place called Tony’s in Birch Run, just north of Flint. One pound of bacon per sandwich.
So very true – appreciate the thought and the heart behind your comments!!
Thank you, Terri. I’m glad you can see the heart there. I’m never sure if it’s being conveyed as I hope. You’re a big encouragement.