Independent or fundamental

I had an interesting conversation yesterday about the tenets of fundamentalism.

When asked if I was still a fundamentalist, I replied in the affirmative. My friend stated that he didn’t think I was. He was not being critical, just observational.

From my understanding, back when the term was being used, it specifically dealt with the theological positions which one held.

As the twentieth century progressed, the term began to be applied to positions and preferences based more on tradition than truth. As long as your church is exactly like my church then you are fundamental, but if you differ in some areas, then you are not. Interesting to note is that it wasn’t the leaders in my particular circles of fundamentalism that were tightening the boundaries. It was more the second and even third generation of their followers that did. I can even cite specifics where the leaders violated the boundaries of the later generations. The difficulty lies in the fact that the leaders are given a pass for having keen discernment, whereas if I were to do the same, I have erred.

For instance, I pastor in a very blue collar town. We still go out and make specific visits as well as door to door canvassing. When I do this, I choose to dress more casually as opposed to a shirt and tie. I have found that if I knock on a random door in our area in a shirt and tie, I am viewed as a Jehovah’s Witness / Mormon, a police representative or someone there to serve papers. My reception is far better by losing the tie. If a missionary does this, he is brilliant for discerning the culture of his field. If I do it, I am a liberal who has dropped his standards.

Jesus spoke regarding the Pharisees having made the commands of God of none effect due to their tradition.

In some cases, the truth of the Bible is minimized because of a greater focus on tradition.

There is a great deal of methodology we engage in that is not supported nor condemned by the scripture. But when we start making the methodology part of the criteria for being fundamental, we have turned away from its initial meaning.

If what I believe helps you understand that we hold the same fundamental position, wonderful. But if how I go about ministry, when kept within the confines of scripture, leads you to rule me out, then I happily and most gladly remain independent.