What is Fundamentalism?
What is Fundamentalism?
Fundamentalism, in its essence, refers to a movement within Christianity that is committed to upholding the foundational truths of the faith as revealed in Scripture. It is characterized by a resolute adherence to the "fundamentals" of Christian doctrine and a rejection of theological liberalism, modernism, and secular influences that compromise biblical teaching. While the term "fundamentalism" has often been used pejoratively in contemporary culture, its origins and theological grounding reveal a sincere effort to preserve and defend biblical truth.
Origins of Fundamentalism
The Fundamentalist movement emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to the growing influence of theological liberalism, modernism, and Darwinism, which were eroding biblical authority and moral values. Modernism, in particular, emphasized human reason, scientific progress, and the reshaping of society independent of divine revelation. This worldview clashed with the biblical doctrines of creation, human sinfulness, and the necessity of divine intervention for salvation.
In response to these challenges, conservative Christians sought to reaffirm the inerrancy and authority of Scripture. The movement gained momentum through the publication of The Fundamentals, a series of 12 volumes written by 97 conservative theologians and distributed widely among church leaders. These writings laid the foundation for what would become known as Fundamentalism. Prominent figures such as Dwight L. Moody, B. B. Warfield, John Nelson Darby, and Billy Sunday played key roles in shaping the movement.
Core Tenets of Fundamentalism
At its heart, Fundamentalism is built upon five essential doctrines of the Christian faith. These "fundamentals" serve as the bedrock of the movement:
The Inerrancy and Authority of Scripture
Fundamentalists affirm that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, free from error in its original manuscripts, and entirely trustworthy in all it teaches. As 2 Timothy 3:16–17 declares, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (NKJV).The Virgin Birth and Deity of Christ
Fundamentalists uphold the miraculous virgin birth of Jesus Christ, affirming His divine nature as the eternal Son of God who became fully human. Isaiah 7:14 prophesies, "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel" (NKJV). Matthew 1:23 confirms this fulfillment, and John 1:1, 14 declares that "the Word was God" and "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (NKJV).The Substitutionary Atonement of Christ
The heart of the gospel is the belief that Jesus Christ died on the cross as a substitute for sinners, bearing the penalty for sin and reconciling humanity to God. Romans 5:8 affirms, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (NKJV). Fundamentalists emphasize salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9).The Bodily Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Fundamentalists affirm that Jesus rose physically from the dead on the third day, demonstrating His victory over sin and death. This event is foundational to the Christian faith. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:14, "And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty" (NKJV). The bodily resurrection assures believers of their future resurrection and eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:20–22).The Literal Return of Christ
Fundamentalists hold to the literal, premillennial return of Jesus Christ, who will establish His kingdom on earth and fulfill all remaining prophecies. Revelation 19:11–16 describes Christ's triumphant return: "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war" (NKJV).
Defending Truth in a Changing World
The rise of Fundamentalism was not without challenges. The movement took a strong stance against theological liberalism and higher criticism, which sought to undermine the historical reliability of Scripture. Fundamentalists sought to guard the faith "once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3, NKJV). They emphasized the need for doctrinal purity and separation from error, often leading to the creation of new denominations and fellowships.
However, this militancy for truth sometimes resulted in infighting and division. Fundamentalists became known for their exclusivity, often drawing sharp lines between themselves and others who did not fully align with their interpretations of Scripture. Despite these struggles, their commitment to preserving biblical truth has left a lasting impact on the church.
Criticism and Misrepresentation
In modern times, Fundamentalism has been caricatured as narrow-minded, anti-intellectual, and extreme. The infamous Scopes Trial of 1925, in which Fundamentalists opposed the teaching of evolution in public schools, contributed to the stereotype of Fundamentalists as backward and anti-science. While Fundamentalists won the case, the public perception of the movement suffered due to negative media portrayals.
Today, Fundamentalism is often misunderstood. While there are indeed some groups that exhibit legalism or extremism, these do not represent the core principles of the movement. At its best, Fundamentalism seeks to uphold the authority of Scripture, proclaim the gospel, and live out the teachings of Christ with integrity.
The Ongoing Need for Biblical Fundamentals
In a postmodern world that increasingly rejects absolute truth, the principles of Fundamentalism remain relevant. The church must continue to stand firm on the inerrancy of Scripture and the essentials of the faith. As Jesus taught in Matthew 7:24–25, "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock" (NKJV).
The call for Christians today is to balance truth with love (Ephesians 4:15) and to engage the culture with both conviction and compassion. Fundamentalism, at its core, is not about rigidity or exclusion but about faithfulness to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Word of God.
Conclusion
Fundamentalism arose as a response to cultural and theological challenges, emphasizing the essentials of the Christian faith and the authority of Scripture. While the movement has faced criticism and misrepresentation, its commitment to upholding biblical truth remains a vital part of the church’s mission. As believers, we are called to stand firm in the faith, contend for the truth, and proclaim the gospel with clarity and love, always seeking to glorify God in all we do.
