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There is a lot of confusion today concerning the title "fundamentalist".
The classification is given to diverse religious groups such as Muslims
and Pentecostal Charismatics.
You cannot have a definition of what a Fundamentalist is without understanding
the convictions and beliefs of Fundamentalism. I would like to list six
affirmations concerning what a Fundamentalist is.
1. The Fundamentalist believes the Bible to be the only authority.
We live in a day when it is popular to believe the Bible to be true
only when it is relative to situations. But we believe in absolutes- the
Bible is always true in every circumstance. The Bible does not merely contain
the words of God, it is the word of God!
2. The Fundamentalist is always concerned about doctrine.
Doctrine builds up spiritual lives with confidence and assurance; it
inspires the believer and feeds him with the bread of Heaven.
3. The Fundamentalist acts on convictions.
This is simply obedience to God's word without hesitation, question
or reluctance. We stand firm against sin, evil, and compromise. Some favorite
buzz-words in religious society today are, "toleration" and "accommodation"
. But we cannot tolerate sin and accommodate Satan!
4. The Fundamentalist is watchful and alert.
Peter described this world as a "dark place." Jesus used stronger language
when He spoke of a "crooked and perverse generation." The Fundamentalist
is watchful. The New Testament constantly encourages us to "beware", "take
heed", "watch ye". The Bible speaks of exposing error and if need be naming
names as Paul did several times.
5. The Fundamentalist puts emphasis on the spiritual life.
The spiritual life begins at the new birth and brings us into a vital
relationship with God in Christ. The everyday working out of our salvation
is purity and holiness.
6. The Fundamentalist is concerned about evangelism.
The Fundamentalist recognizes that this world is lost without Christ;
that man is dead in sin without hope apart from Christ as Savior. It is
commanded in scripture that we therefore take the message of salvation
to the lost.
[Excerpts and ideas credited to Dr. Brian Green, London, England.]