Are there specifc differences between those people who identify themselves as being Fundamentalists and those people who identify themselves as being Evnagelicals? If so, what are these specific differences?
Fundamentalists vs. Evangelicals
Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by ktn4eg, Apr 26, 2012.
-
Classic Evangelicals would affirm the full inerrancy/authority of the Bible same way as Fundamentalists....
classic difference was Evagelicials wanted to interact with other traditions/faiths/churches with modern scholarship, unlike some Fundamentalists, who preferred to go into more 'seperation"
Modern evangelism has to some degree brought over/in some critical scholarship as regards the bible, role of women, alternate lifestyles, exclusivity of Christ, nature of God etc
With end result watering down scriptures totry to accomodate culture and to appeal to more 'scientific" mind set!
that is whywe get in Evangelical circles stuff like Open theism/feminism/ Jesus a way, lifestyles OK by God etc! -
I would disagree somewhat with this assessment, in that it would be more accurate to say SOME who call themselves evangelicals have drifted in these directions.
To look at it historically, Fundamentalists grew out of the modern scholarship debates and remained committed to the "fundamentals" of the faith (inerrancy, Salvation by Christ alone, etc) In the original sense, Many or Most Evangelicals today would agree with the original fundamentals.
It is correct that as the movement matured, the primary split came over the issue of separation. Fundies were very strong about separation...evangelicals wanted more to engage culture. So you have the birth of things like Christianity Today Magazine (evangelical).
Unfortunately, for the last 50 years or so, Evangelical has become a more and more broad term, and the willingness to cooperate has often reached the point of (in my opinion) compromise of the truth. Examples would be (a) Billy Graham crusades cooperating with Roman Catholic churches...not bothering to point out the belief differences. (b) the odd phenomenon that today, you can go into one of hundreds or thousands of churches that would consider themselves "evangelical", and you will find places that have different beliefs about nearly every point of doctrine (how to be saved, when & how to baptize, how to govern a church...) but they will probably sing many of the same songs, and have a similar "feel" to the service...such that many people jump from one to the other without even knowing what the church believes.
So to summarize. "Evangelical" no longer can be used as a test word to see if a church believes the truth. It has gotten so wide that It hardly means anything, except that it's members listen to K-love & vote republican.
Fundies also will be a mixed bag. Some are very good...some are overly focused on external conformity...and some have "God hates Fags" rallys.
For anyone looking for a church, I would say, ignore both of these words and look for Biblical faithfulness. The words themselves will not tell you what you really want to know.
Recommended books on the topic:
-Evangelicalsim Divided by Iain H. Murray
-All God's children & blue suede shoes - by Ken Myers -
Especially in regards to how we need to get bible/faith "updated" to get into modern cultural ways/norms! -
Historically, fundamentalists have earnestly contended (fought) for the principles of the fundamentals of the faith they both they and evangelicals hold dear.
Evangelicals would not have such a militant, separatist outlook.
All fundamentalists are evangelical.
Not all evangelicals are fundamentalists. -
-
Yesh - if an "evangelical" denies inspiration/authority of Scripture, then they are misusing the label and are not "evangelical" or even "new evangelical".
And sadly, you are correct that many CALL themselves evangelical to gain followers, readers, sycophants . . . but are the proverbial wolves wearing the garb of evangelical faith. -
I have to say, I'm rather disappointed with the title of this thread.
I mean, what are we saying when we start a thread that basically translates as "Christians versus Christians"? -
No that's not what I meant at all.
Unfortunately it's too late to change the thread's title. OTOH, if you read the actual OP, you'll see exactly what I'm asking of my BB friends.