Gordon at Faith, Theology, & Ministry concludes his series on fundamentalism with part 9. In his concluding paragraphs are these words:
The young men that presently sit in the balance or along the sidelines in all this are sure not to be helped by the silence of the older generation at such a time as this. I believe that the seasoned men of Fundamentalism need to publically speak to the issues at hand, and in today’s array of media options the far-reaching Internet should be the means of choice.
I and many others do not see Fundamentalism as dead. Neither do we accept that its foundations were flawed. Its history is still worth telling and worth knowing. There are many Baptist churches that make Baptist a poor name to some people, but I still believe that under the Baptist name is the place to be. There are many rogue independent churches who are precisely independent so as to do wrong without consequence, but I have no desire to change in that respect either. Yes, there are more than a few Fundamental-labeled churches who have and are hurting not just the cause of Fundamentalism but the cause of Christ. I have earnestly contended with more than a few prime examples here in the Dakotas and bear ministry scars because of it. Nevertheless, I see no reason to radically redefine, realign, or redirect Fundamentalism. I pray that you will be convinced of that as well.
I couldn’t agree more, especially with the call for the erstwhile leaders of fundamentalism to take some leadership with respect to the directions that some are promoting. We need to know if these men are on the right track. My instincts have been against what they seem to be saying. I could be wrong. But I’d like to hear from more men who stand as leaders in fundamentalism.
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