Biblical Fundamentalism vs.
Neo-Evangelicalism
A Historical & Theological
Analysis by Pastor Terry L. Reese
I. The Historical
Context behind the present dispute…
o The rise of modernism; a major battle in the early 1900’s; fundamentalists vs.
liberals in all major denominations; disputes over the Nature of God,
the Deity & Virgin Birth of Christ, Biblical Authority & Inerrancy,
salvation, etc.
o Liberals capture the major denominations, resulting in major denominational schisms.
Conservatives separate from the liberals and operate within their own
structures, creating new denominations & seminaries—and are often branded
by critics as sectarians who are disconnected from the culture.
o Post-WWII: the rise of Neo-evangelicalism: Billy Graham, Christianity Today, &
Fuller Theological Seminary become flagship ministries for the “new
evangelicals.” These “new men” were basically orthodox in their central doctrines,
but sought a new pragmatic approach and a new methodology with the aim of
reaching the prevailing secular culture…
o Neo-Evangelicals denounced the older fundamentalists as
being divisive, separatistic, disengaged from the culture, anti-intellectual, &
culturally isolated (“fumbling fundamentalists”).
o Fundamentalism’s response to Neo-evangelicalism:
The “new evangelicalism” is doctrinally shallow, dismissive of separation,
overly pragmatic, and spiritually compromised; it is too “Madison
Avenue,” and is preoccupied with gaining worldly applause (John 15:18-19;17:14). Further, it is prideful in its unbounded
desire for academic acceptance by infidel-elites.
II. A Summary Critique of
Neo-Evangelicalism
1.
Neo-evangelical
churches are often characterized by a certain shallowness, without
adequate attention to the value of doctrine or truth. Often people are
not choosing churches based upon truth-considerations, but upon
purported “lifestyle-enhancement” (e.g., programs, entertainment, “flash,”
etc.).
2.
The
above speaks to a SELF-centeredness, as opposed to a GOD-centered
focus; i.e., “What can the local church do for ME
and MY felt-needs?”—as opposed to: “What can I do for GOD?
How can I best glorify HIM and preserve HIS Truth?”
3.
It
is rooted in pragmatic compromise. The Message is thus
modified, streamlined, compromised, and over-simplified (despite Matt.
28:20, Acts 20:27). Ends-justify-the-means style expediency is valued,
as are “Madison Avenue” approaches. Numeric growth is everything—obedience
to God is nothing!
4. So-called “non-essential” doctrines are
de-emphasized (e.g., creation, eschatology, church ordinances)—which has now led to the
de-emphasis of MAJOR doctrines (e.g., God’s attributes & perfections,
Biblical inerrancy, Eternal Punishment, etc.)!
5.
A
decline in moral/lifestyle standards—more “easy-going.”
6.
Biblical Separation
(2 Cor. 6:14-18) is NOT emphasized nor maintained! Neo-evangelicals
often ecclesiastically unite for pragmatic purposes with liberals
& Catholics (e.g.,
Billy Graham).
7.
It
is overly preoccupied with humanistic strategies (contra
Ezek. 2:3-7), business models, marketing strategies, and the
latest fads—as opposed to resting in the power of God…
8.
It
is overly preoccupied with receiving the applause of the empowered academic
infidel elites—a key issue involved with the undermining of once-conservative
seminaries (Jms.4:4).
9.
Extrabiblical
authority (e.g., the latest “science” or popular “wisdom”) is often
favored over the Scriptures…
10.
“Woke!” In accordance with its desire to reach
the elites and curry favor with the crowds, it has, in recent years, tended to
demonstrate its “enlightenment” through an increased association with political
& economic utopian-progressivism.
11. It is overly preoccupied with love
& unity (John 17:21)—at the expense of TRUTH
(John 17:17). 1
Cor. 13:6:
“[Love]
does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth…”
The results: a downgrade—a
postmodern Church whose deficiencies and immaturities have led to doctrinal
& lifestyle accommodation with the world. Neo-evangelicalism is “neither
cold nor hot” (Rev.3:15)—and it has not even achieved the promised and
anticipated results in terms of growth and outreach: the culture continues
to putrefy!
