Fundamentalism - a Brief Examination of the Movement

- Does the New Testament affirm the same covenant promises as the Old Testament or does the New Testament discontinue and supercede the promises of the Old Testament?

Calvinist:
- Whatever is not explicitly fulfilled or ended in the New Testament is still considered to be enforced from the Old Testament.

Baptist:
- Whatever is not explicitly reaffirmed in the New Testament is no longer binding or applicable from the Old Testament.

2. Do you agree with the assertion that Fundamentalism is a movement and not a theology? Why or why not?

Yes, fundamentalism is a movement and not a theology, because it's Trans-denominational.

3. What is the root of the term, Fundamentalism?

- Five fundamentals

A. Inerrancy of Scripture.
B. Virgin birth of Christ.
C. Vicarious substitutionary atonement on the cross
D. Bodily resurrection of Christ.
E. Jesus' miracles.

There were twelve books written. These were called "The Fundamentals". They defended the doctrine of the faith, and explained the fundamental doctrines.

-World's Christian Fundamentals Association

A. 9 essential teachings

1. Inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture.
2. Triune God
3. The deity and virgin birth of Christ
4. The literal creation and fall of man.
5. The substitutionary atonement.
6. The bodily resurrection and ascension of Christ.
7. The regeneration of believers by the work of the Holy Spirit.
8. The personal imminent return of Christ.
9. The resurrection to eternal life or to eternal death.

None of these can be considered the only root for fundamentalism, but all of these contributed to fundamentalism. Fundamentalism was an early twentieth century phenomenon. It crossed doctrinal lines and developed in all denominations.

4. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Fundamentalism.

-Weaknesses

A. Not setting forth of doctrinal truth, but was a reaction against modernism and liberal theology.
B. Developed in a reactionary setting.
C. Reductionest in regard to theology.
D. Impossible to clarify doctrinal teaching because of the fear of offending others of differing theological traditions.
E. Anti-intellectual emphasis of fundamentalism.
1. reversed higher education
2. Didn't develop colleges, seminaries, but developed bible colleges and bible institutes.
F. Embraced the doctrinal stings that were not in the mainstream historically.
1. Arminian Soteriology
2. Dispensationalist Eschatology

-Positive

A. Tenaciously held to the supreme authority of the Scriptures, and the integrity of the Scriptures.
B. Promoted interdenominational and mutual understanding.
C. Many new Fundamentalist organizations were formed which helped strengthen the Christian church.
D. Their opposition to the slide of their denominations into unbelief, led to the formation of many new denominations or associations, which were thoroughly evangelical; the Fundamentalists won.
E. Many Bible colleges were founded and some Seminaries.