could you be a fundamentalist!?

A
movement began in Europe during the 19th century-earlier 20th century to change the way the Bible was studied. Due to the rise of Darwinian evolution, amongst other influences, scholars began to dismiss the miracles recorded in the Bible. This led to the rejection of doctrine, like the virgin birth, as well.

There were strong reactions to this “modern” thought, in Scotland and America in particular, to counteract this. Out of this were published several volumes called, The Fundamentals (1909). People who supported the content of these volumes were called, “Fundamentalists.” The fundamentals were five basic teachings, which can be summed up in this way.

1. the inspiration and what the writers call infallibility of Scripture,
2. the deity of Christ (including his virgin birth),
3. the substitutionary atonement of his death,
4. his literal resurrection from the dead, and
5. his literal return at the Second Coming.

A modified way of saying this is:

1. The Bible is inspired by God and accomplishes exactly what God intends for it to accomplish
2. Jesus is God
3. Jesus died as a sacrifice for sin
4. Jesus really physically raised from the dead
5. Jesus is coming back

I would differ from the wording of The Fundamentals (e.g. “infallibility” language), but in essence, the five fundamentals are Basic Christian Teachings 101. If you are a Christian, look at the list, at least the modified one. You may find yourself a “neo-fundamentalist.” Wow, who would have thought.