What’s “Fundamental” to “Fundamentalism”?
Any discussion of Fundamentalism should begin with an understanding of the word “fundamental.” There is much confusion in the religious world and especially among Bible-believers as to what constitutes a belief or teaching as being “fundamental.” Many erroneously believe that everything about which they have strong convictions is therefore “fundamental.” Not so! Let’s take a fresh look at this important word and its meaning.
In dictionaries the basic idea of “fundamental” is defined quite consistently along the following lines: something that is an essential or necessary part of a system or object; of or relating to the foundation or base, forming or serving as an essential component of a system or structure; or something which serves as a basis which makes existence possible or determines the essential structure of something.
Synonyms of the word “fundamentalism” in general use are “foundational,” “primary,” “principal,” “basic,” “elemental,” “underlying,” “essential,” “indispensable.” Obviously, according to its generally accepted definition, not everything is fundamental in any academic discipline.
We would therefore conclude that that which is “fundamental” is both foundational and a part of the superstructure to which everything else is attached. The foundation and framework of a building are absolutely essential. Many other parts of a building are not—for example, heating and air conditioning or furnishings. As important as they may be, the building can exist without them.
In the Word of God there are statements that are fundamental and those that are not. To help us understand how to differentiate between these two categories of truth we would say that there is class of Biblical truth that is very clear and another that is not so clear.
That which is clear is not debatable. The words and the grammar are so clear that there is only one conclusion that can be drawn from the statement. Everyone who is personally committed to believing in the inspiration, inerrancy, infallibility, and integrity of God’s Word will be in agreement with the obvious meaning of the statement. Teachings such as the creation of man by the direct act of God, the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture, the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, the deity of Christ, His bodily resurrection, and salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone are in this category of clear Biblical teaching.
Clear Biblical teaching is so plain and obvious that to deny the teaching is tantamount to denying the inherent meaning of the words and the integrity of the language used. The statement of clear Biblical truth in this case is beyond argument or debate as to its meaning. This is why we regard this kind of statement as being “fundamental.” To deny any teaching that is this clearly stated is tantamount to denying both the integrity and authority of Scripture.
Many statements of Scripture are not clearly defined in this sense. In the case of statements not so clear, those who are genuinely committed to the integrity of Scripture come to different conclusions, arguing from the statements of Scriptures themselves as to what they perceive the meaning to be. Statements about predestination, divorce, eternal security, the covenants, and dispensationalism, to name but a few, have provoked heated debates among those who personally own the absolute authority and integrity of Scripture. Not all statements are clear; therefore, not all statements are fundamental. There can be disagreement and debate on things not so clear but never on things that are clear—fundamental.
Here is a question to ponder: Why did God not make all of the statements in Scripture so clear that they could not be debated? One clear statement by our Lord Jesus on the subject of divorce and remarriage could have put an end to the heated debate and controversy on this subject. Obviously, in His divine and infinite wisdom He chose not to make such a statement. Among our beliefs about inspiration we believe that the Scriptures are without error or omission in the whole and in the part. This means that God in His providence omitted nothing which He felt we needed to know nor did He fail to give proper clarification about matters He wanted clearly understood. God apparently did not intend for everything in His Word, though important and necessary to His revelation, to be fundamental.
Fundamentalism must always be defined in terms of a personal relationship to God and His Word—to inspired Biblical truth—not to men, movements, organizations, or institutions. A Fundamentalist is one who joyfully and boldly embraces and is totally committed to the absolute authority of the Word of God over every aspect and dynamic of his life, in everything it clearly teaches and in everything it clearly commands. This means that fundamental truth is not “up for grabs” in his life and ministry— it is not negotiable, it should not be bartered away or compromised. In the end, Fundamentalism is about Biblical integrity in life and ministry.
Where do you personally stand on that which is “fundamental?” Are you a “Fundamentalist”?
Dr. David C. Innes has served as senior pastor of Hamilton Square Baptist Church since January of 1977. (A few weeks before republication of this article on Proclaim & Defend, Dr. Innes transitioned to Emeritus Pastor after 45 years of ministry at Hamilton Square.)
(Originally published in FrontLine • November/December 2013. Click here to subscribe to the magazine.)
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