Fundamentalism vs. Evangelicalism | Roger E. Olson

By Don Johnson | March 9, 2023 |

Evangelicalism, Fundamentalism, and New Evangelicalism – what’s the difference? (Guest Post by self-identified fundamentalist Rev. Don Johnson)

“We suggest that those who still cling to the great fundamentals and who mean to do battle royal for the fundamentals shall be called ‘Fundamentalists.’” This sentence appeared in The Watchman-Examiner, a Christian paper edited by Curtis Lee Laws. Laws published this on July 1, 1920, eight days after the 1920 Pre-Convention Conference, held just prior to the annual meeting of the Northern Baptist Conference in Buffalo, NY.

Source: Fundamentalism vs. Evangelicalism | Roger E. Olson

Note to readers: In recent weeks, I’ve enjoyed an interesting private discussion about evangelicalism and fundamentalism with Roger E. Olson. Dr. Olson asked me to write a post summing up the differences between Evangelicalism and Fundamentalism (in 1000 words or less!!). He posted it today, with plans for his own follow-up soon. I’m grateful for the opportunity to describe our movement to folks who wouldn’t normally read us.

– Don Johnson

Posted in Opinion Pieces

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2 Comments

  1. Joel Tetreau on March 9, 2023 at 9:33 am

    Don – you’ve done a good job with this. Congratulations. I think this is factual.

    If you and I were drinking coffee at Tim Hortons this morning – I would only respond with two additional thoughts –

    1. On definitions – our view:

    A. I have sometimes wondered if another definition of fundamentalist – is a Christian leader who is very concerned about making sure we do things the way we do them – B. An evangelical is a Christian leader who is very concerned we do things in a way that can co-exist between the Christian community and his neighbor. C. A Biblicist – is a Christian leader who is concerned we just follow the Bible. (* I fully understand why most don’t appreciate the third term).

    2. On definitions – God’s view:

    I’m fairly confident that when we get to heaven – God will not divide up his children the way we do – Type A’s over there (next to the Apostle Paul) – Type B’s right here next to the Apostle Barnabas – Type C’s – over there next to the 14th Apostle – John MacArthur. Fundamentalists over there – Evangelicals, etc….

    Straight Ahead!

    jt



    • dcsj on March 9, 2023 at 12:41 pm

      Thank you for the comment, Joel. I think we would probably define the first three things differently. For example, to me a “Biblicist” means “not a Calvinist!” (heh, had to poke that bear)

      No doubt when we are in glory all categories will be rebuked where needed, but we will fully agree with that Judge and his judgement. I am sure none of us are without errors.

      Maranatha!
      Don Johnson
      Jer 33.3