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I believe we are in more safe company when we respond to events or people verses reacting to the same. Fundamentalism was a basically a REACTION to early 20th century modernism. In trying to stem the tide toward Biblical criticism (which isn’t) and scientific advances that were applying pressure to many “literal interpretations” of the Bible”, fundamentalists put their feet in wet concrete and refused to be moved by facts! Even though there are many errors in the Bible, they stood their ground on the “inerrancy of the Bible”, among other things.

Remember, a thing doesn’t have to be a fact to be true!

A metaphor can be true and therefore more than factual!

Worst of all was what Arnold Toynbee called “Christian imperialistic arrogance”, in that if a person had never asked Jesus into their heart, they were going to hell. Everyone was going to hell except the Christian community. Once you look at it with more deeply, it’s pretty difficult to deny that it sounds pretty prideful. I guess one would have to discern the spirit with which the message was delivered.

Most fundamentalists even strongly opposed the Roman Catholic Church adding another one billion plus people to hotel hell.

Fundamentalists also criticize evangelicals for a lack of concern for doctrinal purity. In the cross-hairs of their anger was none other than Billy Graham. Even though Billy Graham came from a fundamentalist background, many Christian fundamentalists repudiate him today because of his choice, early in his ministry (1950s), to cooperate with other Christians.

You’d think loving people and being an inclusionist was being Christ-like.

Not so though! Those invited to a fundamentalist dinner are far and few between. I’m betting that even Jesus would be reprimanded for not washing his hands or for bringing a good bottle of wine to the dinner table. But regardless of who you are, fundamentalist or not, Jesus has invited EVERYONE to His table! Jesus doesn’t care what your “beliefs” are, just what your heart is like.

Y’all come now!