Book Description
"What makes Fundamentalism different from other expressions of Christianity?" In Fundamentalism, authors Fisher Humphreys and Philip Wise seek to answer such questions for non-Fundamentalists curious about this strain of American Christianity. The authors define Fundamentalism in the scope of Christian religion, including both its impulses as well as the movement as a whole, while drawing on the commonality among fundamentalists of all religions.
Although they disagree with Fundamentalism, the authors hope to alleviate the automatic association of fundamentalism in general with radical violent minorities. By providing an informed understanding of Fundamentalism among contemporary Christians, the authors hope to provide critical insight for those considering joining the movement as well as to foster a healthy relationship with Fundamentalists in families, churches, and communities. While acknowledging many common beliefs and practices with Fundamentalism, even some of the most important, the authors argue that there are more faithful ways to follow Christ than Fundamentalism will allow.
Book Reviews
"People in our churches deserve to have a clear explanation of what the issues are in an irenic spirit.…People who read this will find that "progressive" Baptists, as you describe them, are as committed to Scripture, to the doctrines of the faith, and Baptist principles as Baptists have ever been. Thanks for a job well done!"
— Charles Wade
BGCT
"Cogent and clear. Broadly accessible. What progressive Baptists have needed, this book provides. Responding knowledgeably to fundamentalism and resisting it kindly are twin strategies more becoming of Christian disciples than reacting to it with the same measure of spiritual violence fundamentalists often employ. Drs. Humphreys and Wise have given us a guide to the theological riches of fundamentalism that ought to be preserved, while flagging the doctrines and attitudes that lead to spiritual poverty. This volume will be welcomed in pulpit and pew alike."
— George A. Mason
Wilshire Baptist Church
Dallas, Texas
"My advice to all my students and friends: 'Read everything that has Fisher Humphreys' name on it.' Void of contempt or savagery, Humphreys and Phillip Wise expertly describe one of the most pervasive, powerful, and pernicious forces in American religion today. Have they cut Fundamentalism too much slack? Some, who consider full blown fundamentalism a distortion of all that Jesus lived for, will think so. Do they understand the religious cocoon from which so many of us have Evolved? Without question. Read it and pass it on. It is a tract for our times."
— Walter B. Shurden
Callaway Professor of Christianity
Executive Director, The Center for Baptist Studies
Mercer University