The Christian fundamentalism movement in American Protestantism arose in the late 19th century in response to theological modernism. While theological modernism can be defined in multiple ways, take the 1960’s in the United States for an example. This decade was defined by sex, drugs and rock and roll. As church leaders struggled to address this issue in a biblical manner of love, Christian fundamentalists replied with fire and brimstone messages designed to scare the hell out of teenagers.
Now listen and give heed, O Israel, to the statutes and ordinances which I teach you, and do them, that you may live and go in and possess the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, gives you. 2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you, Deuteronomy 4:1-2.
Whenever any belief, command and exhortation is forced down the throats of any society, resentment and rejection often follow. This brash response caused several to leave the church, inspiring others to go into education to spawn a New Age of Fundamentalism. Fifty years later, the tables have turned as now Christianity is no longer the dominant worldview in the United States. Syncretism, the blending of multiple worldviews have opened minds beyond what Adam and Eve experienced after the spiritual fall of mankind.
So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free, John 8:31-32.
Truth is now relative in this New Age of Fundamentalism. Ask a supreme court nominee how to define a woman and you won’t get an answer. Meanwhile, expert panelists on cable television believe that men can have periods and give birth to children. Environmentalism has surpassed and replaced Judeo-Christian values as the dominant religion, worshipping every aspect of mother earth. As liberals and progressives are elevated into political positions of power, anyone who does not share their same beliefs are bullied to confirm or else face the consequences. This is the unfortunate reality of a society controlled by social media. May God helps us all.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 