What defines Christian Fundamentalism?

Definition and Historical Background

Christian Fundamentalism refers to a movement that emphasizes the necessity of maintaining what its followers see as the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith. This movement finds its roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often traced to writings like “The Fundamentals” (a series of essays published between 1910 and 1915). These essays stressed core biblical beliefs, including the authority of the Scriptures, the virgin birth of Jesus, His atoning death and bodily resurrection, and an anticipated literal second coming.

The term gained wider traction during events such as the 1925 Scopes Trial, when some Christians sought to defend a biblical view of creation against prevailing evolutionary theory. The heart of Christian Fundamentalism has always been a commitment to beliefs that are seen as non-negotiable. These beliefs are rooted in Scripture and are grounded in the conviction that the Bible—both Old and New Testaments—is authoritative and inspired by God.

Biblical Inerrancy and Authority

Fundamentalists uphold the complete trustworthiness of the Bible. This position refers to the notion of “inerrancy,” the teaching that Scripture, in its original manuscripts, is without error in everything it affirms. The affirmation for this is found in 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

Archaeological and manuscript evidence is often cited in support of the Bible’s reliability. For instance, the Dead Sea Scrolls (discovered between 1946 and 1956) contain ancient Hebrew biblical texts that corroborate key portions of the Old Testament. These findings, alongside the hundreds of New Testament manuscripts predating the Council of Nicea, illustrate remarkable textual consistency.

The Person of Jesus Christ

Central to Christian Fundamentalism is the acknowledgment of Jesus as fully God and fully man. His virgin birth (Matthew 1:23), His miracles, His teachings, His atoning death for sin, and His literal, bodily resurrection form the basis of saving faith. Fundamentalists insist upon passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:17: “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”

The resurrection is viewed not merely as a spiritual symbol but as a historical event. References to first-century sources and early creeds (such as 1 Corinthians 15:3–7) offer credence that, from the earliest days of the church, believers proclaimed the physical reality of the risen Christ.

Creation and Intelligent Design

A hallmarked tenet in many Fundamentalist churches is belief in a young earth, formed by the direct, purposeful action of God (Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”). Supporters cite geological and scientific studies they interpret as aligning with a shorter chronological framework, drawing on concepts like the RATE (Radioisotopes and the Age of the Earth) project, which attempts to reconcile radiometric data with a biblical timeline.

Additionally, scientific findings that point to irreducible complexity, as proposed in intelligent design research, are employed to argue that certain biological systems cannot arise through purely natural processes. These discussions often highlight the cell’s intricate machinery, as well as phenomena like the Cambrian Explosion, where numerous life forms appear abruptly in the fossil record.

Miracles, Healings, and the Supernatural

Historically, Christian Fundamentalists have maintained that God continues to work supernaturally. The Bible recounts myriad miracles—healings, resurrections, signs over nature—and these accounts are accepted as literal events. Some also affirm modern reports of miraculous healings and other extraordinary occurrences, arguing that the Holy Spirit continues to operate powerfully in the present day. Accounts of prayer-supported recoveries and missionary reports serve as anecdotal evidence cited within Fundamentalist circles.

Evangelism and Missions

Sharing the Christian message is viewed as a foundational duty. Fundamentalists often point to Matthew 28:19–20, known as the Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.” This commitment has historically fueled the sending of missionaries across the globe. Fundamentalist teaching emphasizes that salvation is exclusively through Christ (John 14:6), and so there is a driving urgency to proclaim this message widely.

Holiness and Separation

There has also been a notable emphasis on holiness of life—that is, separation from wrongdoing and devotion to godly living. Christian Fundamentalists often cite verses such as 1 John 2:15, urging believers not to love “the world” or its sinful ways, while still demonstrating compassion and moral clarity in societal interactions.

Consistency with Early Christianity

From the Fundamentalist viewpoint, core beliefs traced to the apostolic era remain consistent throughout church history. Passages such as Jude 1:3—“I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints”—are interpreted as a mandate to preserve these fundamental truths. Early church documents (e.g., various patristic writings) are presented in support of these long-held doctrines of Christ’s deity, the resurrection, and the authority of Scripture.

Controversies and Critiques

Christian Fundamentalism has garnered critiques that it can be overly rigid or dismissive of scientific findings. In response, many Fundamentalists emphasize that their acceptance of the Bible’s authority includes welcoming all forms of honest inquiry, as long as those are seen to cohere with biblical teaching. Many remain engaged in disciplines such as astronomy, geology, philosophical arguments for God’s existence, textual criticism, and comparative religion, contending that all truth ultimately points back to its divine Source.

Practical Expressions and Community Life

In many congregations, practical daily commitments—such as prayer, community Bible study, mutual accountability, and acts of service—serve as expressions of fundamental convictions. Whether through Sunday schools, evangelistic efforts, local outreach programs, or global mission work, the motivation stems from a desire to obey Scripture and reflect the love of Christ in concrete ways.

Summary

Christian Fundamentalism is defined by adherence to core biblical tenets: the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture, the divinity and resurrection of Christ, a literal view of creation, and a focus on evangelism. While it originated in a specific historical context as a reaction against skeptical biblical criticism, its essence remains rooted in preservation of the “fundamentals” believed to be taught in Scripture from the earliest days of Christian faith. Fundamentalists view these doctrines as indispensable, believing that both testing and demonstration of truth ultimately rest in the wisdom of God, who reveals Himself through His Word, through creation, and supremely in the resurrected and living Christ.