In the early decades of the twentieth century, a prophetic series of books took a stand in the debate over the essential meaning of Christianity. With the publication of The Fundamentals: A Testimony to the Truth, a new term entered religious language, fundamentalism, which then meant an adherence to the fundamental doctrines of biblical Christianity.
Nearly a entury later, biblical Christianity faces similar challenges, both from within and without its ranks. The term and the faith it represents have been debased by cultural change, entrenched secularism, and theological confusion. As Edward E. Hindson observes,
From the beginning the ultimate issue has been whether historic Christian faith in a supernatural religion would be overpowered by Christians whose faith was centered in a naturalistic, humanistic philosophy. Fundamentalism affirms Christian belief and a distinctively Christian lifestyle in opposition to the surrounding secular society . . .
[The new liberal church] refuses to face the logical consequences of a secular world that has turned from its God. Instead of repenting of rebellion against God, the new century’s religious are opting for a scientific mysticism that combines minimal Christianity with transcendentalism, spiritualism, transpersonal psychology, and even occultism (from the introduction).
This new landmark work, with contributions from thirty-four notable scholars, pastors, and teachers, sets forth a distinctively biblical agenda for the Christian faith in the twenty-first century..
About Mal Couch:
Mal Couch, general editor, is founder and president of Tyndale Theological Seminary and Biblical Institute in Fort Worth, Texas. He previously taught at Philadelphia College of the Bible, Moody Bible Institute, and Dallas Theological Seminary. He is the general editor of Dictionary of Premillennial Theology and A Bible Handbook to the Acts of the Apostles.
