Protestant Fundamentalism
Changes In Memberships Mainline Churches Losing Members Methodists 11 million members in 1965 DOWN to 8 million in 2000. Religious revivals spur Holiness and Pentecostal movements Fundamentalist Churches Gaining Members Southern Baptists: 11 million members in 1965 UP to 16 million in 2000. Why? Rational choice? Conversion v. Socialization Migration
What Is An Evangelical Christian “A Protestant whose faith in Jesus Christ compels both an acceptance of Him ‘as Lord and Savior’ and a responsibility to share the ‘good news’ with others.” Primary Goal? Evangelize the world and convert the world to Christ Five Key Components: The supreme authority of the Scripture Jesus Christ as incarnate God The importance and relevance of The Holy Spirit The requirement for personal conversion The importance of the Christian community Doctrinal Distinctives • Movement Membership • Religious Affiliation
What Is A Fundamentalist Christian? “An Evangelical Christian who approaches the bible as the literal and authoritative words of God and not simply the inspired words of God.” Primary Goal? Live a pure life and create a pure society in which to do that more effectively. Five Key Characteristics: Interpret the scriptures literally No tolerance for religious diversity Pursuit of a personal experience of God’s presence Opposition to secular humanism Endorsement of “conservative” political goals.