It seems like I invariably choose the grocery cart that keeps pulling to one side. Is it just me? Similarly, fundamentalist Christian influencers keep pulling the fundamentalist faithful to the hard right, into a dangerous, moralistic ditch. It happens periodically with a public shoutout via social media, a conference, a sermon or blog in which the remnant is reassured: you are not alone.
These dog whistles usually screech from the same camps: officers, board members, supporters, and resolutions of the FBFI (Foundations Baptist Fellowship International), Bob Jones University “right the ship” advocates, previous or present staff or board members of the Wild’s Christian Camps, independent fundamental baptist mission boards, etc.
I make three appeals to my fundamentalist brothers and sisters: two stops and one start.
Please stop causing divisions over questionable issues. Even though we disagree on many points of application and positions, few of us would disagree that we should categorize musical worship style, the definition of modest attire, movies, alcohol consumption, entertainment, etc. as "things indifferent," discussed by the Apostle in I Corinthians 8-10 and Romans 14-15. Paul teaches us, among other things, not to judge one another over differences of opinion, not to bring the differences up in conversation, and not to look down on one another simply because our standards differ. My appeal to my brothers and sisters who perennially seek to caucus other believers together around these kinds of doubtful issues is, you are in clear disobedience to these commands of Scripture. Please repent.
Please stop separating from other believers over doubtful concerns and consequently walking out of step with the gospel. There is a clear social separation (similar to the Pharisees) that my brothers and sisters are practicing by their relentless, multi-layered separation from their brothers and sisters with whom they disagree. It is clear by their words that they view us as worldly, compromised, and rogue in our application of Christian liberty and freedom. Paul confronted Peter about this kind of people-pleasing separation. Socially separating from other believers who are not under church discipline for unrepentant sin or false teaching, is a serious distortion of the gospel. As a consequence, Peter's public separation from these Gentile Christians, who didn't eat kosher, resulted in many other believers walking hypocritically. I suggest this sort of social separation from "us" is having the same result today. In the spirit of the Apostle Paul, I humbly challenge you. Your "conduct is not in step with the truth of the gospel." Please repent.
My appeal to my brothers and sisters who perennially seek to caucus other believers together around these kinds of doubtful issues is, you are in clear disobedience to these commands of Scripture.Please start striving to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Praise be to God that our unity is not based upon our agreement on musical styles, modesty, politics, and other doubtful issues. In Ephesians 4:3b-6 we are told that our unity is built upon seven affirmations. They are all doctrinal. None of them are positional. One Body. One Spirit. One Hope. One Lord. One Faith. One Baptism. One God and Father. This is the "unity of the faith." (Eph. 4:13) The unity we enjoy in Christ was not created by us; but we are called to maintain it. Therefore, we must all resist the urge, and the external pressure to add to these seven affirmations. At a time when the entire church is facing the erosion within our own ranks of a confidence in the truth and sufficiency of Scripture that has resulted in being confused about a Biblical sexual ethic, disorientation over gender, etc. why would we find it necessary to squabble over non-essentials? Please be reconciled to us.
"Socially separating from other believers who are not under church discipline for unrepentant sin or false teaching, is a serious distortion of the gospel."
It took me a while. But, I've learned to test the grocery cart out before I begin shopping. If it pulls, I exchange it for a cart that's not. If you are currently in a subculture Christian ministry or group that is ever pulling you into the moralistic ditch, separating and dividing you from other Christians with whom you confess the one and only, delivered-to-the-saints faith, you should exchange them for one that doesn't.
BF