The Recovering Fundamentalist

The Recovering Fundamentalist

Three men began this podcast more than a year ago. They have attracted the attention of many in the IFB movement. I think it is accurate to say that they have “stirred” the waters. Let me make several statements from the outset:

• All three of these men are my brothers in Christ. We may differ in many areas of separation, standards and church governance but I do not question their salvation.
• I have never spoken with these men personally other than a very few times through DM. These messages have been cordial.
• I do not intend to start a fight with our brothers in Christ but simply believe addressing their assertions is important.

So, with that being said, I want to simply share my thoughts. You may say, “who are you?” The answer is a nobody. But I do pastor men and women, boys and girls that hear what is being said and are influenced by their narrative. I am friends with men (and women) who are being influenced by what I believe is a slanted perspective of what IFB stand for. Further, the RFP and their followers continue to attack good men and women with distortions of their character and malign ministry philosophy that may differ from theirs

Broad-brushing

I have heard all three men say many times on their podcast, “Not all IFB are like ‘this’,” after sharing a clip or statement from one of the brethren. They make these statements and then proceed to broad brush the entire movement. How, just listen to them…they say “the IFB” rather than dealing with an issue. Such statements are in essence saying…only IFB who believe like them are “good people.” The rest are simply not and its ok to label them cults and/or question their salvation, which I will say has been done by them AND some of their followers.

Legalism

If you listen to the RFP there is a theme to these podcasts, legalism. Legalism IS a problem in Christianity, especially American Christianity. However the definition of legalism from the RFP and the Bible are not the same. Legalism, Biblically speaking, is adding works to salvation. Paul addresses the issue of legalism in Galatians, Jude warned of creepers amongst us and the early church wrestled with those who fall back into religious traditions as a source or foundation of salvation. Yet, we as Bible-believers, know that salvation is through Christ and Him alone. The accusation has been made by the RFP that IFB pastors preach a standard’s based, works based salvation. I know of NO IFB preachers who have added standards or any work to salvation. Quite the contrary. As far as I know, this evidence has never been produced, yet they continue to insinuate that IFB pastors preach this…

Standards and Biblical holiness are the fruit of salvation NOT the foundation of it. This fruit manifests itself in the action and attitudes of His people. God’s people should strive to be more like Christ each day. God is interested in His people being an example of the believer in every aspect of their life, inside and out. But let’s be very clear…this is not about trying to “get” God to love you. Nothing, NOTHING shall ever separate you from the love of Christ. This is what Romans 8 teaches us. We are instructed all through Scripture to be holy, to keep His commandments and yield ourselves to the instructions of the Word. Doing so does not make you a legalists, it simply means you are obedient to Scripture. After all, Jesus said, “if you love me, keep my commandments.”

The rub here is simple. The RFP do not embrace what we believe to be the Biblical basis of standards. These areas include music standards, dress, entertainment, the KJB and simply an entire overall ministry philosophy. Does this mean that these men (and women) are lost? Of course not. Do I believe they are wrong. Yes. Are they my enemy? Nope. But somehow, I get the impression, for many, the feeling is not mutual. When souls are saved, we rejoice. But when an IFB pastor talks about souls being saved, the professions of faith are questioned by the RFP crowd and even maligned through innuendo and scorn. It seems to me that the RFP crowd does not rejoice when a lost man or woman comes to Christ at a IFB church because many of them accuse IFB churches of being a cult. To me this is highly offensive to anyone who was reached for Christ through these churches and seems to simply be a tactic to squash dialogue and malign anyone who disagrees with them.

My question is simple…the RFP and their followers insist on Christian liberty to make the choices they wish to make. I say, sure, they have that. But where is the Christian liberty for those of us that hold to the standards that we believe are Biblical? It seems like this is a one way street for them. Do it our way or you are a legalist. Accept our interpretation or we will label you a cult.

Abuse

While other podcasts have focused on the abuse of minors and women, the RFP seem to use these events to try to undermine the stand of IFB pastors and churches, no matter their involvement in any such terrible instances. Let’s be clear, any man, no matter their position, who abuses a child or women should be reported to the police. Cover ups are unacceptable when it comes to criminal behavior or hurting those who are innocent. I believe this is where the overwhelming majority of IFB pastors are in their stance. It is frustrating to hear of situations that seem to be different. With that being said, I believe it is wrong to quickly judge a situation without knowing all of the facts.

Now patriotism

Now with 9/11 days away, one of the founders of the RFP posts that we should not have an American flag on our platforms. They think we are not capable of appreciating our country while at the same time worshipping our worthy Saviour. I do not think this is by accident. They will criticize ANYTHING the IFB are known for. This pious crowd takes their freedoms for granted. After 9/11, the motto, “Never forget” was popularized. The RFP have done just that. They have forgotten the price paid for freedom. They have forgotten our forefathers who have given us our Bible-believing churches today. Many in the RFP were saved because IFB churches knocked on their doors and led them to Christ…yeah, they have forgotten. I believe as a church we should be grateful for a free country and say so. We should honor our first responders and those who have purchased our freedom and liberty with their lives. To ignore this as a church, shows a level of disregard for sacrifice that shows poorly to the next generation.

Identity

Seems to me that the RFP crowd has built a name on what they are against rather than what they are for. They have built a brand, sponsorships and now are selling merchandise. Perhaps this is the reason why they started the RFP, perhaps not. But the reality is these men rarely post anything about their ministries and what Christ is doing in their circles. My advice to these men is simple…focus on the Great Commission rather than trying tear down men and women who are doing just that. Now, I am not naïve, they won’t. But here is a promise. We won’t be silent when you attack friends and family that we love. We won’t be silent about holiness, standards, soul winning and being separated from the world.

To be continued…