1 John 4:7-8 (KJV)
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Some years ago, I watched a series of college lectures on American history from a university in Missouri. (Was the app called iTunes U? It is no longer available on my iPad.)
When this secular professor reached the first half of the twentieth century, he spent a good deal of time addressing the influence of Christianity within the United States during that era. Beginning with William Jennings Bryan, a presidential candidate at the turn of the century, he traced the rise of what became known as fundamentalism. He connected Bryan — who was acquainted with J. Frank Norris, arguably one of the founders of the Independent Baptist movement — to the Scopes “Monkey Trial” and Bryan’s death just a few days later.
Though Bryan won the trial, he was often portrayed as a buffoon, and according to this professor’s interpretation, fundamentalist Christianity took offense. He claimed many withdrew into a kind of cultural bubble, attempting to do business only with others of similar fundamentalist convictions, and so forth. A new term emerged: “fighting fundamentalists,” or among Independent Baptists, “militant Baptists.”
In other words, many became angry, bitter, and suspicious. Far too many lost the quality of love.
This world has never been a friend to the believer — just ask the millions who were martyred during the first fifteen hundred years of Christian history. The difference is that, at least as far as I can tell from my reading, they still maintained the testimony of Christ and of Stephen: “Father, forgive them…” and “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.”
I am concerned today because so many who profess to be Christians gather around hate-filled leaders. Some openly call for the deaths of liberals, homosexuals, and government leaders who support them. Some promoting highly unusual teachings about the church, such as claims that the church age did not truly begin until around 1 Corinthians 8 — and urge Christians to leave good churches that disagree, either to move to their city and join their church or to subscribe exclusively to their online ministry.
Some have legitimate discernment ministries, yet avoid anyone who dares to lovingly warn them when they may have gone too far.
I understand that it is no fun to be slammed, maligned, and verbally abused. But the chief characteristic of a Christian is love — concern for the souls of others.
#LoveLikeChrist #GodIsLove #BiblicalDiscernment #ChristianCharacter #TruthAndCharity
When Fundamentalism Loses Love: The Dangerous Drift from Discernment to Anger
Has modern Christianity confused boldness with bitterness?
I’d genuinely like to hear your thoughts. Have you seen believers stand firmly for truth while still showing the love of Christ — or do you think anger has too often become the louder voice? Leave a comment below and join the conversation.
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