20 Reasons to Respect Fundamentalists: A Christian Perspective

20 Reasons to Respect Fundamentalists

When you hear the word "fundamentalist," what comes to your mind? Maybe it's an image of a closed-minded, angry, and judgmental person who is intolerant of anyone who disagrees with them. However, as a Christian, I've had the privilege of meeting many fundamentalists, and I've come to appreciate them for who they are and what they believe. In this article, I want to share with you 20 reasons why I respect fundamentalists.

1. They Believe in Absolute Truth

One of the things I love about fundamentalists is that they believe in absolute truth. They believe that the Bible is the infallible, inerrant Word of God, and that it contains everything we need to know about Him and His plan for our lives. They don't believe that truth is relative or subjective; they believe that it's objective and absolute. This means that they take the Bible seriously and seek to apply its teachings to every area of their lives.

2. They Believe in the Importance of Doctrine

Another thing I appreciate about fundamentalists is that they believe in the importance of doctrine. They don't believe that theology is just for theologians; they believe that every Christian should have a solid understanding of the core doctrines of the faith. They believe that doctrine matters because it shapes our understanding of God, ourselves, and the world around us. They believe that sound doctrine is essential for healthy Christian living.

3. They Believe in the Power of Prayer

One of the things I admire about fundamentalists is their commitment to prayer. They believe that prayer is not just a ritual or a duty, but a powerful means of communing with God and experiencing His grace and power. They believe that prayer is essential for spiritual growth, for overcoming temptation, for seeking guidance, and for interceding for others. They believe that prayer is not just a last resort, but a first priority.

4. They Believe in the Authority of Scripture

Another thing I respect about fundamentalists is their belief in the authority of Scripture. They believe that the Bible is the final authority for faith and practice, and that it must be obeyed in all areas of life. They don't believe that human reason or experience should be the ultimate arbiter of truth; they believe that Scripture is the ultimate standard. They believe that Scripture is not just a guide, but a rule.

5. They Believe in the Need for Repentance

One of the things I appreciate about fundamentalists is their emphasis on repentance. They believe that repentance is not just a one-time event, but an ongoing process of turning away from sin and turning towards God. They believe that repentance is necessary for salvation, for sanctification, and for maintaining fellowship with God. They believe that repentance is not just a formality, but a heartfelt response to the grace of God.

6. They Believe in the Reality of Hell

Another thing I respect about fundamentalists is their belief in the reality of hell. They believe that hell is not just a metaphor or a myth, but a literal place of eternal punishment for those who reject the gospel. They believe that hell is not just a scare tactic, but a sobering reality that should motivate us to share the gospel with urgency and compassion. They believe that hell is not just a doctrine, but a warning.

7. They Believe in the Necessity of Evangelism

One of the things I admire about fundamentalists is their zeal for evangelism. They believe that the gospel is not just a private matter, but a public proclamation that must be shared with the lost. They believe that evangelism is not just an option, but a command that must be obeyed. They believe that evangelism is not just a duty, but a privilege that brings joy and fulfillment. They believe that evangelism is not just a task, but a calling.

8. They Believe in the Importance of Separation

Another thing I appreciate about fundamentalists is their commitment to separation. They believe that we must be separate from the world, the flesh, and the devil, and be holy unto the Lord. They believe that separation is not just a legalistic rule, but a biblical principle that promotes spiritual purity and devotion. They believe that separation is not just a negative avoidance of evil, but a positive pursuit of righteousness. They believe that separation is not just a personal preference, but a divine mandate.

9. They Believe in the Urgency of the Hour

One of the things I respect about fundamentalists is their sense of urgency. They believe that we are living in the last days, and that the return of Christ is imminent. They believe that we must redeem the time, because the days are evil. They believe that we must work while it is day, because the night is coming when no man can work. They believe that we must be sober, vigilant, and faithful, because the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion.

10. They Believe in the Sufficiency of Christ

Another thing I appreciate about fundamentalists is their conviction that Christ is sufficient for every need. They believe that Christ is not just a good example, but a divine Savior who died for our sins and rose from the dead. They believe that Christ is not just a helper, but a Lord who reigns over all things. They believe that Christ is not just a distant deity, but a personal friend who walks with us every step of the way. They believe that Christ is not just a theory, but a reality.

11. They Believe in the Beauty of Holiness

One of the things I admire about fundamentalists is their appreciation for the beauty of holiness. They believe that God is holy, and that we are called to be holy as He is holy. They believe that holiness is not just a negative avoidance of sin, but a positive pursuit of righteousness. They believe that holiness is not just a legalistic standard, but a joyful expression of love. They believe that holiness is not just a burden, but a blessing.

12. They Believe in the Necessity of Judgment

Another thing I respect about fundamentalists is their belief in the necessity of judgment. They believe that God is a righteous judge, and that He will judge the world in righteousness. They believe that judgment is not just a fearful prospect, but a comforting assurance that justice will be done. They believe that judgment is not just a theoretical concept, but a practical reality that should motivate us to live holy and godly lives. They believe that judgment is not just a negative consequence, but a positive reward for faithful service.

13. They Believe in the Power of the Gospel

One of the things I appreciate about fundamentalists is their confidence in the power of the gospel. They believe that the gospel is not just a message, but a power that can transform lives. They believe that the gospel is not just a human invention, but a divine revelation that can change hearts. They believe that the gospel is not just a cultural artifact, but a universal truth that can cross all barriers. They believe that the gospel is not just a historical event, but a living reality that can save souls.

14. They Believe in the Value of Life

Another thing I respect about fundamentalists is their reverence for life. They believe that every human being is created in the image of God, and that every life is precious and valuable. They believe that life is not just a biological accident, but a divine gift that should be cherished and protected. They believe that life is not just a personal possession, but a communal responsibility that should be shared and celebrated. They believe that life is not just a temporal existence, but an eternal destiny that should be prepared for.

15. They Believe in the Joy of Worship

One of the things I admire about fundamentalists is their joy in worship. They believe that worship is not just a duty, but a delight that should be approached with reverence and gladness. They believe that worship is not just a formality, but a heartfelt expression of love and gratitude. They believe that worship is not just a personal preference, but a corporate discipline that should be shared with others. They believe that worship is not just a temporal activity, but an eternal occupation that should be practiced now.

16. They Believe in the Unity of the Body

Another thing I appreciate about fundamentalists is their commitment to the unity of the body. They believe that we are not just individual Christians, but members of the same body of Christ. They believe that we are not just separate churches, but one church with many parts. They believe that we are not just different denominations, but one faith with many expressions. They believe that we are not just diverse believers, but one family with many members.

17. They Believe in the Power of Love

One of the things I respect about fundamentalists is their belief in the power of love. They believe that love is not just a sentimental feeling, but a sacrificial action that seeks the good of others. They believe that love is not just a human emotion, but a divine attribute that reflects the character of God. They believe that love is not just a subjective experience, but an objective reality that can overcome all obstacles. They believe that love is not just a personal choice, but a command that must be obeyed.

18. They Believe in the Hope of Glory

Another thing I appreciate about fundamentalists is their hope of glory. They believe that this life is not all there is, but that there is a life beyond this life that is far better. They believe that heaven is not just a wishful thinking, but a confident expectation that is based on the promises of God. They believe that glory is not just a fantasy, but a reality that will be experienced by all who believe in Christ. They believe that hope is not just a dream, but a certainty that can sustain us through all the trials of life.

19. They Believe in the Sovereignty of God

One of the things I respect about fundamentalists is their belief in the sovereignty of God. They believe that God is not just a spectator of history, but a ruler who is in control of all things. They believe that God is not just a passive observer of our lives, but an active participant who is working all things together for our good. They believe that God is not just a distant deity, but a personal Lord who is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives. They believe that God is not just a theoretical concept, but a living reality.

20. They Believe in the Grace of God

Finally, one of the things I appreciate most about fundamentalists is their belief in the grace of God. They believe that salvation is not just a reward for good behavior, but a gift of God's grace that is received by faith. They believe that sanctification is not just a human effort, but a work of God's grace that is experienced by faith. They believe that perseverance is not just a personal resolve, but a provision of God's grace that is sustained by faith. They believe that grace is not just a theological concept, but a personal encounter with God.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many reasons to respect fundamentalists. Of course, this doesn't mean that we have to agree with everything