There are Reformed churches one could easily describe as “fundamentalist” – the Protestant Reformed Church, for example. So what is a working definition of fundamentalism for this thread?

Is it “strict separation from the world”, seeing a profound antithesis between the two? Is it adhering to the fundamentals of the Faith, of orthodox (small o) Christianity? Or is one talking of the stereotypes of ignorant backwoods Bible-thumping believers?

My favorite preachers are Reformed, particularly Tim Keller, who go by the Scriptural maxim, “perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18), and seek to motivate the believer’s heart (note I said believer’s) with a responding love to God’s first loving us in Christ. Rooted and grounded in the love of Christ (Eph 3:17-19) I stand, and cannot be moved. I am not motivated by fear, of punishment, of loss, of anything. I trust my Lord to discipline me, disciple me, keep me. This view is uniquely Reformed, and it is health.

Next comes – and this is perhaps where the “fundamentalist” issues come in – how do we relate to the culture? As Scott said above, if Christ is redeeming culture, one throws oneself into it, seeing God’s common grace in it, and working to transform / improve it.

If by culture we mean the society and system of the world, and do not see Christ redeeming it, but calling His people out of it, then we may seek to bring justice and mercy into the culture – living waters into a dry and barren land – but with the end of alleviating suffering and calling the elect. As John Bunyan put it, having Pilgrim flee the city of Destruction, and head for the Celestial city.

Christ reigns over culture, but He also reigns over His enemies; it does not mean He is willingly submitted to by either, or that they do not hate Him.

It seems less a divide between dispensational premillennialism and a generic “Reformed theology”, as between an amillennial view of the world increasingly turning against God and His people, and a postmillennial view of the Church transforming culture to God’s glory.

If one separates from the culture in terms of allegiance and lifestyle, though loving it and seeking its good through works of mercy, justice, and being exemplars of excellence in one’s vocation, one can, I think, walk a balance.

Look at Jesus; He exemplified excellence in all He did and was, and they yet hated Him. Sinners naturally hate holiness, except God give them a new nature.

__________________
Steve Rafalsky
Elder, International Evangelical Church (Reformed)
Limassol, Cyprus

"I am set for the defense of the gospel" (Philippians 1:17)

"Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious
power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness..." (Colossians 1:11)