📘 Lexicon Entry: Fundamentalism

Short Definition
Theological position treating biblical texts as uniformly authoritative and inspired, often rejecting critical scholarship in favor of literal interpretation across all genres
Definition
Theological position that treats all biblical texts as having uniform authority and inspiration, often rejecting critical scholarship and insisting on literal interpretation across all genres without discrimination. While historically grounded in defense of biblical authority, fundamentalism can become problematic when it conflates particular interpretive methods with biblical authority itself, leading to resistance of legitimate scholarly insights about genre, context, and theological development within Scripture.
Category
Theological Genealogy
Keywords
biblical authority, inerrancy, literal interpretation, conservative evangelicalism, hermeneutics, biblical criticism
Citation Guide
Geevarghese-Uffman, Craig. “Fundamentalism.” *Political Theology Lexicon*. https://www.commonlifepolitics.com/p/lexicon. Accessed [date].
Academic Research
Examined through historical analysis of evangelical development, hermeneutical studies, and theological methodology
Key Authors
B. B. Warfield, J. Gresham Machen, Carl F. H. Henry, John MacArthur, Karl Barth
Path Navigation
Theological Alternatives: Analogical Reading, Analogical Metaphysics
Contemporary Movements: Christian Nationalism
Last Updated
May 26, 2025
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*This entry is part of the Political Theology Lexicon, accessible exclusively to subscribers. View the complete lexicon to explore related concepts and the full theoretical framework.*
Historical Origins
Codified in “The Fundamentals” pamphlet series (1910-1915) as reaction against liberal theology and higher criticism in early 20th century
Key Developments
Developed through 20th-century conservative evangelicalism and Reformed orthodoxy, institutionalized in fundamentalist denominations and educational institutions
Influential Figures
B. B. Warfield, J. Gresham Machen, Carl F. H. Henry, John MacArthur
Formative Texts
“The Fundamentals” pamphlet series, Princeton theology writings, contemporary fundamentalist systematic theologies
Contemporary Expressions
Remains influential in conservative evangelical and Reformed circles, often combined with dispensationalism and premillennial eschatology
Theological Significance
Represents legitimate concern for biblical authority while potentially conflating scriptural inspiration with particular hermeneutical approaches
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