There appears to be much confusion about the use of the terms Fundamentalist and Evangelical. Here I have attempted to create a Venn Diagram of how I see the distinction. There are other views such as the view that fundamentalism is based on the literal interpretation of scripture.
How do you see it?
This makes sense. But what falls into the overlap in between the two? How might the two ideas be combined? And what is the difference, if any, between evangelism and disciple-making?
ReplyDeleteEvangilism is telling the good news. Disciple-making is sticking with new Christians and helping them learn enough to go forward and create and help more new Christians.
ReplyDeleteOkay, just trying to sort things out as best I can so bear with me. It seems like in the chart above you can be either one or the other, and that there really isn't that much grey area in between? Or is the overlapping space between them supposed to represent 'being clean, WITH sinners' like Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 10:27-33. You are in a way, to stand out from sinners like a fundamentalist in that we excersize a certain freedom in Christ. We are not bound by temptations or sins. But at the same time, like an evangelical, it's important to hang out with the sinners, do as they do so as to "please everyone in every way," whilst never causing anyone to stumble. We sacrifice certain liberties for the sake of other's salvation. Or is the overlapping area to represent some other concept?
ReplyDeleteAlso I was wondering is evangelism and disciple making are another two things that are more black and white, or is there overlap between them? Does a Christian need to do a little of both?
I think you might also be thinking about : 1 Corinthians 9:19 -23
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19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
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As to not being, ... " bound by temptations or sins. " be aware, they still exist and are very Real. A wise man once said, " You can't keep a stork from flying over your house... but you can keep it from building a nest on your roof. " If Jesus Himself was tempted to Sin... so will we be. The places you choose to stand (or those that are chosen For you) and the people you choose to associate with (and those that are given to you) come with inherent risks. A wise person sees trouble and turns aside. Wise people know themselves; their strengths and weaknesses and do not willing subject themselves to needless temptations ( ie. an avowed Alcoholic going into a bar ). There are other times, however, when you are Sent / Constrained / Compelled to go into a Situation you know is Dangerous. Go with GOD. Be who you are, what GOD is making you, but be sure to take the Whole Armor of GOD ( Ephesians 6:10-18 ): 10 Finally, be Strong in The LORD and in HIS Mighty Power. 11 Put on the Full Armor of GOD, so that you can take your Stand against the Devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the Rulers, against the Authorities, against the Powers of this Dark World and against the Spiritual forces of Evil in the Heavenly Realms. 13 Therefore put on the Full Armor of GOD, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to Stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to Stand. 14 Stand Firm then, with the Belt of Truth buckled around your waist, with the Breastplate of Righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the Readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the Shield of Faith, with which you can Extinguish all the flaming arrows of the Evil one. 17 Take the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of The Spirit, which is the WORD of GOD.
18 And Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of Prayers and Requests. With this in mind, be Alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
If you call a bicycle a sloppy joe, it doesn't make it taste any better... or easier to ride.
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