Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 05:2 (Summer 1962)
Article: Dangers In New Evangelicalism
Author: George W. Dollar

CenQ 5:2 (Summer 1962) p. 21

Dangers In New Evangelicalism

George W. Dollar

Since World War II American Fundamentalism has seen the rise, from within its own ranks, of a new mood, methodology, and movement called New Evangelicalism. Its advocates are prominent in evangelism, Christian journalism, theological education, and the pastorate. Its devotees are numerous with its sympathizers on the increase. Its critics are pitied as obscurantists, hard-shelled separatists, and illiterate promoters of a position which has been bypassed in the great theological “dialogue” of our time. Such a strong movement deserves both careful and factual analysis and evaluation—all too little of which has yet appeared in print.

This new type of evangelical thought and attitude has many virtues—many of them having descended from historic Fundamentalism and others arising from an honest attempt

CenQ 5:2 (Summer 1962) p. 22

to correct some glaring¹ weaknesses within. It professes faith in such cardinal doctrines as the inspiration of the Bible, the deity of Christ, salvation by Grace, His bodily resurrection, and His personal Return. The areas which it has sought to correct include those of academic integrity, social betterment, discussions with non-Fundamentalists, and journalistic excellence in order to attract the religious, the respectable, and the intellectuals whatever their doctrinal convictions. Another area of study has been that of cooperation with all existing religious bodies, denominations, and groups for the purposes of infiltration, not separation. In fact many prominent men in this movement openly advocate closer ties with those whom old-time Fundamentalism tagged apostates and Liberals.

Fundamentalists would do well to study carefully and factually, without mud-slinging invective, this strong and appealing drift. These men are brethren although they are in error, servants of the Lord though using questionable methods and approaches in their service. Many of them are of the highest training and acumen. Again, there ought to be an honest searching of heart on the part of Fundamentalists; on points of doctrine giving not one inch but on points of failure and weakness confessing to the Head of the Church and seeking renewal by the Spirit. All too many Fundamentalists are unaware of the valiant and Spirit-blessed struggle in our heritage and of the great convictions and contributions of such giants as A. J. Gordon, R. A. Torrey,

CenQ 5:2 (Summer 1962) p. 23

W. B. Riley, J. G. Machen and others of Fundamentalism’s Hall of Fame.

To help in this analysis we would suggest three areas where New Evangelicals threaten to depart from the moorings. Scattered studies of...