FUNDAMENTAL BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL

2002 PROPOSED STANDING RESOLUTIONS

The following standing resolutions were presented at the 82^nd Annual National Meeting of the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International on June 11 – 13, 2002, at the Bethel Baptist Church of Schaumburg, Illinois.

 02.1 CONCERNING HOMOSEXUALITY

The Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International affirms the view that homosexual and lesbian practices originate through sinful human choices and the rejection of God’s divine truth and ultimately incur God’s judgment upon those who deny and reject God Himself (Romans 1:24-27). Furthermore, these sins are perversions of God’s creative sexual design intended for a husband and wife to enjoy within the bonds of holy matrimony. In addition, the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International believes that the gospel of Jesus Christ has power to deliver individuals living in sexual perversion from the power and penalty of their sin (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

 02.2 CONCERNING ISLAM

The Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International opposes the religion of Islam, which contradicts the Word of God, rejects the Deity of Jesus Christ, and denies that eternal salvation is the free gift of God. As a man-made religion, Islam holds its devotees in spiritual bondage and blindness. Further, we condemn the recent attempts made by ecumenical groups (such as the National Council of Churches) to blur the distinctions between Christianity and Islam. In addition, we denounce the murderous violence being carried out by some sects within Islam and its ongoing persecution of Christians, Jews, and other ethnic and religious groups.

 02.3 CONCERNING ECUMENISM AND PATRIOTISM

The Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International reaffirms the historic position of Baptists concerning the separation of Church and State, although a pluralistic society must defend every American’s freedom to worship according to conscience and to proclaim publicly his faith without restraint. We hold precious the opportunity to teach truth and win souls in a free society. These freedoms are gifts of God. Sadly, as a result of the September 11 attack, some religious and secular leaders have equated ecumenism theologically with patriotism nationally. We reject this idea. Neither pluralism nor patriotism demand ecumenism. We love our country, and we are unashamedly patriotic. We consider the bold defense of biblical truth and the practice of biblical, ecclesiastical separation as proper stewardship of our freedoms as Americans and of our responsibilities as Christians.

Realizing that significant numbers of professing Fundamentalists continue to drift into New Evangelicalism, we grieve over this departure from Biblical separation and call for an unwavering commitment to a bold, militant defense of truth. As Fundamentalists, we must be willing to point out error and deal with it honestly, and when necessary, to separate from New Evangelicalism posing as Fundamentalism. We reaffirm our beliefs and practices concerning ecclesiastical and personal separation, and resolve to model Biblical love, intellectual honesty, diligent study, Scriptural preaching, appropriate debate, Holy Spirit dependence, joyful endurance, pure character, and gentleness of spirit, but deplore and forsake hypocrisy, unapproachableness, rashness, reactionism, contentiousness, and unteachableness.

02.5 CONCERNING THE HIJACKING OF THE TERM “FUNDAMENTALISM”

The names “Fundamentalism” and “Fundamentalist” have served as honorable terms identifying those who hold unshakably and defend militantly the irreducible foundational teachings of the Bible. Even liberals acknowledge, “There is no mystery as to what the term meant when it was first coined.” Yet the news media have “co-opted” the term and identified terrorists of all types: Muslim extremists, rebellious militia groups, so-called Christian identity groups, abortion clinic bombers, and murderers, as “Fundamentalists.” Religious groups which have departed from orthodox Christian doctrine: Charismatics, faith healers, health-wealth preachers, and various cults, are called “Fundamentalists” by print and broadcast media. Corruption has resulted from misuse by some who call themselves Fundamentalists, claiming orthodox doctrine but rejecting the separation taught by Scripture, or adding their own interpretations and extreme positions claiming that all who do not agree with them have apostatized, identifying themselves as the only true Fundamentalists. The Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International decries this “hijacking” of the term and appeals to the media to learn the true meaning and cease this misappropriation. We appeal to those who are adding to the foundational doctrines of Biblical Christianity to cease attacking those who do not agree with their narrow views and to recognize that apart from the Biblical Fundamentals there is room for brotherly differences. At the same time we urge all true Fundamentalists to teach carefully the true meaning and history of the term. The Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International will continue to defend aggressively the foundational doctrines of our faith no matter by what name they may be known.

02.6 CONCERNING FUNDAMENTALISM AND THE CHAPLAINCY

The Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International rejoices that the Constitution provides the protection of free exercise of religion, and believes that serving as a Chaplain in the US military neither causes nor requires a man to compromise. The decision to compromise is a work of the heart and mind and is not necessarily a function of any ministry, where clear principles of separation are not violated.  We believe the Chaplain’s accountability to the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International Chaplaincy Endorsing Agency and his own Fundamental Baptist church on matters of personal and ecclesiastical separation and on matters of faith and practice, make it possible for a Chaplain to serve as a Biblical Fundamentalist without compromise. 

02.7 CONCERNING CONDOLENCES TO VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACKS ON SEPTEMBER 11

The men and women of the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International wish to express their deepest condolences for our fellow citizens who lost life and property on American soil in the various attacks of September 11. We pray that the God of all comfort will sustain these victims of terrorism, by using this event to draw many people to Himself. We applaud the unswerving leadership of President Bush as he has skillfully guided his own nation and the free world through these troublesome times. We pledge our continued prayer for all those in authority over us, both secular and sacred, that we might truly "lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty."

02.8 CONCERNING GENDER-NEUTRAL TRANSLATIONS OF THE BIBLE

The Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International believes that the only view of the Bible that is consistent with the Sovereign God of Truth who has revealed Himself in written Word; with what that Scripture teaches; with consistent reason; and with historic orthodox theology is that of inerrant, plenary (full), verbal inspiration. In order to retain that inspired, inerrant message in languages other than the one in which the revelation was given, translations must accurately convey the meaning and “nuances” expressed in the very words of the original languages of Scripture. The current rush to produce translations which satisfy contemporary ideas about gender give evidence of the influence of a philosophy that is contrary to Biblical teaching—radical feminism. Rejection of the Bible’s distinctions in gender leads to rejection of the Bible’s authority and ultimately God’s authority. Attempts at gender-neutral (also called gender-inclusive or gender-accurate) translations provide an opportunity for the translators to inject personal ideas and interpretations into translation, obscuring or changing the meaning of the words of the Bible and depriving Christians of the opportunity of reading God’s word as it was given and of being guided by the Holy Spirit in their interpretation and application.

The Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International calls on all Bible believers to reject translations and philosophies of translation that violate principles of accuracy and Biblical authority in favor of a politically correct language and to warn others of the dangers inherent in such a philosophy. We further call upon Bible publishers to resist the appeal of “concerns of the modern audience” as motivation to produce Bible translations that are unfaithful to the original languages in wording and meaning. Current Gender-Neutral Translations include:  NRSV New Revised Standard Version (1989); NCV New Century Version (1987, 1991); GNB Good News Bible: Today's English Version Second Edition (1992); CEV Contemporary English Version (1995); GW God's Word (1995) NIrV(1995); New International Reader's Version (1995); NIVI New International Version Inclusive Language Edition (1995, 1996); NLT New Living Translation (1996); NLT revised edition New Living Translation (1996); Today’s International Version (New Testament, 2001).

02.9 CONCERNING PERVERSION IN THE CATHOLIC PRIESTHOOD

The Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International condemns the perversion of the Roman Catholic priesthood that has recently become undeniable and widely known. We express outrage at any official hindrances to prosecution and hesitancy to dismiss from leadership not only those who are guilty of these sins and crimes, but also those who harbor them, regardless of the group responsible. Within the system of Romanism, we find many of the characteristics of the seducing spirits identified in I Timothy 4:1-3. We condemn such a corrupt and heretical system that fosters this abuse, and call professing believers to obey the command of 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

02.10 CONCERNING OUR HOST

The Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International expresses its sincere appreciate to Rev. Brad Smith and the people of Bethel Baptist Church of Schaumburg, Illinois, for hosting the 82^nd National Meeting of the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International. We appreciate their making their facilities available to us, and we thank the Lord for the attitude of service manifested by the people and staff. We pray for God’s continued blessing on this ministry.

2002 RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

Dr. Rod Bell

Dr. John C. Mincy

Dr. Randy Shaylor

Chap. Wayne A. Bley

Dr. Mark Minnick

Rev. Bradley C. Smith

Dr. Gordon Dickson

Dr. Dave Pennington

Dr. John C. Vaughn, Chairman

Dr. Mike Harding

Dr. Kevin E. Schaal