In October, I read what I first thought was one of the most outlandish and ridiculous statements made in the past 20 years of Baptist controversy. Jimmy Draper, president of LifeWay Resources (the Sunday School Board) said in response to some remarks by Bill Moyers that "the priesthood of the believer, local church autonomy and the interpretation of Scripture have never been an issue in the last 20 years and Moyers knows it."

I first thought, "how can he say such a thing?" Those are exactly the issues to traditional Baptists, but not in his mind or the mind of fundamentalists. Traditional fundamentalists believe the Bible is God's word, but it must be interpreted and applied. We believe people can interpret scripture differently. Thus churches can worship differently and have different policies on ordination while remaining faithful to the Bible as God's Holy and authoritative word. We think that is the Baptist way and a part of our heritage. History has shown that unity in diversity is one of the secrets to Baptist success.

Apparently for Draper and other fundamentalists, there is no such thing as the priesthood of the believer, local church autonomy or the interpretation of Scripture. There is only the Bible and the Bible says what they say it says so there is no room for discussion. If you do not agree with them, your problem is with the Apostle Paul or whoever the Biblical writer was.

I remember a discussion I had with a fundamentalist several years ago. Several social issues came up and I said, "Are these issues that should divide us? Can't we sit on the back porch and drink a glass of tea and discuss them since we both believe in Jesus?" The man shot back quickly, "No, you either believe the Bible or you don't." I replied, "You mean I have to agree with your interpretation on these issues," and he quickly responded, "No, it is not a matter of interpretation. You have to believe the Bible and if you don't believe the Bible I do not want to have fellowship with you." It was a pointless discussion that would never get anywhere because in his mind, anyone who did not agree with him did not believe the Bible.

Draper was expressing this attitude in his response to Moyers. Stan Coffee, expresses this same attitude, "I cannot have fellowship with those who do not believe the bible is the inerrant word of God, ... who believe it's OK to ordain women as ministers and deacons." No issue exists over the priesthood of the believer, local church autonomy or the interpretation of Scripture, according to them. Fundamentalists believe their interpretation is exactly what the Bible teaches and do not consider their viewpoint an interpretation. They claim it is just what the Bible says. There are no such principles like the priesthood of every believer or local church autonomy.

Everyone who believes the Bible agrees and thinks alike. If they don't, then someone doesn't believe the Bible and it is certainly not the fundamentalist who knows exactly what the Bible says. If you don't believe me, ask them. They will be happy to tell you in no uncertain terms.

December 1999