I grew up in a “fundamentalist” atmosphere (in the Pharisee sense) and was so poisoned by it, that it’s been decades since I self-identified as a “fundamentalist”, and probably wouldn’t today even if you put a gun to my head.

While it’s true that “many who identify themselves as fundamentalists are genuine followers of Jesus”, that many is either not very vocal or in the vast minority. And the more vocal and/or majority need to be addressed.

Think of it in the shepherd/sheep model. The people (sheep) to whom Mark (shepherd) is ministering — specifically those at Mars Hill for whom he has direct responsibility — are often the kind of people that “fundamentalism” (in the Pharisee sense) targets. When a lion or a bear threatened David’s flock, he KILLED the lion or bear.

David killed to protect a dumb animal.

Mark criticizes those who are trying to drag people with them to hell. (Matthew 23:15)

Frankly, the Pharisees are getting off lightly.

The key is that God knows your heart, that you are one of the good fundamentalists, and He can distinguish that there is such a thing. Although I can’t read Mark’s heart, I would venture a guess that he knows that there is such a thing also, and isn’t critizing all fundamentalists. But if he took the time to distinguish in his teaching, his messages would be even longer.

On a related note, something that irks me many Sundays is Pastor Mark’s bashing of “fundamentalists,” who he pretty much describes as Pharisees. But of course, many who identify themselves as fundamentalists are genuine followers of Jesus, and Pastor Mark is just changing the definition of “fundamentalist” and thereby isolating fellow brothers in Christ.

Why Mark, why?! Ugh. Let’s stop beating each other down.