Book Review: “Fundamentalism” and the Word of God by J. I. Packer (Eerdmans Publishing, 1958)                                      

Reviewed by  T. C. Pinckney                                                                                                                    Vol. XIV, No. 7 August 2001

“Fundamentalism” and the Word of God is not a new book. In fact, it was first published in1958. But let me assure you it is as timely now as then. Dr. Packer first examines the charges against “fundamentalism” demonstrating their errors and misstatements. Next he defines what fundamentalism actually is, what it believes, and why.

“We shall argue that subjection to the authority of Christ involves to the authority of Scripture. Anything short of the unconditional submission to Scripture, therefore, is a kind of impenitence; any view that subjects the written Word of God to the opinions and pronouncements of men involves unbelief and disloyalty towards Christ. Types of Christianity which regard as authoritative either tradition (as Romanism does) or reason (as liberalism does) are perversions of the faith, for they locate the seat of authority, not in the Word of God, but in the words of men. Evangelicalism, however, seeking as it does to acknowledge in all things the supremacy of Scripture, is the principle Christianity at its purest and truest.” (p. 21)

In brief and pungent chapters Packer addresses authority, Scripture, faith, reason, and liberalism. The book is short, only 177 pages, but it is packed with clear reasoning, devoted to biblical authority, and clear in its refutation of the fallacious liberal stance. It may be purchased online from Eerdmans for only $10, plus (I assume) a shipping charge. Go to www.eerdmans.com.

Anyone who reads this book will be much better prepared to understand events in the Southern Baptist Convention today.