The history of the Independent Fundamental Baptist Church in South Africa

Abstract

Origins: This thesis explains the doctrinal distinctives that have had an important part in developing the Independent and Fundamental aspects of a segment of the greater worldwide Baptist fdmlly. The role of these distinctives in motivating the historical development of these churches in Southern Africa is also considered. Fundamentalism: The Independent Fundamental Baptist Church movement in Southern Africa is a unique and highly issue oriented part of Christianity. The issues that motivated the American and British branch of Fundamentalism receive attention and then the issues driving Christian fundamentalism in Southern Africa are also discussed. Leadership: The Independent Fundamental Baptist and Bible churches' doctrinal distinctives and their focused missionary motivation explain more than theological perspectives. Distinctives and missionary focus clarify the character of its leadership and the impetus for this movement's advancement in Southern African. Of course, understanding the overseas sponsors and organisations also adds parts to the puzzle. Though it is quite a young movement, the current and potential influence of the Independent Fundamentalist movement on South African society receives attention. Methodology: The missionary church-planting approach of the Independent Fundamental Baptists serves as a key to understanding and appreciating this loose grouping of churches. By providing a chronicle of an un-chronicled segment of the Christian community in South Africa an important contribution is being made. The profile of a cross-section of its leaders, and of some of the oongregations, allows their methodology to be better understood. By providing an analysis of the goals, expansion and emerging theological perspectives behind the Independent Fundamentalist's missionary efforts, this thesis contributes to the historical record of Southern African Christianity. By clarifying the variations within their doctrinal and missiological thought, one is no longer tempted to place all "independents" into a single grouping. i.e., "the Independent Fundamental Baptist church," something impossible to do. The word "independent" will have its simplest dictionary meaning returned to the minds of those who refer to this religious group. Though they are an extremely small group, this thesis establishes reasons for recognising the Independent Fundamental Baptists within the ranks of those called Baptists in Southern Africa