It’s amazing how few churches and “Bible Belt” fundamentalists truly are conservative. Of course the term “conservative” is a comparative term, so please allow me to define it.
When I say fundamentalist conservative, I mean what some might consider “old fashioned” but not quite. There are several key aspects to conservative fundamentalism.
I mean someone who holds to a high view of scripture–meaning they believe in not only inspiration but preservation. Many would say they take this view, but limit it to the original manuscripts. This is double talk. We know none of the originals still exist; therefore the preserved copies allegedly no longer exist and all existing copies and bible translations are by de facto unpreserved. This view is descended from apostate liberals such as the English clergymen Wescott and Hort and has been propagated sadly by many fundamentalists and religious institutions.
The propaganda is so vast yet so wrong and frankly ludicrous. It is a direct attack on the authority of scripture, the person of Christ and I believe Satan’s greatest assault on the church from within. This war of truth is rampant, overwhelming and waged by religious elites who use dishonest and deceitful tactics. It highly resembles political mudslinging. (for more on this topic, see David Sorenson’s “Touch Not The Unclean Thing.”)
Another characteristic of a fundamentalist conservative is they take the proverbial high ground towards religious worship. The Scriptures are clear and emphatic that God is to be worshipped in a reverent way that places the focus on Him and not us; it does not resemble the style and methods of the world, but is sacred and reserved for God.
Of all the issues in this discussion, this is the most heated and most sensitive among younger believers. Music is important in worship, but is nowhere near the importance of preaching; but those on the fundamentalist left love to bring music up to the level of preaching or even above it.
As if that flawed idea wasn’t enough, the music of choice is decreasingly that of hymns, but CCM and the emerging power house of Sovereign Grace Music (SGM). Besides their obvious imitation of worldly styles and blasphemous “worship,” I have real difficulty understanding how a fundamentalist could advocate using music of a new evangelical – charismatic organization which attempts to use worldly styles to market their product. It’s absolutely impossible for me to reconcile such a dichotomy. Simply ignoring the issue of SGM is not enough; there is an increasing number of churches and organizations that refuse to name SGM and stand against it. This is weakness and perceived as consent.
The younger generation cries out for that style. And sadly, some of the older generation are all too ready and willing to give it to them. No wonder students come out running to SGM and CCM. The Old Testament shows time and time again where the younger, foolish generation demands the old generation to give in to their whims and fancies toward worldliness. The older generation needs to step up and do the hard, but right thing and hold firm to the ancient landmarks. As a young man, I plead that they would choose the latter over giving in to foolish young people, who historically have been attracted to the world. Wisdom must prevail over whims; principle must trump preference.
Music is a sensitive issue that permeates deep into our person–and is therefore a natural weak spot. Music is often. Trojan horse by which liberalism can sneak in so deeply it is almost impossible to root out.
I have said this in the past and will again reaffirm that once people give in to the modern bible version lie, music is next.
The final issue could also be considered the underlying issue of conservative fundamentalism: separation. If fundamentalists get this one right, it is very likely they will get the rest right. If we understand that biblical separation is mandated and is clearly explained, we would not have to with Wescott, Hort or SGM.
The number one complaint, or as I call it–cop out–is this: “we need to have more love and less focus on externals.” This is such a lame attempt towards liberalism. We know God looks on the heart, but He also commands external obedience and separation.
The funny thing, at least to me, is the people crying loudest are ones who should just admit they are liberals and new evangelicals. Why pretend to be a fundamentalist? Just save yourself the grief and leave the camp. Quit playing games and pick your side. People like that will jump all over me for saying this, but at least I am openly a fundamentalist conservative. Don’t play the liberal game of pretending and being a chameleon.
In closing, we need to do three things:
1. Acknowledge the battle exists and is here to stay.
2. Understand the liberals vastly outnumber the conservatives and will use every lame excuse and tactic imaginable and that we are fighting those who truly don’t believe our current bible is inerrant and preserved. (Why should we be surprised at anything they believe and push?)
3. Boldly draw the line between liberal and conservative and stand. Call liberals out for who they are and quit the chameleon games. The first thing they will say is “we are being divisive and causing division in the church.”
I end with this: such a charge is a lie and ludicrous. Such was the charge Ahab made to Elijah. Ahab accused Elijah of troubling Israel. Elijah pointed out correctly and without playing the word game that Ahab was the one trolling Israel because he had departed from the Word of God, His commandments and led the people in a way of worship that replaced God and offended Him.
So there it is. We as fundamental conservatives must stop apologizing for being conservative and stop tiptoeing around liberal fundamentalists and call them out on what they are and what they are pushing.
“He is risen; He is not here.” 
