Beginning early in the Twentieth Century, Christianity began to take on a more ecumenical flavor, under influences from criticisms of the authenticity of Biblical Texts to a shift towards a social gospel. Presbyterians and Baptists began discussion of the importance of essential “fundamental doctrines” of the Christian Faith – without which, Christianity would cease to be truly Christian.
As a result of this growing conflict and due to some controversy arising from ecumenism voiced by Billy Graham, a group of Baptists split away from the Southern Baptists and other similar state level Baptist groups. By the mid 1950s, men like Bob Jones, John R. Rice, and Lester Roloff were busy about developing their network of ministers, and they conceived of the Doctrine of Separation.
The term "holiness" means "set apart," justifying the concept of Separation as it is understood in the IFB. Churches, pastors, and individuals many not fraternize with those who follow allegedly sub-standard doctrines or practices. This means to prevent tainting from a fallen and evil world.
Though each church is considered independent, the churches maintain a tight network that functions like an authoritarian denomination according to their hidden curriculum which members understand well. Per formal, written policy, none of their churches/pastors answer to overseers. However, rejection of their belief systems and practices results in shunning (and some allege harassment) from the network.
Please refer to the Blanket Training/Corporal Punishment tab to "Child Training" (the King James Bible term for child discipline). This attitude also fostered the development of the IFB's version of the Troubled Teen Home industry.
Misogyny
- Please note Jack Schaap sermon videos at the bottom of this webpage
- Bobbed Hair, Bossy Wives and Women Preachers, John R. Rice (1st ed.1941 book)
- Me, Obey Him? Elizabeth Rice Handford (1st ed, 1972 book)
- Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood John Piper and Wayne Grudem (1st ed, 1991)
Critical Discussion of IFB Doctrine:
- Independent Fundamental Baptist Deception site
- Exposing the the IFB Denomination, Sheldon Cooper
- Fundamentally Toxic Christianity, John Shore at Patheos
- Exposing the IFB and issues at Bob Jones University, Sheldon Cooper
- Freedom of Mind discussion
Notable Independent Fundamental Baptists:
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| Cindy Foster's Odessey Out |
- Bill Gothard
- Michael Pearl
- Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar
- Jack Schaap (an IFB megachurch pastor who is serving prison sentence for sex abuse of a sixteen year old he transported across State lines)
LANGUAGE ALERT:
