This classic four-volume set, edited by R. A. Torrey, is a defense of historic Christianity that helped define conservative Protestant Christianity throughout the last century. 90 articles by leading Christian scholars outline classic doctrines contra the rising liberalism and skepticism of their day. Authors include: B. B. Warfield, C. I. Scofield, G. Campbell Morgan, Bishop Ryle, H. C. G. Moule, James Orr, and others.

VOLUME I

Fundamentalism has been defined in many ways by many different people. Today it is almost a swear word, spat out when referring to radical islamists and narrow-minded Christians.

The name "fundamentalism" has it's roots, however, in this collection of essays called "The Fundamentals". Theologian R.A. Torrey, with the help of a couple wealthy Christian businessmen, commissioned the work in 1909 to stem the tide of modernism and liberal theology that was slowly taking over the mainstream denominations. Originally a four-volume set containing articles and essays by noted Christian thinkers of the day, this particular release is in two volumes.

This first volume contains several articles combating "higher criticism" and defending a literal, grammatical, historical interpretation of the scriptures. There are also articles dealing with the existence of God, the deity of Christ, and the person and work of the Holy Spirit.

For me one of the best articles was "Life in the Word" by Philip Mauro--an exposition of what Scripture means when it claims to be "living".

I was interested to note in the early chapters a somewhat tepid defense of Creationism, including a couple allowances for "theistic evolution". In subsequent articles, however, a literal six-day creation is defended. ( )

Anyone wanting to understand the roots of Christian fundamentalism must read these volumes. These are the articles responsible for the creation of the movement; they are the intellectual thrust behind it.

Despite being written by men from a wide variety of Christian traditions, a common theme of plenary verbal inspiration runs through the work. The editor advocates a literal interpretation of Scripture and a return to the Bible's "fundamentals." Though not all of the philosophies and positions of these writers are still accepted by modern fundamentalists (like Theistic evolution,) it still shows where they're coming from. ( )

Vol 1