Fundamentalism and Narrative Approaches To the Gospels

Abstract

Although Protestant fundamentalists reject historical-critical methods of studying the Gospels, they are not as strong in their opposition to narrative approaches. Both fundamentalists and narrative critics prefer synchronic, inductive approaches to biblical texts. Both are concerned to give the general reader access to the Bible. They agree on the inadequacy of historical criticism. On the other hand, the assumptions underlying narrative criticism make it unacceptable to fundamentalists. The doctrine of inerrancy puts fundamentalism at odds with narrative criticism. Also, unlike fundamentalists, narrative criticism does not so much oppose historical criticism as it moves beyond it. While narrative critics believe that each text is open to multiple interpretations, fundamentalists insist that each text have only one meaning. It is clear, then, that narrative criticism is at odds with the basic tenets of Protestant fundamentalism.