Finding Fundamentalism’s Finer Points   A Review of The Smell of Sawdust by Richard J. Mouw (©2000, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI, ISBN: 0-310-23196-5)

 

Richard Mouw takes us on a nostalgic journey into his fundamentalist past to find out what is right with the Old Time Religion. This book is an affectionate reminiscence on the strengths of the fundamentalist movement. Rather than pointing out all the excesses, faults and failings of the movement, Mouw emphasizes what is right and good. He lacks the bitter regret of Phil Yancey in Soul Survivor and delivers far more palatable fare.

 

This book affirms what a lot of us believe – that there is a great deal of value in fundamentalism. In spite of the siren song of those seeking to be a New Kind of Christian there is much to be said about the worthwhile endeavors of our fundamentalist forebears. Mouw describes the heritage as embracing a natural spirituality that led us to be mindful of the fundamentals of the faith. He found blessings in dispensationalism, the preaching of the blood and the emphasis on scripture memorization. 

 

For the fundamentalist looking for reassurance or the Emerging Church member looking to see if the baby has been tossed with the bathwater, The Smell of Sawdust is a must read. In a climate where fundy-bashing is a national pastime, this book serves as a necessary corrective to emotional excess. There are a great many of us who look back on our fundamentalist past with more than a little bitterness. Mouw performs the much-needed service of adding that teaspoon full of honey to the discursive discourse. If you are feeling just a bit guilty for trashing your past, a quick read through these pages will help you find a way to atone for your misdeeds. Whether you are currently a fundamentalist, a recovering fundamentalist or an ex-fundie, you will find much to make you smile in The Smell of Sawdust.

 

   by Rick Presley