Independent Fundamental Baptist

I frequently get messages from people complaining that I’m generalizing too much and that not all IFB churches deserve the same retributions from this site. As a result I decided to put together a list of common attributes of the Independent Fundamental Baptist belief system. These can be found in all IFB churches to one degree or another and they are all used in abusive ways by the IFB.

• Independent – do not associate with any religious conventions – very little accountability
• Separation – teach be separate from the world and any appearance of worldliness
• Fundamental – strict focus on only the fundamentals of the faith (salvation and evangelism) almost to the exclusion of all else.
• Strict and inflexible literal interpretation of the Bible
• Rejection of emotional responses to music and sermons
• Baptism – teach that a Believer is living in disobedience until baptized by immersion
• Membership in the “local church”
• Tithing
• Exclusive use of the King James Version of the Bible. All other Bible versions are considered “perversions”, wrong and sinful to use. Some IFB churches will only use the Authorized 1611 King James Version.
• Strict music standards. The refusal to listen to, or participate in the performance of music that is not approved by the IFB. This is a complex issue but usually music is restricted to Hymns and productions from IFB type music ministers such as Ron Hamilton, Frank Garlock, Bill Gothard, etc. The mantra is “If it sounds ungodly it is ungodly.”
• Clapping – After a musical performance by an individual or choir, the IFB teaches that it is not right to clap since clapping brings glory to the performer rather than to God.
• Authoritarian leadership style
• Patriarchal society – Advocate traditional patriarchal lifestyle and excludes other alternative lifestyles
• Women are to be quiet, submissive and obedient to men. Women are not allowed to preach and are only allowed to teach if it is only to other women or girls. Women are not allowed to hold positions of authority in the church.
• Strict education standards – usually home school or attend an IFB school
• Corporal punishment for the discipline of children – “Break the will”, “Spare the rod and spoil the child”, etc.
• Strict standards regarding dress and clothing style
• Striving for purity and holiness through human effort – perfectionism/legalistic righteousness.
• Strict standards for living. Not allowed to (or at least strongly discouraged) participate in “worldly” activities, such as dancing, drinking, smoking, going to the movies, gambling, eating at certain restaurants, etc.
• Delayed obedience is disobedience. If you fail to obey authority immediately then you are still disobeying since it is delayed obedience.
• Paranoia about modern science, health care and psychology
• Unacceptability of missing church if not sick. Strong encouragement to attend church every time the doors are open

This list is by no means all inclusive and I will be updating this list as more come to my mind and attention.