The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism

This pivotal work examines American fundamentalism's withdrawal from social and cultural engagement, arguing that this retreat represents a theological failure with profound consequences for Christianity's public witness. Henry diagnoses fundamentalism as having developed an "uneasy conscience" - caught between its legitimate defense of orthodox doctrine and its problematic abandonment of social responsibility.

Henry traces how fundamentalism, in reaction to theological liberalism's reduction of Christianity to social ethics, overcorrected by retreating into separatism and focusing exclusively on personal salvation and doctrinal purity. This withdrawal, he contends, surrendered the cultural sphere to secular and liberal religious forces, effectively ceding Christianity's prophetic voice in addressing pressing social issues. The work critiques fundamentalism's tendency toward anti-intellectualism, its suspicion of higher education, and its failure to develop a comprehensive worldview capable of engaging contemporary culture.

The monograph argues that authentic Christianity must integrate personal redemption with social transformation. Henry maintains that the Gospel inherently addresses both individual sin and structural injustice, making social engagement not an optional addition to evangelism but an essential expression of Christian faith. He calls for a recovery of Christianity's historic concern for education, politics, economics, and culture - areas fundamentalism had largely abandoned to focus on evangelism and personal morality.

Methodologically, Henry employs theological critique combined with sociological analysis of fundamentalism's institutional patterns. He examines specific examples of fundamentalist isolationism while drawing on biblical texts and church history to demonstrate Christianity's traditional engagement with society. His approach balances appreciation for fundamentalism's doctrinal fidelity with sharp criticism of its cultural abdication.

The work's significance extends beyond its immediate context. It helped catalyze the emergence of neo-evangelicalism, a movement seeking to maintain orthodox theology while embracing intellectual rigor and social responsibility. Henry's critique influenced a generation of evangelical leaders to pursue cultural engagement, academic excellence, and social justice as integral to Christian witness. The monograph established a framework for understanding how theological convictions shape social ethics and cultural participation.

This analysis remains relevant for contemporary discussions about religion's public role, the relationship between orthodoxy and orthopraxy, and Christianity's response to social issues. Henry's work demonstrates how internal theological debates within religious communities profoundly influence their understanding of divine purposes for human society and their consequent engagement with cultural and political spheres.