Niagara Bible Conference

Definition

The Niagara Bible Conference was a series of gatherings held in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that aimed to promote fundamentalist Christian beliefs and counter liberal theology. These conferences brought together evangelical leaders and laypeople who sought to affirm traditional doctrines of Christianity, particularly in response to the rising influence of modernism and higher criticism of the Bible. The Niagara Bible Conference played a crucial role in shaping the fundamentalist movement by emphasizing biblical inerrancy and the authority of Scripture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first Niagara Bible Conference took place in 1876, attracting a diverse group of attendees from various denominations who were concerned about the direction of Christianity.
2. The conference emphasized key doctrines such as the deity of Christ, the virgin birth, and the second coming, which became central tenets for many in the fundamentalist movement.
3. Participants often engaged in discussions about the authority of Scripture and sought to address challenges posed by liberal theology and social Darwinism.
4. The Niagara Bible Conference helped lay the groundwork for subsequent fundamentalist organizations, including the creation of institutions like Wheaton College and the establishment of various missionary societies.
5. These conferences highlighted a growing divide within American Christianity between traditionalists who upheld conservative beliefs and modernists who embraced progressive interpretations.

Review Questions

• How did the Niagara Bible Conference contribute to the development of fundamentalist beliefs in contrast to liberal theology?
  • The Niagara Bible Conference provided a platform for evangelical leaders to rally around key doctrines that were increasingly challenged by liberal theology. By emphasizing biblical inerrancy and traditional Christian teachings, participants sought to establish a clear distinction between fundamentalist beliefs and modernist interpretations. This gathering not only strengthened existing convictions but also mobilized attendees to actively resist liberal influences within their churches, thereby solidifying the foundation of fundamentalism.
• In what ways did the Niagara Bible Conference influence future evangelical movements and institutions?
  • The Niagara Bible Conference had a lasting impact on future evangelical movements by fostering a strong commitment to fundamentalist principles. It inspired the formation of various organizations dedicated to upholding conservative theological perspectives. Additionally, institutions such as Wheaton College emerged as a result of this emphasis on traditional doctrine, shaping future generations of evangelical leaders who would continue to advocate for biblical authority in a changing cultural landscape.
• Evaluate the significance of the Niagara Bible Conference in understanding the broader context of religious change in America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • The Niagara Bible Conference is significant because it represents a critical moment in American religious history when traditional beliefs faced intense scrutiny from modernist thought. This gathering signified a response to broader societal changes, including advancements in science and shifting cultural values. By uniting conservative voices against these challenges, the conference not only reinforced fundamentalist convictions but also highlighted the tension between faith and modernity that would shape religious discourse for decades to come.

Related terms

Fundamentalism: A movement within Protestant Christianity that emphasizes a strict adherence to foundational biblical doctrines and opposes modernist interpretations.

Liberal Theology: A theological perspective that seeks to reconcile Christian faith with modern scientific and philosophical thought, often questioning traditional interpretations of the Bible.

Inerrancy: The belief that the Bible is without error or fault in its teachings, particularly regarding doctrinal matters.