In a rather conciliatory move, Southern Baptist Convention President Frank Page invited both Jim Richards, executive director of the newer and smaller Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, and Charles Wade, executive director of the longstanding Baptist General Convention of Texas, to bring greetings at this year’s SBC annual meeting. Richards spoke as the convention opened on Tuesday morning, and Wade gave his welcome on Wednesday morning.

Following the June gathering of SBC messengers in San Antonio, the local newspaper did a follow-up story noting the two competing Baptist state conventions there. Beyond any squabbles among Texas Baptists that might impact or interest just those in the Lone Star state, there was a comment from Richards — who was also elected first vice president of the SBC — that demonstrates the true nature of fundamentalism that many of us find so objectionable.

Regarding the issue of cooperation, Richards told the San Antonio Express-News: “The SBTC stands ready to dialogue with any group willing to affirm our faith statement.”

For those who don’t fully grasp the fundamentalism mindset — much less understand its arrogant and destructive impact on Baptist life, the Christian church and the larger world — this is exhibit one.

Richards’ statement explains it all. Such affirmations must make perfect sense to narrow minds.

One, we alone have found the truth — fully and doubt-free.

Two, we have spelled out all that truth in a nice little creed that only we can adjust when a dissenter or two comes along and needs to be tossed out.

Three, if you have any questions about or disagreement with our fine document or how we choose to defend it, then clearly you are not a person who embraces biblical truth. (We will gladly use other names to discredit you if you persist.)

Four, therefore we will only work with — heck, we will only talk with — those who fully embrace our version of truth. Got it?

Fundamentalism has no room for diverse opinions. In fact, there are only two possible ways of interpreting biblical revelation. Mine — which is always right — or any other — which is always wrong.

Some within Southern Baptist life say they are loosening the stranglehold of fundamentalism on the convention. Yet they elect leadership that makes that kind of proclamation. It was no slip of the tongue, but rather consistent with the kind of exclusion that permeates the Richards’ group in Texas and much of the larger SBC.

By its very nature of suspicion and fear, fundamentalism will always lead to no other destination than isolation. To stay alive, it must be continually fueled by a sense of self-righteousness that pushes aside any person and any thought that might suggest another valid viewpoint.

That is why even some faithful Southern Baptists — willing to affirm the narrow tenets of their revised doctrinal statement — still have to elbow their way to the SBC table. That is why the questioning of key leadership or convention methodology can get a solid conservative tagged as a liberal.

That is why Southern Baptist representatives were not a part of a gathering of worldwide Baptists in Ghana this summer. It is why SBC leaders would rather cast aspersions on organizers of an unprecedented gathering of North American Baptists — across racial, theological and cultural lines — than share in the experience set for early next year.

No, like Richards said, they would rather limit their conversations and cooperation to those who see eye-to-eye on every issue. Otherwise, they could be tainted or have their fragile faith put at risk.

It is a sad perspective, but one many of us have witnessed repeatedly in recent decades. In the words of a classic folk song, “When will they ever learn; when will they ever learn?”

Limiting dialogue to only those in full agreement does nothing more than reinforce one’s prejudices, solidify blind spots and create absolutely no room for growth. But, then, if you already know it all, what’s the big deal?