Why do fundamentalists never learn how to swim?

The recent release of the study by Willow Creek poses this important question about theological depth and Christian discipleship. Here is my summary of the report's findings: when you take their floaties off and stick them in real water, the "deeds not creeds" crowd that has been raised in Neo-evangelicalism can barely doggie paddle.

Why?

Fundamentalism is the creedal kiddie pool in the water park of Christianity. Sure it looks safe. No one gets in over their head. No one is scared to just jump in and relax. If you don't want to get your hair wet, this is the place to be. If anything, it sure beats sitting on the hot pavement all day. But there is a problem with the kiddie pool; no one can swim in it. After an hour of sitting in a few inches of lukewarm water you start to ask yourself, "What's the point?"

Most toddlers love the kiddie pool, but wise parents quickly pluck them out of there and take them into the deeper water. That is where real swimming happens. The deep end is where the party is at. It seems dangerous and difficult to a nonswimmer. Some people have trouble touching the bottom. It can look scary if you have never tried it before. There is work involved.

These days, we have too many adults crowding the kiddie pool and the grown-up pool is looking really empty by comparison.

Come on in, the water's great! (Floaties optional)