a generous orthodoxy, ii…
well, i guess i should write some more about this book before i forget it all. honestly i really like the book overall. i can see why people have trouble with the guy, but honestly i don’t sense that he’s trying to decieve me as i read it. i know i’m generally naive and can barely even spell that word, but it’s honestly what i’m sensing.
i’ve been reading a fair amout about the whole Emergent Church Movement (ECM, hereforth) both internal stuff, critiques, defenses, etc. it’s been really fascinating. who is critical, who comes to the defense, how the dialogue takes place.
part of the issue seems to me, that there is no - theology of the ECM proper. they are a collection of people that share a vision or a dream of a missional church really living out the gospel to the world in a way that has an effect. i sense much frustration with what the church in america has been/become over the past 50 years and a desire to really try to do what Jesus talks about and lived out in the gospels. can that be so bad? are they on a slippery slope? what do we hold so dear? what are they selling out on? are they leading people to Christ? could god use them?
i really would love some input from some other folks here. what is the battle that’s being fought? what are we fighting for/against?
are we fighting against statements that are troubling as they stand alone, or out of context? or are we genuinely fighting the ideas that McLaren or the ECM (whoever they are) really believe.
just a few thoughts.
if you’re looking for some intersting reading here are some quick links for ya’s:
D.A. Carson Assessment of the ECM
Response to DA Carson’s Critique of ECM (not a direct response to the above article)
Belief Statement of Brian McLaren’s Church, Cedar Ridge Community Church (annything too crazy here???)
Brian McLaren Q&A Stuff off the New Kind of Christian Website