So, About This Emergent Thing
November 14th, 2007 | by Scott |
I really am serious. To a great degree I am with them. I find a lot of the language and unwillingness to call things what they truly are somewhat hilarious (ie. conversation instead of movement, gathering instead of worship service, etc.) but I have to admit I believe a lot of the same things that is coming out of this particular, ahem, conversation.
I didn’t want that to get lost in my humor of the last couple of days. It feels good to laugh again and that’s what I find myself wanting to do more and more.
I poke fun at McLaren a lot but I must admit that he has done great work to bring some necessary discussion down to the level of the average reader. Maybe that’s part of the reason why I have poked fun: I want to be equated with a Moltmann or Pannenberg reader rather than admitting to liking such easy reading.
So, essentially, I am a fraud. I like people to think I am smarter than I really am.
But with that aside I must admit that there is much that appeals to me. That doesn’t include everything but there are many streams to the emergent talk. And what appeals to me is this:
Emerging churches are communities that practice the way of Jesus within postmodern cultures. This definition encompasses nine practices. Emerging churches (1) identify with the life of Jesus, (2) transform the secular realm, and (3) live highly communal lives. Because of these three activities, they (4) welcome the stranger, (5) serve with generosity, (6) participate as producers, (7) create as created beings, (8) lead as a body, and (9) take part in spiritual activities.
Eddie Gibbs and Ryan Bolger, Emerging Churches: Creating Christian Community in Postmodern Cultures
I agree completely with each of those things. And guys like McLaren are doing tremendous work to discuss what that means for us.
Where I deviate is the tendency that exists in some streams of Emergent thought is the focus on the aesthetics over and above theology. If to be considered Emergent means that then I don’t want any part of it.
Where I also struggle is with the either/or that permeates much of the Emergent language. And language is paramount in much of the conversation (often to a fault. Sometimes, it’s still just a duck.) I don’t believe that all that is seeker-sensitive is bad. I don’t believe that all that is missional is good. And if to be emergent is to embrace an us/them divide between those who have embraced post-modernity and those who are hopelessly living in antiquity then I’m out.
However, if to be Emergent means that you wrestle with important theological topics such as God’s love, the nature of Scripture, how to impact culture with the true message of Christ, and transforming society with social justice then I am in.
If to be Emergent means that you have grown tired of legalistic orthodoxy and seek to be more inclusive and loving of others despite our differences then I am proud to be Emergent.
If to be Emergent means that all things must go through the filter and lens of Jesus Christ then count me in. If it means to be more aware of the culture in which we live then I’m in.
And, hey, if I am truly emergent that means I get to buy a new backpack 
10 Responses to “So, About This Emergent Thing”
By justin on Nov 14, 2007 | Reply
and a mac. do you have one yet? cause if not… you should.
/consumeristic temptation
By Jason Bybee on Nov 14, 2007 | Reply
Great thoughts, Scott. I’ve spent as much time in reflection as you have re: the Emergent movement, but your articulation is helpful. It helps me acknowledge the tension I feel with this entire discussion.
I think McLaren would acknowledge that most of what he does is a “dumbing down” of Brueggemann. Nonetheless, I’m thankful for what he’s doing, as you are.
By Jason Bybee on Nov 14, 2007 | Reply
Great thoughts, Scott. I’ve not spent as much time in reflection as you have re: the Emergent movement, but your articulation is helpful. It helps me acknowledge the tension I feel with this entire discussion.
I think McLaren would acknowledge that most of what he does is a “dumbing down” of Brueggemann. Nonetheless, I’m thankful for what he’s doing, as you are.
By Jason Bybee on Nov 14, 2007 | Reply
Sorry for the posting flub. I meant to say “I’ve not spent as much time in reflection…”, but I noticed the typo as soon as I hit the submit button. Feel free to delete the first comment.
By Jason Bybee on Nov 14, 2007 | Reply
I’m actually just trying to get my posting numbers up so I can crack the Top 10.
By Greg Brooks on Nov 14, 2007 | Reply
Wow, I just noticed that commenter ranking thing. I want to be in the top 10 too.
Scott, you get a new backpack, a mac, a soul patch and a piercing (your choice), plus you get to smoke a little and drink microbrews.
Speaking of which, NPR reported yesterday that there’s a hops shortage and the price of beer, particularly microbrews, will be rising more. The terrorists are winning, people.
By Scott on Nov 14, 2007 | Reply
Justin, I’m from the non-consumerist stream of emergence so no Mac’s for me.
Jason, I think you are exactly right. He is trying to make some lofty ideas more accessible and that’s pretty cool. Oh, and it seems you are firmly in the top 10 and even have my wife in your sights.
Greg,I’m all about the piercings. Oh and the tats. But I’m not a beer drinker. Now a nice appletini…
By greg on Nov 14, 2007 | Reply
Our church is not an EC, but our preacher did say “sucks” in a sermon a couple of weeks ago. So, I guess we have that going for us…
I’ve only read one of McLaren’s books (Secret Message…) and enjoyed it, but it was not as good as I was expecting (I think because I’d read several blogs hyping it up, I expected more.) I do have the NKOC trilogy (mooch!) but have never even started them yet.
By Scott on Nov 14, 2007 | Reply
Secret Message was pure hype to me. It’s not even worth consideration. I’ve read NKOC, Generous Orthodoxy and Adventures in Missing the Point.
By Happy on Nov 14, 2007 | Reply
Now if your truly emergent you will either recycle a backpack or use a cloth bag for your backpack, in the vein of new stuff in old backpack or is that new wine….I get so confused. Oh, which will also double for your grocery bag. You will take your own coffee cup to church instead of using a Styrofoam cup. And you will not own a garage or a shed….laying things up…. you get the point….