I’ve been following the Emergent Movement and “discussion” for years. A number of the pioneers in the movement are people I call friends. I have spoken many times at the National Pastor’s Conference and have had a chance to sit in on numerous presentations about the emerging church…by Emergent leaders.
One thing that has struck me on a number of occasions is that the “discussion” usually involves the same people saying the same things and, for the most part, agreeing with each other. There have not been many dissenting voices invited into the conversation.
In recent years, this is changing.
More and more people who have concerns with some of the direction, hermeneutics, and conclusions of the Emergent Movement are adding their voices. I had a chance to read a new book, WHY WE’RE NOT EMERGENT (by two guys who should be). It is written by Kevin DeYoung (a bright thinker and local church pastor) and Ted DeYoung (a committed Christian and sports writer). These two authors tag-team the book with a delightful mix of insightful theology, biblical reflection, sharp humor, and keen sociological insight.
I strongly recommend this book to:
- Leaders in the Emergent Movement (read it humbly and with open hearts and ears),
- People who are participants in, or are feeling drawn to the Emergent Movement (let this book be a counter-balance to some of the excesses you might discover along the way),
- Pastors and leaders who want to know what beliefs guide this movement and where the Emergent leaders might be heading.
I appreciated the book for a number of reasons:
- It is honest, but not mean-spirited.
- It is theologically deep, and also humorous.
- It brings a fresh and dissenting voice to a “conversation” that has been dominated by the same few people who spend a bit too much time praising and affirming each other.
- It identifies people as part of the Emergent Movement not because they wear the label, but because they have adopted the Emergent approach to scripture, theology and church. This means there are people and ministries addressed in the book who might even say, “We’re not Emergent” or “we would not use that label” but their methodology and ministry bear many of the marks of the Emergent church.
- It is written by two guys who have done their homework, thought deeply, and communicate well. Each has a very distinct voice and I enjoyed what both of them brought to the discussion.
I have a couple of cautions about the book:
- The authors use a bit of a kitchen sink approach, at times, and lump together people who are part of the movement but might not agree on everything. In particular, a person like Dan Kimball embraces and employs many of the stylistic aspects of the Emergent Movement, but his theology lines up with historical orthodoxy. Others in the movement are quick to question, or dismiss, core elements of the historical Christian faith. To treat all those who embrace a similar style of worship as if they all hold to the same theology is not fair. I felt this happened a few times in the book.
- The authors also portray people in the Emergent Movement in broad strokes that can create a caricature rather than a real look at real people. This is also done often in many of the Emergent books I have read. When we name people in a book, or talk about groups of people, it seems best to be very cautious that we represent them with great care. A few times I felt the authors got a little sloppy here.
For years I have heard and read the Emergent leaders talk about the “discussion.” I think these new voices in the “conversation” are needed and helpful. Let’s keep talking!
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